The Influence of Religion in America

Religion did much more than play a part in the way that many aspects of culture in North America developed. In reality, religion contributed to the basis on which the initial movement to and colonization of America transpired. Colonies were settled by those who were not willing to concede to the ruthless persecution that was evident in 17th century Europe, and acted on the hope of a new life in America. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were all founded as what Sydney E. Ahlstrom explained to be “plantations of religion”, as well as Rhode Island’s foundation as a result of religious persecution (Olmstead). Though it is also acknowledged that many migrated to the New World for several other reasons like economic depression in Europe, a determining factor in the uprooting of most Europeans to travel to America was to live a life based on a religion that they believed to be correct. These grounds on which America was initially colonized held true, despite the ironic eventual religious persecution that would eventually materialize in America itself. Considering the potent influence that religion had on the country’s founding, the resonation of religion throughout many cultural aspects of the United States from it’s founding throughout it’s history was inevitable. Religion played an essential role in American culture from 1607 to present by acting as a basis on which colonies and states were founded, aiding in the establishment of political policies regarding both the separation of church and state and freedom of religious practice, and influencing social development as evident in religious discrimination and fervency observed throughout the country’s history. The first way in which American culture and history was affected by religion was in its initial settling, as well as the influence that religion had on the country’s expansion. To many Europeans, America was seen as a religious refuge in the 17th century. Religion and government where very closely tied

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