<p>Delegates to the Constitutional Convention were a mixed group including many lawyers, merchants, successful farmers, and regional leaders. Most were highly educated for their time and elites when compared to the population as a whole. They were much more influenced by the Enlightenment than the Christian Bible, and in fact distanced themselves from religious agitators. As we all know freedom from religious tyranny is expressed in the First Amendment. John Hancock’s father was a minister, but the son was a lawyer and rich merchant in addition to serving as governor of Massachusetts and one of the presidents of the second Continental Congress. A few like Abraham Baldwin, from Georgia, were ministers at some point in their careers, “Baldwin graduated from Yale College in 1772. Soon afterward he became a minister and a tutor at his alma mater. In 1779 he served as a chaplain in the Continental army. After the war he gave up both the ministry and academic life to take up a career in law.” </p>
<p>The National Constitution Center provides delegate biographies from Carol Berkin’s great book “A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution.”</p>
<p>[Delegates</a> to the Constitutional Convention - National Constitution Center](<a href=“http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FoundingFathers/index.shtml]Delegates”>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FoundingFathers/index.shtml)</p>
<p>Dr. Berkin is frequently on the History Channel and last year when she addressed a group that I was part of she remarked on the lack of religious passion among our founding fathers. Think about it, have you ever seen a picture of Benjamin Franklin/George Washington/Patrick Henry/Thomas Jefferson with a Christian symbol?</p>
<p>jadler, colors in chapel are part of the ritual that enhance the spirtual experience.</p>