How did religion play a role in early America?

Answer 1

The United States of America was founded on religious freedom. The Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, was the "church of the state" in England. The Pilgrims wanted the freedom to choose. Although there were a variety of different "denominations" represented, all wanted to be free to worship God.

The Founding Fathers spoke frequently in official documents about God. The Declaration of Independence, for example, includes the phrase: :''We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' [emphasis mine]

There are many other such instances that indicate that American society, i.e., the society and government in the USA, was founded on the freedom of religion. While that does, indeed, include freedom from religion (or, if you prefer, the religion of atheism), it doesn't mean that religion should be suppressed. But that's getting off the topic and on a soapbox. :)

Another Perspective

Colonial America was settled by various groups, most seeking new economic possibilities and acquisition of land. There were various religious groups who founded settlements along the East Coast of the New land. What is now known as Massachusetts had an early history that was strongly influenced by the Puritans who migrated from England in order to practice their own form of religion.

The Plymouth Colony, an early 17th Century British colony, was founded on the Puritans' desire for religious freedom from the Church of England. The Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, was the "church of the state" in England. The 17th Century Pilgrims wanted the freedom to practice their own brand of religion. They did not welcome people of other denominations. Puritan society was closed to outsiders. Although there were a variety of different "denominations" represented in other colonies, and all wanted to be free to worship God by their own rules, those early Americans were not tolerant of other religious groups. (The Massachusetts Bay Colony situated around the now Salem-Boston area was also strongly Puritan and its governance was dominated by its religious leaders. It was more tolerant of other religious views.)

Religion affected every aspect of life in Colonial America. Those early settlers based their colony laws on their interpretations of the Bible and they were extremely strict and intolerant of any person who disobeyed. Citizens were required to attend Sunday services or face harsh punishment and/or banishment. That form of colonial governance eventually died out. Religious based law did not carry over as the new country developed and people of different denominations founded towns and churches and realized they needed a more uniform and civil basis for law.

The 18th Century Founding Fathers were extremely diverse in their religious beliefs and spoke sparingly in official documents about God. They knew better than to try to promote a single denomination. The United States Constitution made no reference whatsoever to a divine being and the very First Amendment explicitly prohibited the establishment of any official church or creed. The founders clearly believed that religion was a private matter that the state need not get involved in.

Only the Declaration of Independence, for example, includes the following phrase that is not included for religious purposes but instead speaks of the inalienable human rights that were a hot topic at the time:

• ''We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.''

The founders were astutely aware of the Pope's influence in the governments (and conflicts) of Europe and sought to avoid religious involvement in the official affairs of the new United States. They were aware of the havoc religious extremes could wreak on public life. One of the basic foundations for American life is freedom of religion. That does, indeed, include freedom from religion.

Answer 2

Religion influenced the structure of the local government in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Puritans tried to structure the government with laws based on Protestant teachings.

Basically religion and government was interrelated.

Answer 3

Religion played a very large role in Early America. Many people came over from Britain and Europe (ie Quakers, Puritans...) to escape religious persecution.

Answer 4

Many religious groups (such as the Quakers and Puritans) formed the first 13 colonies on the basis of their religious beliefs. The original 13 colonies formed as a basis of religious freedom.