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Jefferson was A DEIST. His god was NOT the transcendant god believed by Christians. Franklin oscillated between (non-orthodox) Christianity and Deism, but settled on the latter by the end of his life. Adams WAS a Christian, but often highly critical of his own faith.

The founders were a mixed lot in terms of religious opinions, although few were of the orthodox/Calvinist variety. The second and third Great Awakenings, which came a few decades after the founding, were a much bigger factor in pushing Christian political activism to the forefront in national politics (although even in the revolution, there were large communities of "Christian activists" in support of the cause. See, the Baptists as a case in point).

I find it interesting that the GOP nominated a not-very-serious Quaker (!) as their candidate (Nixon), and a believing, but non-Churchgoing Christian as their candidate (Ronaldus Magnus), but it seems to me that such men would have difficulty being vetted by the Churchianists (notice I didn't say Christians).

The Deist appellation is of quite modern provenance. Jefferson focused his attention on the New Testament. That pretty much makes you a Christian.

Now, did he pray in the Christian fashion? Did he follow all the quibbling rules of the dominant denomination? Was he maybe influenced by Quaker thoughts? Did he know any Jews?

BTW, regarding Nixon, he was pretty typical of Midwestern Quakers. The Civil War broke the back of the old strucures built up by the Camisard and Quaker movements. It's hard to tell the difference between a modern Quaker church in Indiana and a Presbyterian or Methodist church. There are still some old meeting houses around ~ I know of one near Crawfordsville that's maintained out of charitable contributions. There are more of the old type in the Eastern states.

As far as Ronaldus Magnus going to church, he belonged to the Disciples of Christ, as I do, and I can't recall the rule about going to church ~ 'CAUSE THERE AIN'T ONE!

He did bring in preachers and such for services at the White House.

"God who gave us Life gave us liberty...and can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed thir only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when i reflect that God is just..that His justice cannot sleep forever"....Thomas Jefferson (American Vision)

PS. This notion of TJ being a Deist is revisionist myth!