The Role Of Religion In The Enlightenment Era
During the eighteenth century, colonists were able to choose from various branches of Christianity, mainly Protestant; additionally, slaves, who comprised the majority of the non-Christians, typically continued to follow their indigenous African religions, although some converted to Christianity once they arrived in America. Fortunately, because of the multitude of Christian-based ideologies, such as Baptists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, French protestants, amongst other varieties of faith, most colonies were provided the opportunity to publicly worship as they pleased; consequently, this enabled colonists to become rational thinkers and question their religion. To elaborate, the role of religion shaped the Enlightenment era considering
the fact that educated colonists were intrigued by the notion of observing nature in order to obtain God’s plan as opposed to studying the Bible in regard to answers. Subsequently, these educators were known as deists, which corresponds to Enlightenment thinkers; people who tend to agree that science and reason can evaluate the world as well as independence of the mind. Consequently, the spread of deism along with the notion that people should think for themselves and question the concept of faith, shaped a religious revival known as the "Great Awakening” during the mid-1730s to 1740s, which encouraged human decision in terms of religion and morality. Moreover, this era respected individual’s feelings, changes in the Christian’s heart, renew one’s personal faith with God, as well as revitalize people to stray away from material distractions.
253
Understanding The American Promise, Vol. I, Roark, et al., Bedford/St. Martin, New York, NY, 2011.
the fact that educated colonists were intrigued by the notion of observing nature in order to obtain God’s plan as opposed to studying the Bible in regard to answers. Subsequently, these educators were known as deists, which corresponds to Enlightenment thinkers; people who tend to agree that science and reason can evaluate the world as well as independence of the mind. Consequently, the spread of deism along with the notion that people should think for themselves and question the concept of faith, shaped a religious revival known as the "Great Awakening” during the mid-1730s to 1740s, which encouraged human decision in terms of religion and morality. Moreover, this era respected individual’s feelings, changes in the Christian’s heart, renew one’s personal faith with God, as well as revitalize people to stray away from material distractions.
253
Understanding The American Promise, Vol. I, Roark, et al., Bedford/St. Martin, New York, NY, 2011.