Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin, although a proponent of Deism, financially supported the evangelical work of George Whitefield. His engagement in promoting Enlightenment ideals and personal morality .
Step-by-step explanation:
Even though Benjamin Franklin gave generously to support the work of Evangelist George Whitefield, he himself was a proponent of Deism. Franklin's support of George Whitefield does not necessarily represent an endorsement of Whitefield's religious beliefs but rather shows Franklin's broader commitment to supporting various philanthropic efforts and movements, even those with which he might not have fully agreed.
Benjamin Franklin, a polymath and a key figure in the American Enlightenment, embraced Deism, which espoused a belief in a creator who does not intervene in the universe. Instead of following traditional religious practices, Franklin believed in the importance of personal morality and ethical conduct. His belief influenced his engagement in various initiatives for the public good, including establishing important institutions like libraries, societies for intellectual inquiry, and hospitals.
While Franklin's financial contributions aided the work of George Whitefield, a celebrated evangelical preacher of the time, Franklin's religious views were shaped more by Enlightenment ideals than by Whitefield's evangelical doctrines. This contrast highlights the complexity of religious and intellectual beliefs during the 18th century and Franklin's role as both a promoter of Enlightenment ideas and a supporter of diverse causes.