What religions are represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

Question

What religions are represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

From what I understand, Tomas Jefferson was the primary author of the United States Declaration of Independence.  It is a fact that Jefferson has been accused of being an atheist.  Here are some direct quotes from Jefferson regarding his religious beliefs, “Say nothing of my religion. It is known to my god and myself alone”.  Another is, “Am of a sect by myself, as far as I know”.  It is a common misconception that our founding fathers were all Christians.  Here’s a website with the EXACT information you are looking for.

http://www.adherents.com/gov/Founding_Fa...

Edit for Jersey Guy:  I'm well aware of what an atheist is.  Notice the wording I used... I said he has been accused of being an atheist.  That is a fact.  I never said he actually was.  Of course atheism has always been frowned upon, so he could have said those things to avoid confrontation over his beliefs.  Only President Jefferson truly knows.

Answer 2

The religious affiliations of the signers of the Declaration of Independence is not the same as religions represented.  They believed in separation of church and state (neither could control the other).  However, of the 204 Founding Fathers, 56 of whom signed the Declaration of Independence:

Religious Affiliation of U.S. Founding Fathers,  # of Founding

Fathers, and  % of Founding Fathers (in that order):

Episcopalian/Anglican                           88           54.7%

Presbyterian                                            30           18.6%

Congregationalist                                   27            16.8%

Quaker                                                       7               4.3%

Dutch Reformed/German Reformed      6               3.7%

Lutheran                                                     5               3.1%

Catholic                                                      3               1.9%

Huguenot                                                    3               1.9%

Unitarian                                                     3               1.9%

Methodist                                                   2                1.2%

Calvinist                                                     1                 0.6%

TOTAL 204

Present day Unitarians may or may not be Christians, depending upon their sect.

Answer 3

As far as I know, all of them were Christians.  I don't think there are any official documents or incontrovertible history sources that say for sure.  However, from the writings and speeches recorded by some of these men that I have read, it suggests that they were Christians.

Answer 4

NONE! Separation of church and state was a cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Answer 5

They were Christians