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The Faiths of the Founding Fathers offers a balanced and dispassionate introduction to the debate over the religious beliefs of America's founding figures. Author David L. Holmes examines the faith of six prominent individuals—Benjamin Franklin and the first five presidents (Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe)—arguing that they were more accurately described as Deists than orthodox Christians. The book explores how these leaders were skeptical about religious dogma, prioritized reason, and respected the moral teachings of Jesus while rejecting the Bible as divine revelation. Holmes also contrasts their beliefs with those of their wives and daughters, who tended to be more orthodox, and provides insights into the religious views of recent American presidents, highlighting the evolving role of faith in U.S. politics.

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