In the red corner, Thomas Jefferson. In the blue corner, Benjamin Franklin. In June 1776, a single editorial change shifted the foundation of American history. Jefferson originally wrote that our rights were “sacred and undeniable,” grounding them in a divine Creator. But Franklin the “Maestro of Reason” crossed them out, opting for the famous phrase we know today: “Self-evident.” In this episode, we step into the ring with two Founding Fathers to settle the score. Was Franklin right that human rights can be proven through logic alone? Or does the harsh reality of biology and history prove that without a “sacred” foundation, the idea of equality falls apart?

Theology Made is a listener/reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Theology Made at theologymade.substack.com/subscribe