The "Deism" of George Washington Openly Displayed in His Prayers to Jesus Christ

It is in vogue today to say our Founding Fathers were Deists. For secularists this is nearly as titillating as it is to say that the Founding Fathers believed in the separation of Church and State, as is currently defined by secularists and liberals.

I took the opportunity, at the challenge of a commenter, to “look up” whether one of our Founding Fathers, George Washington was indeed a Diest. After all, "everyone" knows that anyone that smart had to be a Deist rather than a Christian. A cursory Google search yields quotes from our Founding Fathers which, at the very least, causes one to question the boilerplate belief that the Founding Fathers where Deists and, at most, questions what today’s secularists and liberals define as a “Deist”. Ask yourself, would a Deist say these things…

First, lets define a Deist for all those who don’t know (as defined by a Google search).

Deist:

One who admits the possibility of the existence of a God or gods, but claims to know nothing of either, and denies revelation. An agnostic of olden times.

One who believes that God exists and that He created the world, but now stands completely aloof from it.

With Deism now described, lets take a look at some quotes from George Washington, the first President of the United States, as examples:

“What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.” - George Washington in a speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779

Comment: GW told Indian Chiefs that above all American schools would learn the religion of Jesus Christ?? Was he trying to proselytize the Indians who were naturalists or some would say Deists because of their belief in a “Great Spirit”. His quote today would seem insensitive considering his audience.

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible."

Comment: Considering the Bible teaches there is a personal God one can know, this sounds like he is embracing Christianity. He is certainly EXCLUDING other religions who do not believe the Bible.

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors."

Comment: Now a man who believes that a God set the world into motion and left it to its own devices (Deism) would certainly not mention the above statement, would the Deists view of God provide benefits, protection and favors?

Lastly, my “exhaustive” research (Google says it took .47 seconds) yielded a 24 page handwritten manuscript book dated April 21-23,1752 of GW’s personal prayers. I have highlighted the important parts for those too lazy to do a .47 Google search….

George Washington's Personal Book of Prayers --

“O Most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ, my merciful and loving Father; I acknowledge and confess my guilt in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day.
I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of my sins, but so coldly and carelessly that my prayers are become my sin, and they stand in need of pardon.”

“ I have sinned against heaven and before Thee in thought, word, and deed. I have contemned Thy majesty and holy laws. I have likewise sinned by omitting what I ought to have done and committing what I ought not. I have rebelled against the light, despising Thy mercies and judgment, and broken my vows and promise. I have neglected the better things. My iniquities are multiplied and my sins are very great. I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing and desire to be vile in my own eyes as I have rendered myself vile in Thine. I humbly beseech Thee to be merciful to me in the free pardon of my sins for the sake of Thy dear Son and only Savior Jesus Christ who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me.”

"Make me to know what is acceptable in Thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith, and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life, ..."

Seems George Washington was not just a Christian but a very pious Christian. I doubt he would fit in with modern day “intellectual” secularists who grace our coffee shops, universities and communes. Now, when was the last time you heard a Diest confess his sin to God?

Thanks to the commenter for the challenge (yawn).