The Faiths of Our Fathers: What America's Founders Really Believed
Employing the thoughtful and graceful narrative style we have come to expect from books by Alf Mapp, inThe Faith of Our Fathershe brings much-needed light to an issue that has confused Americans for generations. And by disclosing the varied religious beliefs of persons such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and many others, he also demonstrates how ‘the Founding Fathers’ habitual ruminations on ethics did much to make their era the greatest in human history. A book that is certain to make a significant contribution to the wisdom and understanding of those who are wise enough to read it. (Paul C. Nagel, author of John Quincy Adams and Descent from Glory)Alf Mapp’sFaiths of Our Fathersexplores the religions of eleven of the Founders. We learn for the first time of the breadth and diversity of their thoughts. Only the master historian could carry his readers over such untraveled waters and establish connections with the period in which we live today. A magnificent achievement! (Kenneth W. Thompson, Wilson Newman Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia, White Burkett Miller Center of Public Affairs)This engaging, highly readable volume reminds us of the vital role religion played in the creation of the Republic. Professor Mapp’s rich biographical portraits provide useful insights into the religious faiths that shaped the characters, values, and political contributions of the Founding Fathers.The Faiths of the Fathersis a welcome addition to the literature on the American Founding.(Daniel L. Dreisbach, American University, author of Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation between Church and State)An accessible, well-researched collection of short essays on the Founders that is as informative as it is a delight to read.The Faiths of Our Fathersis a much-needed corrective to many current misconceptions about the role of faith in the lives of the Founders. It is of high value to the student as well as the lay reader. (The Virginian-Pilot)Mapp provides a highly readable overview of the religious beliefs of the generation that declared independence and wrote the U.S. Constitution in the 1770s and 1780s . . . good writing, careful research, and great common sense. Recommended. (CHOICE)In eleven biographical essays, Professor Mapp paints rich portraits of the lives of the most famous founders and several of the not-so-famous founders. These engaging profiles explore how religion informed the values, political philosophies, and public deeds of these men. The reader gains from these portraits an intimate acquaintance with the subjects and the times in which they lived. The essays are lively and, at times, witty. This volume will be of value to specialists and nonspecialist readers with general interests in the American founding, especially in the role of religion in forming the American Republic and its institutions. (Journal of Church & State)