At first blush, one may be quick to disassociate religion from the structuring and foundation of American ideals. In fact, one of the major instigators for the creation of the United States was religious freedom, and thus religion is often considered to be separate from the major political events that define our country. Although some may disagree, upon examination of the historical timeline of the first half of American history it becomes clear that religion played more than the often attributed behind-the-scenes role as it served as a window into the thoughts and psyche of Americans that would lead to social, economical, and eventually political change that drove our nation forward.
The first settlers to come over to the America's came to escape religious persecution with the very idea to start a community where they would be able to practice however they chose. Many of the original thirteen colonies were formed from different sects of religions. Behind America's split from Britain was the notion that the people should be able to make decisions for themselves, choose their own path, and be lead by the people their choice. Jefferson and Hamilton were sons of the Enlightenment, and our constitution was founded off the ideals of the enlightenment but also off the morals of religion. Our country's founders wanted to limit the mingling between church and state, and they succeeded in some sense, but religion still acted as a catalyst beyond the country's foundation.
The First Great Awakening saw a clearer sense of American Identity as a new wave or religious revival swept over the county. The Second Great Awakening saw preachers trying to include people of every race. Blacks and women had more of a saw in religion than ever before, and these new ideas helped some slave owners to allow their slaves to become at least partially educated and inspired slaves to fight for freedom and more rights. Towards beginning of the Civil War, the separating attitudes of the North and South became most apparent by the splitting of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the South and the Northern Baptists. Differing economic drives and differing political views on slavery had divided the nation. Both the slave holders and abolitionists used religion to justify their positions and relied on the notion that god was on their side to inspire the boldness with which they defended their side.
Corinne McCabe
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements, though people keep advocating that the United states constitution has nothing to do with religion, the reason why the colonists left in the first place was to have a place to practice their religion their own way. The first amendment was written so people of other religions could practice freely.