For all modules: 1,000 word reaction papers should use only ideas and information from assigned readings, videos, and links and your own ideas. No sources besides these should be used. This paper should be the result of your experience with these texts. Your paper should contain quotations from assigned resources, but no more than 20% of your paper should be quoted. Your own ideas, in reaction to and in conversation with the texts, should be the focus of the paper. References to assigned texts, videos, and links must be cited in MLA style. You can see the basics of the MLA style here: (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/) see web link.
For this module, your paper should answer the following question:
Franklin's Autobiography and Paine's Age of Reason minimize Christianity as a guiding principle of the new nation. Franklin is a skilled politician and diplomat, so he is careful not to criticize any point of view directly, but what behaviors/ideas does he promote? Describe the value system Franklin suggests in place of Christianity. As the United States begins, what makes a good American according to Franklin, Paine, and the Declaration? Compare that with your idea of what makes a good American now. Use some specific passages from the texts to support your claims.