Religious Conflict In The Scarlet Letter
Religious conflict has centered itself in American society through many ways in the 17th century. Due to the close-mindedness of the Puritans, people would be constantly judged for every sin they committed. For example, religious conflict takes place in literature such as “Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God” and The Scarlet Letter. Real historical figures include Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams. Religious conflict has shaped American society. In The Scarlet Letter Hester Prynne is publically shamed by being branded with the scarlet A for committing adultery for as long as she lives. However, many people think that she deserves a bigger consequence such as being sentenced to prison. This is all coming from religious conflict.
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According to PBS, Anne Hutchinson would hold weekly meetings with women talking about John Winthrop’s sermons. She believed that the church based salvation on actions rather than grace divine. Winthrop and ministers viewed the women who were discussing theology as unfaithful. As word spread around about Hutchinson’s actions, she was excommunicated from Massachusetts Bay Colony and was forced to move elsewhere. Ministers and other officials were highly offended that one would dare to question the authorities. Similarly, Roger Williams refused to work for the Plymouth church and worked for the Salem church instead because they properly worshipped God. The Bay Colony felt as if Williams was betraying them and the authorities were afraid he would corrupt the whole colony. Therefore, he was also banned from the colony. Williams would soon establish Rhode Island, a colony for religious freedom. American society was built around religious conflict. The thoughts imbedded into Puritan’s minds were strictly enforced. The Scarlet Letter was just an insight of how big religion played a role. Figures like Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams thankfully were able to take a brave approach to break the hostility of religion with their accepting minds. Now, America has developed into a more accepting
According to PBS, Anne Hutchinson would hold weekly meetings with women talking about John Winthrop’s sermons. She believed that the church based salvation on actions rather than grace divine. Winthrop and ministers viewed the women who were discussing theology as unfaithful. As word spread around about Hutchinson’s actions, she was excommunicated from Massachusetts Bay Colony and was forced to move elsewhere. Ministers and other officials were highly offended that one would dare to question the authorities. Similarly, Roger Williams refused to work for the Plymouth church and worked for the Salem church instead because they properly worshipped God. The Bay Colony felt as if Williams was betraying them and the authorities were afraid he would corrupt the whole colony. Therefore, he was also banned from the colony. Williams would soon establish Rhode Island, a colony for religious freedom. American society was built around religious conflict. The thoughts imbedded into Puritan’s minds were strictly enforced. The Scarlet Letter was just an insight of how big religion played a role. Figures like Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams thankfully were able to take a brave approach to break the hostility of religion with their accepting minds. Now, America has developed into a more accepting