Friday, October 9, 2015

In Vino Deus

I guess this sorta fits under "Religion and the Founding,"  and so what if it doesn't. Ben Franklin:
“We hear of the conversion of water into wine at the marriage in Cana as of a miracle. But this conversion is, through the goodness of God, made every day before our eyes. Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy. The miracle in question was only performed to hasten the operation, under circumstances of present necessity, which required it.”

2 comments:

Jonathan Rowe said...

That's one of Dr. Frazer's "rational miracles" he describes in his thesis, heh heh.

Tom Van Dyke said...

I don't like reading too much into these passing references, but it's indisputable that the "deist" Franklin is assenting to Christ performing this miracle.

The miracle in question was only performed to hasten the operation, under circumstances of present necessity, which required it.

I don't recall Jefferson ever saying anything like this, even in passing.