Benjamin Franklin Connecticut Religion Summary

On December 11th, 1762, Benjamin Franklin wrote a captivating letter to Jared Ingersoll. The letter, dubbed “I Look’d Round for God’s Judgments,” attempts to trivialize a certain tenet of the Connecticut Religion, namely God’s Wrath. Although Franklin may seek a greater understanding in regard to Mr. Ingersoll’s religion, he undoubtedly employs condescension throughout the work. After laying out Mr. Franklin’s argument, I contend that he fails to completely persuade me.
Benjamin Franklin begins his argument by distinguishing between the “Connecticut Religion” and the “common religion” (57). The Connecticut religion, as described by Franklin, embraces a rigid system of laws. For example, Franklin, while travelling across Europe, thought about Ingersoll’s “excessively strict Observation of Sunday” – “that a man could hardly travel on that day among you upon his lawful Occasions, without Hazard of Punishment” (57). In other words, a hefty penalty awaits those who fail to rest on Sunday. Instead of panicking over potential condemnation from God, Franklin cheerfully recounts that many people, including himself, travelled as they pleased. Furthermore, during the afternoon, many folk gathered to attend the plays and operas, “where there was plenty of singing, fiddling, and dancing” (57). At this point, Franklin “look’d
round for God’s Judgments but saw no signs of them” (57). In fact, the city and its inhabitants remained steadfast, the cows maintained their healthiness, and the markets flourished with customers. Franklin concludes God must not be angry with the situation because all seems well.
Franklin’s argument, though seemingly convincing, does not persuade me entirely.
As a Catholic, I do not necessarily agree with a strict Sunday observance (like the Connecticut religion advocates). However, I do believe our sinful actions, particularly grave ones, offend God quite a bit. Given Franklin’s views on religion, it is not too surprising that his letter critiques the notion of a Wrathful God. At the same time, it makes a hasty generalization without accounting for the theology behind the matter. For example, even if God did not judge the people right away, who is to say that His Judgment is not reserved for End Times (as Scripture
indicates)?
In all, I disagree with Franklin’s assessment, and his patronizing style adds to my dissatisfaction. An acclaimed “Virtuoso” (57), I expected Franklin to dabble in theological issues and present intellectual backing for his claims. To his credit, “I Look’d Round for God’s Judgments” is simply a letter, not a philosophical dissertation. Nevertheless, I thought he would entertain the question and ask Mr. Ingersoll to discuss the matter further when they reunited.