Book Review: Revolutionary Spirits

By Sandy Amazeen Dec 30, 2007, 21:05 GMT

Despite the motto on U.S. currency that reads, e pluribus unum -“out of many, one” evangelicals and the conservative right would have Americans believe our founding fathers were either devout Christians, direct descendents of the first pilgrims or atheists. Fortunately, Harvard educated Kowalski sheds light on the very diverse beliefs held by such notables as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison while gently reminding readers that those Mayflower pilgrims were actually the minority. Several of these great men were influenced by English philosopher John Locke who taught, “Men may choose different things and yet all choose right.” Kowalski presents fresh, candid portraits of these lionized figures that reveal them to be fiercely independent, well grounded in the scientific knowledge of their day and above all, deep thinkers who valued the importance of personal faith.

A well written look at the beliefs held by America’s founding fathers, this readable book will appeal to anyone interested in learning what drove the authors of the Constitution to value “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and the separation of church and state that fostered religious diversity.