Major Effect of Religion

Religion, in the eyes of limited individuals, was the element of nothingness that was ultimately ineffective, concerning the establishment and outcomes of the English colonies in North America. In reality, though, religion was known specifically as the primary driving force behind colonization. Religion has played a major role in being the underlying cause behind persecution, violence, and political restrictions as displayed through Plymouth, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Through colonization, much needed liberation was sought after. Once each colony literally snatched their freedom, judgment and disapproval was nonexistent, allowing their environment to be balanced and rewarding.

Plymouth and Rhode Island displayed similarities like none other through colonization and their belief systems. Traditionally, under a particular religion, every member obeyed and naturally agreed with the rules sat before them without thinking about or debating any. However, every Puritan did not totally agree with the Church of England’s system, which stated: “Communion between saints and the damned must be shared.” After the discovery of such an action, the Puritans immediately formed a dichotomy- a group of Puritans that were known as the Separatists. These Separatist were harassed out of the land. They faced starvation, initially missed their stop to Plymouth, and one person died on the Mayflower. Likewise, Rhode Island, lead by Roger Williams, yearned for freedom- not freedom from sharing communion with the damned- but instead, having freedom of religion in general. Religion was a choice not an obligation. The colony was also used as a heaven for others who had bared the religious hardships of other colonies. Thus far, religion had created a dichotomy between the Puritan, which ultimately broke up a race of individuals, caused starvation, and created restrictions that were too unbearable for its member.

Secondly, Maryland and Pennsylvania, however, were religious practicing colonies, subjugated and compelled to sink in the ocean of endless restrictions and tedious procedures. The colony of Maryland, lead by Lord Baltimore, was established so that the Catholics could practice their religion in an unbiased atmosphere. Because of the persecution by the Protestants, the Catholics had no other alternative but to ultimately settle in Maryland. Though Catholics ultimately obtained liberation and equality, the lives for natives were unbearable. The Jews and the atheists had to obey the Catholic faith or face the inevitable penalty of death. On the other hand, Massachusetts Bay colony, lead by Winthrop, was established because Puritans (non-Separatists) feared catastrophe after the Charles I dismissed the Parliament in 1629. The Puritans wanted to reform, to literally change and rearrange the system of the Church of England. Following the Great Migration, fur trading, ship building, and fishing were successfully constructed. The Puritan’s success set and example for humankind elsewhere. Their covenant with God was a powerful proximity that had the potential to effectively influence others groups. Through other actions, Massachusetts Bay Colony established a system where the government focused on religion. Unfortunately, the Quakers were severely persecuted with fines, banishment, and hangings. Separatist minister Roger William and activist Anne Hutchison strongly disagreed and abhorred the actions of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Finally, the colony of Pennsylvania was established by Quaker in the mid 1600. Deeply religious, the Quakers did not support the Church of England when it came to financial assistance- taxes. They totally disagreed with the Church of England due to their “deep conviction”. The Quakers were consistently persecuted for their beliefs. William Penn, the leader of the Quakers was persecuted as well, but was safe from being treated cruelly, fined, flogged, and imprisoned, as other Quakers were. After getting permission from the King, the colony migrated to Pennsylvania to escape judgment and bondage. Fortunately, Puritans were able to practice their religion, while natives were not compelled to do so. Slavery and unbearable restrictions on immigrates were also nonexistent.

Due to the abundant amount of evidence that had been provided, the element of influence, religion, was the underlying current to major events. Anyone who alleges to say otherwise should strongly reconsider and analyze in dept the accessible facts of history. Religion, in addition to the imperfect human conscious, had promoted violence, death, inequality, dichotomy, hate, and fear. The list goes on and on. Also, religion and religious members of colonies have promoted fairness, liberation, and positive protest. With such great elements and actions displayed through American history, pertaining to colonization in its entirety, it is frankly unwise to state that religion has had little or no effect on English colonies in North America. “Major effect” would be the most appropriate phrase.