Religion In Colonial America

Since the ancient times, religion has influenced the principles of society, and still continues to do so. The foundation of society and all the moral values were totally based on the religious values. During the age of colonial America, the Puritans were known for their peculiar religious ideologies on which the moral values of the society were shaped. With scientific and technological advancement in the future, the ideologies of the American people started to change. Philosophically, America underwent through a lot of changes in beliefs and ideas in religious and political terms, for which literature is more or less responsible. This change helped the nation to deal with political issues avoiding religious controversies. While each colony
However, for the Puritans, the term ‘religious freedom’ implied to their right to practice their religion without anyone opposing them. This ideology made them kind of an extremist in today’s standards as religious tolerance was totally absent. The Puritans believed in predestination, and self-examination which was a pretty ridiculous belief system as it brainwashed people to think that their fate was already written by God and there was nothing much they could do about it. Also, all the published literature writings glorified God to influence the behavior of the citizens. Religion didn’t just dominate the Puritan literature, but the politics as well, as the society was led by religious leaders known as the Elects. These people identified themselves as the ‘God’s chosen ones’ and dealt with all the religious, political and social issues. On top of that, the Puritan’s patriarchal society didn’t do much for women, as they weren’t supposed to seek opportunities for education and instead stay at home and support their husbands. So, it comes as no surprise that these strong religious beliefs and its influence on politics triggered the infamous ‘Salem Witch Trials’, which goes down in history as one of
The ‘Salem Witch Trials’ brought out a change in the thoughts of the citizens. With the population boom in the colonies and revolutionary scientific discoveries taking place, the Enlightenment era brought out a philosophical change in the people. Humanism was now prominent in the society. People emphasized more on scientific study and discovery rather than blind religious faith. Benjamin Franklin was the most celebrated figure and the epitome of the Enlightenment era. His contributions in science, literature and politics have made him one of the most important and recognizable figure in the American history. He opposed the Puritan ideology, but supported the self examination belief held by the Puritans for a person’s own betterment. His literary writings are known to motivate people to strive for greatness and pursue happiness and wisdom. “Franklin’s works embody not only key concerns of the Enlightenment but also of American literature.” (Madden 840). The concept of the American Dream was coined by Franklin to inspire people to live a life of full of happiness and dignity. Franklin also helped the oppressed people, especially women, by bringing out their voices in the public through his literary works. In his fictional writing, ‘The Speech of Polly Baker’, Franklin writes about a woman who is put on a trial for having a bastard son. In this story, Franklin