Uncover the intriguing rise and fall of deism in colonial America, and its lasting impact on Christian sensibility, in this comprehensive analysis by Kerry Walters. Through the works of major American deists, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, readers will gain valuable insight into the historical roots, major themes, and social and political implications of this movement, shedding light on its continued relevance in the search for a rational and humanitarian-based religion. This open access edition, funded by the National Endowment for Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Humanities Open Book Program, brings together essential readings from the period, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American religious history.