Religion In The Colonial Era

When we look at the freedom we are given, we are very fortunate. Although, it has not always been that easy. In the colonial era it was very difficult to be able to choose and practice your own religion. Luckily, there were four men that strived to give the people that very freedom. Rodger Williams, William Penn, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington all believed that anyone should be able to have the freedom to choose and practice their own religion. If these four men did not create policies, documents, or laws, we would not be able to practice free religion.

“Rodger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder, had come to New England in 1631, serving as a respected minister of Salem” (Davidson 69). Williams was an English Reformed Theologian, but

The reason for the revision, in the summer of 1787, was the issue of religion in the western territories. In the document you can find many passages related to religious freedom. For example, “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged” (Blakeley 46). In this statement, from The Northwest Ordinance, it is prevalent that religion would make for happiness in all people, and for schools. Religion is one thing that can be tailored to you and your beliefs. With so many religions, it is no wonder why we have so many different people on this earth. Not one person is the same, and not two people think alike. The Ordinance of 1784 was the start of making a change to how the government should be run. Soon after the revision of the Ordinance, President Washington wrote a letter to the Touro Synagogue, in 1790, regarding freedom of

If these four men did not create policies, documents, or laws, we would not be able to practice free religion. Through the outstanding work, that these men did, we are able to practice, preach, teach, and learn through our own religions. Rodger Williams was an early advocate for religious freedom, and he started a domino effect. William Penn, help found the separation of Church and State, and was able to create a colony where Quakers could get relief. Thomas Jefferson helped start the Northwest Ordinance, which allowed religious toleration in the western territories. President Washington gave full freedom to worship, in the new nation, to anyone who migrated over. Due to the policies, documents, and laws that these men created we are able to have religious freedom and be able to worship a God that we value and believe