Religion in Colonial America

Trace the development of religious freedom in the United States. (8.25A)

Describe religious motivation for immigration and influence on social movements, including the impact of the First Great Awakening (8.25B)

Identify selected religious groups that settled in the United States and explain their reasons for immigration (8.23A)

A little background infoThe Protestant Reformation–major 16th century European movement

aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

What were religious reasons for colonization?

• Push: religious persecution in England

• Pull: search for religious freedom

• What is a dissenter? A person/group who rejects a belief or practice

• Can you list any dissenters we’ve mentioned so far?

Who came?Pilgrims – Also known as the

Separatists– They wanted to

separate from the Church of England.

Who else?• Quakers– All people had

God’s inner light inside of them

– Believed that all people were equal;

– They were pacifists- peaceful and non-violent

Who was William Penn?• Founded Pennsylvania as a safe

place for persecuted Quakers where he promised that people of all faiths could be treated equally

Them too…• Puritans

– Felt that the Reformation had not gone far enough, and that the Church of England was tolerant of practices which they associated with the Catholic Church.

– Wanted to purify the Church of England and make worship simple.

Who was John Winthrop?• Puritan leader at Massachusetts Bay

where the goal was to build a community governed by the rules of the Bible.

Who was Roger Williams?• Outcast by the Puritans for his belief

that all people should be able to worship in any way they choose.

• Established settlement at Providence, Rhode Island

Who was Anne Hutchinson?• Forced to leave Massachusetts for

preaching against the Puritans• She said God spoke directly to her;

this was against Puritan beliefs.• Helped established a settlement at

Providence, Rhode Island• Believed in religious diversity

There’s more…Anglicans = Church of England– Official religion of

England; controlled the government. Believed that The Scripture the final authority in doctrinal matters.

They came also.Catholics

– Were persecuted by the Church of England

– Believed that the Church is the vessel and deposit of the fullness of the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles from which the Scriptures were formed.

Who was Cecil Calvert?• Founder of Maryland where he

established laws to protect Catholics from persecution

• Passed “Acts Concerning Religion” protecting the rights of Christians, excluding Atheists and Jews.

What was the Great Awakening?• A revival of religious feeling and

belief in the American colonies that began in the 1730s.

• IMPACT: spread the idea that– All people are equal in God’s eyes– Ordinary people could understand God’s

will if they had an open heart and desire to know God’s truth

– People became more engaged in religion

Who said it?• Read the following statements.

Decide which of the five religious figures would have made them.

• Cut each quote out and paste it next to the correct religious figure.

• Use information from the previous slides as a resource.

Who Am I?

1The Native American are

people too! Shouldn’t we offer to buy their land,

instead of fight them for it? Didn’t our God create them

too?

Who Am I?

2 No one should be denied any rights because of his

religion. Government and religion should remain

separate; people should be free to worship as they

please!

Who Am I?

3We have been called by God to be an example, a

light to this New World. If you cannot live by the rules

of this colony, LEAVE!

Who Am I?

4The good Lord has spoken to me, I know his voice! If my family and I are to be

banished from this wretched colony, then so

be it!

Who Am I?

5Our Lord has brought us

safely to a land where we can serve him freely. We

shall name it Maryland, in honor of the Holy Mother.

Key1. William Penn2. Roger Williams3. John Winthrop4. Anne Hutchinson5. Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore

What would they say?Religious freedom is still debated in this country today. There has been a debate recently over whether or not Muslims should be allowed to build a mosque in East Tennessee. Some people supported the building of the mosque, while others opposed it.

• Hecklers cheer burning of Tennessee mosque

What would they say?• What if the colonial religious leaders

were present at that meeting. How would they respond?

• In your ISN, create a response to this conflict for each of the colonial religious leaders.

• Make sure your quote reflects their beliefs and historical significance.