The Legacy of Benjamin Franklin in the Biblical Studies Classroom in the United States

Across many secular American research universities, biblical studies is taught largely from an historical–critical perspective. This article traces this approach back to some very specific stipulations for the study of the Bible made by Benjamin Franklin when he founded the University of Pennsylvania in the 18th century. It briefly shows how these stipulations delayed the start of secular biblical studies in the United States until the mid to late 19th century, shaped the limited approaches that were deemed acceptable, and influenced generations of scholars across major universities for the next several generations. The article concludes by reflecting on the effects of this legacy today in the author's own teaching practices.