Deism and Changes in Religious Tolerance in America Essay

Deism and Changes in Religious Tolerance in America Religious conscience in America has evolved considerably since the first settlers emigrated here from Europe. Primary settlements were established by Puritans and Pilgrims who believed their errand into the wilderness [America] was above all else a religious errand, and all institutions - town meeting, school, church, family, law-must faithfully reflect that fact (Gaustad 61). However, as colonies grew, dissenters emerged to challenge Puritan authority; indeed, many of them left the church to join untraditional religious sects such as the Ranters, the Seekers, the Quakers, the Antinomians, and the Familists (Westbrook 26). Debates over softening the stance on tolerance in†¦show more content†¦Rejecting the assumption that God controls all actions on earth, most Deists believe that God created the universe, [. . .] and then disassociated himself from his creation (Robinson 3). This definition leads to the supposition that deistic thought was partly conceived out of scientific discovery: a Darwinian takeover theory. Perhaps the nuances of scientific knowledge manifested a directive in the argument for religious freedom. Certainly, Deists supported what Benjamin Franklin termed, spiritual Liberty, which asserted that no man ought to resign his Liberty, in mak[ing] Choice of his Minister as his Judgement and Conscience direct him (qtd. in Walters, Franklin 138). Thomas Paine, Deisms most notable advocate, maintains this line of thinking saying, I do not believe in the creed professed by [. . .] any church that I know of, but, I do not mean this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine (22). Religious tolerance would gain many formidable voices among Americas Founding Fathers, a development that poses a challenge to the harsh dogmatic attitude of early Puritan leaders. Intolerance for opposing views in religious matters was a renowned element in Puritanical practices during the seventeenth century. Few persons had the courage to speak against church doctrine, as it would certainly pronounce their expulsion. One such person, Roger Williams,Show MoreRelatedPuritan Verse Twenty Century Deist Thinking2525 Words   |  11 Pagesview of God has constantly evolved. During the formation of America this is made evident when the 17th century Puritan idealism is confronted with 18th century Enlightenment. This collision of religious ideas would spark a change, and a new age in America. My research will shows the original American settlers had concepts and, emerging different understanding of the biblical scripture and, needed to come to grips with social and religious freedom from being exclusive to being more inclusive. PuritansRead MoreJames C. Modern Christian Thought Volume 1 : The Enlightenment And The Nineteenth Century1808 Words   |  8 PagesMinneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997. ISBN-13: 978-0-8006-3795-8. 448. pp. (Kindle Edition: 10285 locations). By: TidSureyah Tach, ID# 339560 October 21st, 2014 Bibliographic data: James C. Livingston (died July 31st, 2011 at age 81) was a faculty member in Religious Studies and administration at the College of William and Mary from 1968 to 1998. Professor Livingston was the founding chair of the Department of Religion, when he earned a promotion to full professor in 1973. He became the Walter G. Mason ProfessorRead MoreJohn Locke And The Locke Of The United States5485 Words   |  22 Pages The writings of John Locke were basic in the idea that they focused on the natural rights of people, the rights given by God. Locke had theories when it came to religious tolerance. Locke believed that earthly judges, the state in particular, and human beings generally, cannot dependably evaluate the truth-claims of competing religious standpoints. InA Letter Concerning Toleration, Locke argues for freedom of religion, which became one of the bedrock principles which the country was founded on.Read MoreMy Son Christian By Mark Carrasco Essay11672 Words   |  47 PagesOne can be open minded and still obedient to their God and His word. Open-mindedness and obedience are two different ideas. While many a soldier may not agree with his superior’s orders, he still obeys them. My political stance often mirrors my religious stance. Very often I will have moments where I agree with a liberal on a position or two, yet I never agree with a militant liberal. While I have empathy for a woman who screams in my face, â€Å"My body; My choice,† she fails to understand that I do