American Deists

Discover the profound influence of deism on American thought in American Deists by Kerry S. Walters. Published by the University Press of Kansas in 2021, this insightful paperback spans 404 pages, bringing together the works of six pivotal American deists: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Ethan Allen, Thomas Paine, Elihu Palmer, and Philip Frenau. Additionally, it features the writings of the French philosopher Comte de Volney, whose ideas significantly shaped the beliefs of these American thinkers.

Walters offers the most comprehensive analysis of deism and rational religion during the colonial and early American periods. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intellectual foundations of the United States and the revolutionary ideas that emerged during the late 18th century. Dive into the world of American deists and explore how their thoughts continue to resonate today.