How Benjamin Franklin Made Me A Better Christian

April 27, 2007

I've been a Franklin scholar for a decade now and more than once someone has asked me a question akin to, "What's a nice Christian professor like you doing studying a Godless womanizer like him?" Speaking as one somewhat familiar with the historical record, I find the "Godless womanizer" accusations to be a bit overstated. However, I do understand the basic concern. Just what is a nice Christian professor like me doing studying Franklin? Deepening my faith. You see, I'll be the first to say that studying Ben Franklin has made me a better Christian.
Ben Franklin made me think deeply about my own spiritual formation. Baylor alumnus Dallas Willard refers to some Christian teachings as "Gospels of Sin Management" that manage behaviors but leave the spiritual core untouched. Franklin's own attempt to achieve moral perfection (see his autobiography for details) falls neatly into this category. Behavior management can yield results but spiritual formation can yield redemption. Like Franklin, I was only washing the outside of the cup.
Ben Franklin helped me see the importance of having a clearly articulated theology. Contrary to popular perception, Franklin had well defined theological views. He could explain where he stood on matters such as whether God exists, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the role of belief and obedience, the presence of good and evil and other matters. I don't agree with Franklin on many theological matters but he did motivate me to become more theologically informed and be able to make theological sense of the world around me - an important leadership skill, by the way.
Ben Franklin helped me see the importance of making an impact on his local community. I stand in awe of Franklin's community legacy. Franklin contributed much to the founding of the United States and gave the world several great inventions including bifocals. However, few people benefited more from Franklin's life than his fellow citizens in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, Franklin helped start a hospital, a university, a fire company and a library, and helped raise funds for numerous other institutions including churches. After reviewing Franklin's life, I had to ask myself some hard questions about what my community legacy will be.
Finally, Ben Franklin helped me understand just what makes a person Christian as opposed to being just a good person. I've learned that many people view Ben Franklin as something of a "secular saint" and this is not without merit. He lived his life well. He left his community a better place. He left a legacy for people to follow and imitate. He regularly and clearly articulated the reasons for his actions - public and private. In some forums when I'm asked to speak on the intersection of faith and business I raise the question, "So what does it mean to be a Christian businessperson?"
People earnestly respond with answers like "It means you're honest," "Hard working," "A person of integrity," "You give back to your community." If I'm in a feisty mood I respond, "Well, Benjamin Franklin did as much and he explicitly denied the divinity of Jesus. What else do you have?" That's where I find the conversation takes a serious Christian turn.
As a scholar of history, I have the benefit of looking deeply into the lives of some of the greatest entrepreneurs and businesspeople in American history. I'm glad I made the decision to study Benjamin Franklin. However, I'm even more glad that I made the decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ.


McCormick, BA '88, Abilene Christian, MS '89 and PhD '96, Texas A&M, is associate dean for undergraduate programs at the Hankamer School of Business and author of Ben Franklin: America's Original Entrepreneur.