The unity of belief and purpose in America
The unity of belief and purpose in America remained challenged. In this context, it was not easy to unite people in American colonies, as some states were hostile to people who exhibited radical political and religious stances. For instance, Anne Hutchinson was subjected to numerous tribulations; when it was discovered that she was spearheading a series of religious meetings in her home. “She charged that nearly all the ministers of Massachusetts were guilty of faulty preaching,”[1]. Additionally, she also challenged the widespread perception that salvation was earned through good works- instead of asserting that it was a direct gift from God.
Societies that eventually accommodated people from diverse racial, political, and racial backgrounds spearheaded success in American colonies. Roger Williams devised a way to assist Indians; through learning their language and promoted their access to land and other forms of justice[2]. Therefore, instead of seizing land, it would be bought at fair prices. After a series of persecution of Protestants, Quakers, and Baptists, the State of Maryland opted to enact a law of toleration of Christians in 1649.
Toleration of religion was critical in strengthening American Colonies. For instance, Roger Williams advocated for the separation of powers between political and religious entities- “any law-abiding citizen should be allowed to practice whatever form of religion he chose”[3]. Such a perspective implied that popular belief that God had His favorites to spread the truth was a misconception and was thus misleading to the general population. Conclusively, the strength of American colonies was enhanced by both the unity of belief and purpose and most essentially accommodating people from various political and religious backgrounds- since crushing dissent proved to be counterproductive[4].
Bibliography
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty! An American Histor
[1]Erick Foner. Give Me Liberty! An American History: One Volume (WW Norton
&Company, 2016), 56
[2]Foner, Give Me Liberty!, 57
[3]Foner, Give Me Liberty!, 66
[4]Foner, Give Me Liberty!,85