Watch The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers
- 2005
- 3 hr
-
5.2 (22)
The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers is a documentary film released in 2010 that explores the religious beliefs of several influential figures in American history, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. The film is directed by Christian J. Pinto and features interviews with historians, Masonic leaders, and Christian scholars.
The central premise of the film is that the founding fathers of the United States were not all Christians, as is commonly believed, but were instead heavily influenced by a secret society known as the Freemasons. The film alleges that this secret society had its own religious beliefs, which involved a combination of deism, enlightenment philosophy, and elements of Christianity.
The documentary begins with a brief history of the Freemasons, tracing their origins back to medieval Europe and exploring their influence in the early years of the United States. The film asserts that many of the founding fathers, including Washington and Franklin, were members of the Masonic Lodge and were deeply imbued with its teachings.
The film then examines the religious beliefs of these men, arguing that they were not strictly Christian but instead held to a more eclectic and nuanced faith. The film uses historical documents such as letters and diaries to support its claims, arguing that the founding fathers did not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ but rather viewed him as a great moral teacher.
The documentary also explores the significance of Masonic symbolism and imagery in American history, arguing that it can be found in everything from the design of the U.S. dollar bill to the layout of the city of Washington, D.C. The film suggests that these symbols represented a secret language that only those initiated into the Masonic Lodge could understand.
Throughout the film, the interviewees offer various perspectives on the role of religion in American history, with some arguing that the founding fathers were Christian in the truest sense of the word, and others suggesting that they were more interested in the ideals of the Enlightenment than in traditional religious doctrine.
Overall, The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers is a thought-provoking and controversial documentary that challenges many of the assumptions that Americans hold about their country's early history. Whether viewers agree with the film's thesis or not, it is sure to spark lively conversation and debate.
The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 3 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.