[In my previous article, I discussed how America’s experiment in self-government has been unique across 250 years.]
Two waves propelled the 13 colonies into the prospect of independence from England and a call to write a Declaration of Independence: the Enlightenment, the Age of Reason… and Religion, the predominantly Protestant Christian faith driven by the revival of the Great Awakening.
Each was a major force in 18th-century America and greatly influenced the worldview of the Founding Fathers.
The Enlightenment: the Age of Reason
Lloyds Coffee House, London by William Holland. Image: Wikimedia
The Age of Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural transformation in the late 17th century that reached its peak in the 18th century.
Historian, technologist, blogger, podcaster. Former Silicon Valley tech exec. Author of articles on history, tech, pop culture, & travel. https://billpetro.com
Interesting and thought provoking story. Since the founders often blended two viewpoints into one workable solution, I’ll follow their lead and blend both. There is a push today by many on the right that America is a Christian nation. How do you respond to that claim?
