"Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society."
-- George Washington, letter to Edward Newenham, October 20, 1792
I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society." Is this your evidence, RD, that Washington was a deist? Doesn't he explicitly include himself in the category of "Christians" on the logic of these statements -- after all, he does use the "we" word -- or do you suppose this is just empty rhetoric? And if you do, why? Just wondering what you think. best, bb.