Religion In The 17th Century

Religion was a main motive for colonization in the 17th century. Many wanted to establish a godly nation and spread their religion. Over the next century, the extremely religious colonists died and their kin weren’t as religious. Understandably, many were more worried about their quality of life and wealth. The characteristics of religion and the colonists relationship with God caused concern from preachers, such as George Whitefield, during the mid-18th century. Religious leaders believed that religion had become more of an intellectual experience rather than a spiritual one. So, many preachers set out to convert people back to Christ. Starting in 1930, John Edwards began converting people in Northampton, Massachusetts and soon him, George

For many people, their life became largely religiously oriented. People wanted to go to church and worship, and so the country's enthusiasm for Christ had returned. Children's education also became religiously oriented, and religion was emphasized in regular education. The conversions didn’t only affect the colonists though. Many Native Americans were also converted and attempted to convert fellow Native Americans. Samsom Occom became one of the Indian Ministers and he was converted at the age of 17. This wasn’t as much a forced conversion as there were in the 17th century, “These Preachers did not only come to us, but we frequently went to their meetings and Churches,” (Source 3). Occum is one of the few natives that converted willingly and happily and even preached to others. His particular point of view is especially interesting because of his circumstances. The fact that all different social classes could be seen equally under god was a sort-of confrontation to established authorities that say only certain people are allowed to do certain thing, like own property. The Great Awakening and conversions were a common thing to all Americans, and really unified them and separated them from their mother