How did Religion influence colonial New England?

Question

Im writing a paper on this and I need some topics!

Answer 1

Laws and customs were derived from religious beliefs.

  

Religion is often used as a tool for the government to control the masses.

In order to create a society, you must have several things:

source of water

system of government (leader, laws)

common goal

common beliefs

am I forgetting anything?

Answer 2

Winthrop and his followers came to New England, not to escape any so called "tyrannies" taking place back in England.  They came, believing that the house of Hanover (the royal family) and the Protestants were falling into corruption, to re-establish a solid foundation for their religion and intended to return to England and replant the seed.

As pointed out, Winthrop used religion as a foundation for his brand of government and law.  Those that fell afoul or simply refused to abide were not only excommunicated, but were forced to leave the settlement.  Winthrop's intent was to establish a new "City on the Hill" (Jerusalem).

As more and more arrived, the city grew and the borders expanded and with that expansion, came a loss of security and control.  In a very strong manner of speaking, the original idea was lost in the corruption for lust of land and the opportunity to make money.  Neither of which could REALLY be obtained back in England.  Back in the motherland, only those of aristocracy could hold vast tracts of land and accumulate wealth.  With that in mind, more people came with less intent to help establish the new religious order.  They came because of the promise of opportunity.  Many tried to abide by the strict rules of the puritans but more found disagreement and so founded their own brand of church.

If you look around at the various denominations of Christianity, you will find many off shoots.  How many different "Methodist" churches are there?  And Baptist?

Answer 3

The whole point of coming here was about escaping the tyranny of  European religious rule. Before about 1860, all of Europe was ruled by the Church. Which is why the constitution and alter the amendments were necessary, as a defining statement that showed the difference between the US and the European nations.

Answer 4

religion was the whole reason people started coming here in the first place. you know the pilgrims and quakers and such.