It's an overstatement to say they were non-believers. They questioned, and explored their own paths – both speaking and writing often about God. Jefferson even deconstructed the New Testament down to just the life and teachings of Jesus; the book we refer to as "Jefferson's Bible" is actually titled, The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. The other religious tome he wrote was The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazereth.

Licoln openly admitted his lack of faith, but considered himself a follower of Jesus. And, while he was president, he said, “Nevertheless, amid the greatest difficulties of my Administration, when I could not see any other resort, I would place my whole reliance on God, knowing that all would go well, and that He would decide for the right.”

Regardless of the non-conformity of their beliefs, both men still came from the Christian tradition and professed adherance to the life and teachings of Jesus.