The American Unitarian Association and the British
Unitarian Association were both founded well after Franklin's death, so
membership in a congregation associated with either Association cannot be the
measure of whether he "belongs" or not.
Instead, as with other pre-1820s figures, we have to look
at his theology and at which congregations he attended regularly during his lifetime.
Such congregations included those led by Joseph Priestley and by Theophilus
Lindsey.
I believe in one God, creator of the Universe. That he governs it in his
providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable service
we can render to Him is doing good to his other Children. That the soul of Man
is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its
conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental Principles of all sound
Religion, and I regard them as you do in whatever Sect I meet with them.
As to Jesus of Nazareth, I think the System of Morals and his Religion, as
he left them to us, the best the World ever
saw or is likely to see; but I
apprehend that it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with
most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts as to his Divinity; tho'
it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think
it needless to busy myself with it now, when expect
soon an Opportunity of knowing the Truth with less Trouble.
I shall only add, respecting myself, that, having experienced the Goodness
of that Being in conducting me prosperously thro' a long life, I have no doubt
of its Continuance in the next, though without the smallest Conceit of
meriting such Goodness.
from
Benjamin Franklin:
Unitarian
