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Original Doctrine
In the start of the 18th century, the majority of American colonists were members of the Anglican Church. Congregationalism and Puritanism reign. These strict forms of worship were not inclusive to women and the poor. This is an important baseline to examine the religious changes soon to come. -
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Religious Revolution in Early America
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America Awakens
During the First Great Awakening, many Protestant denominations redefined concepts of worship. They did not believe in the ideas of predestination and stern doctrine. These ideas gained the most traction in in New England, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia. Ministers such as Jonathan Edwards, rocked the foundations of deeply religious colonies. Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" instilled fear into the current way of life and thought process of the Anglican upper class. -
The Age of Reason
The Enlightenment encouraged free thinking and progress. Followers of Deism believed God’s involvement is limited to the creation of the world, therefore individuals determine their own morality. In 1732, the colony of Georgia was founded by James Olgethorpe based on Enlightenment ideals. Although the colony did not necessarily stay true to Olgethorpe’s vision, its foundation is an example of how the Anglican and Puritan religions began to lose ground. -
Stronger and Bolder
The Great Awakening and Enlightenment fueled the departure from traditional European religion and structure, allowing revolutionists to be bolder and more free thinking. Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" denounced the King of England and the idea of divine appointment. Although revolutionists continued to be highly pious, religion became less limiting. In fact, the once dominant Anglican church now only accounted for 35% of the religious stake in America. -
Puppets to Pioneers
The Declaration of Independence is the ultimate example of America’s progressive and enlightened mindset. The sheer contrast of between the Puritan predestination principle so prominent in early 18th century to the idea that “all men are created equal” is astounding. In fact, the lack of religious theme was done on purpose for the sake of the writer’s denominational differences. In less than 100 years, America grew from a puppet of British rule to a pioneer of social change and advancement. -
State Separation
The citizens of Virginia enjoyed true religious autonomy free of persecution thanks to the efforts of Baptists followers. Motivated by popular support, Thomas Jefferson signed the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which officially ended the Anglican church’s rule. However, many states, such as New York, clung to traditional ideals. This division meant some individual states continued heavy religious influence in government affairs, religious intolerance and persecution. -
Written in Stone
The official freedom of religion is born. The Bill of Rights is another ode to Enlightenment ideology that culminated in one of the most foundational aspects of our country. The third article of the Bill of Rights states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Although faith continues to be an important pillar of American life, we are the first to truly separate and deregulate the institution of religion.
