I don't disagree. Like I said, Adams was one of the more religious founders. He wasn't anywhere near as extremely anti-religion as people like Madison. But that's why I chose Adams.

If you want a good Madison quote:

What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not.

And then, going back to Franklin, was him suggesting America should be building lighthouses, not churches.

So not necessarily an anti-deity statement, but more an acknowledgement that the Church is a system by which European rulers reinforce their power and wealth.

He was basically just channeling Seneca, who wrote this circa 65 CE (in his Letters from a Stoic, which are a great read)

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.