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William Penn advocates for emancipation from slavery
Prior to this date in 1682 William Penn founded Pennsylvania. Historically, Quakers owned a good portion of slaves in the American colonies. However, Quakers were among the first organized group of people to call for the abolition of slavery. And in 1700, William Penn advocated for and called for emancipation from slavery. The leader of the Quakers held monthly meetings for the blacks starting in the early 18th century. These meetings were held in towns like Abington and Philadelphia 1. -
William Penn advocates for emancipation from slavery
1 "Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies," The Pennsylvania Historical Association 74, no 2 (2007): 151, https://journals.psu.edu/phj/article/viewFile/59492/59216 Picture http://skepticism.org/timeline/may-history/5723-quaker-leader-william-penn-holds-abolitionist-meetings.html -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a period starting in the 1730s that focused on reviving Protestantism and promoting God and his teachings. This movement was led by prominent figures such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Samuel Davies. This movement attempted to include every person no matter their sex, previous religious affiliation, race, etc. The Great Awakening resulted in the rise of several Protestant denominations such as Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodists.3 -
The Great Awakening
3 OpenStax, U.S. History. OpenStax CNX. May 12, 2017 http://cnx.org/contents/a7ba2fb8-8925-4987-b182-5f4429d48daa@3.37. Image: http://www.ushistory.org/us/7b.asp -
Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
In an attempt to promote religion, Jonathan Edwards gave many sermons across the American Colonies. Jonathan Edwards started promoting religion in Northampton, Massachusetts. His most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” had the most powerful impact on the people of Massachusetts. He uses powerful words and imagery to persuade the people to follow God or otherwise be condemned to Hell 2. -
Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
2 Edwards, Jonathan, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," 1741, http://voicesofdemocracy.umd.edu/edwards-sinners-in-the-hands-speech-text/ Image: http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/hss/SSA_SHARED_MEDIA_1/history/MHL/US/images/Jonathan_Edwards.html -
Jonathan Edwards Dismissed
. The rise of the Great Awakening also caused the Age of Reason to gain members. The Age of Reason promoted science, logic, and separated church from state. Ultimately, Jonathan Edwards was dismissed from his post as minister of the Congregational church in Northampton, MA. This provided for a huge shift in theology 4. -
Jonathan Edwards Dismissed
- "Jonathan Edwards Biography," Inspirational Christians, http://www.inspirationalchristians.org/biography/jonathan-edwards/
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American Revolution
The American Revolution arose from conflicts between the colonies and the colonial government. Religion was a major factor in the uprising and cause of the American Revolution. Joseph Galloway was a former speaker from Pennsylvania who opposed the revolution. He was under the impression that the major cause of the war was due to the differences in religious backgrounds and beliefs. The American Revolution split many denominations apart 5. -
American Revolution
5 "Religion and the Founding of the American Republic," Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel03.html Image: http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history -
Ann Lee Arrives
6 “Shaker Heritage Society of Albany, New York, http://shakerheritage.org/educational-programs/adult-programs/history-of-the-shakers. Image: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Shakers -
Ann Lee Arrives
Ann Lee arrives to Colonial America with a small group of followers. Ann Lee’s and her followers were looking for a more personal and emotional religion. They founded the Shakers or the United Society of Believer’s in Christ’s Second Appearing when they moved to America. They received the name of Shakers because they were visualizing shaking or ridding the evil spirits of their body when worshipping in church 6. -
Virginia Statute
7 "A Bill for establishing Religious Freedom, printed for the consideration of the People," Encyclopedia Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, 1779, https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/media_player?mets_filename=evm00003280mets.xml Image: http://www.fasttrackteaching.com/civics/Va_Statute_Religious_Freedom.html -
Virginia Statute
In 1786, Virginia mandated a statute for religious freedom. This statute allowed Virginians to choose their religion without coercion. This statute also allows and urges for the separation of church and state. For example, “no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief..." 7. -
Bill of Rights
In 1791, Bill of Rights introduced the Freedom of religion Amendment. This Amendment states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This amendment allowed for the freedom of religion and the freedom for anyone to express their religion 8. -
Bill of Rights
"Bill of Rights of the United States of America," Bill of Rights. 1791, https://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/bill-of-rights/ Image: https://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/bill-of-rights/
