All throughout history, religion has played an instrumental role in determining the way people choose to live their lives. Whether it be by uniting groups of people across the world or isolating those who are afraid of opposing beliefs, religion has a tremendous impact on society and the way that it functions. The blurred line that connects religion and society has evolved over time, proving that religion is no longer what dictates the rules people must follow, specifically in culturally diverse areas around the world. In literature, authors have been able to highlight how the influence of religion on society has changed over time, through the development of their characters and the time periods they belong to. In works such as The Crucible,
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The immense strength of religion on past societies, is best exemplified in the early American colonies. Fleeing religious persecution, the first Europeans to settle in America, established colonies to serve as ‘safe havens’ for their spiritual beliefs. Each colony was defined by the religion of its people, crafting their policies and traditions around their faith. Salem, Massachusetts, epitomized the views of the Puritans. Their strict social views greatly influenced what rules were enforced in Salem. The town banned things such as travelling to the forest and dancing, believing that they were direct signs of the Devil. The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, demonstrates how these ideals and the strict adherence to religion allows for a young girl, named Abigail William, to manipulate the citizens of Salem into believing there is witchcraft and evil within the town. Abigail uses the people’s fear of the Devil to execute her vengeful plans to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor so that she can have a relationship with John Proctor, Elizabeth’s husband. As the accusations of witchcraft spin out of control, the characters use their connection to religion, in an attempt to try to decipher the truth behind the …show more content…
Jon McNaughton’s painting, “One Nation Under God” showcases how the time period of the American Revolution was greatly influenced by religion. At the center of McNaughton’s painting, illuminated in a beam of light is Jesus Christ. He is surrounded by many political figures, as well as some soldiers, immigrants, regular citizens overcome with hope for the future of the country. The painter is able to highlight how during the time period, religion was a unifying force, bringing together all types of people from all different walks of life. Regardless of the cultural differences of Americans, religion was a way for the people to give thanks for their new home and celebrate their newfound freedoms. Traces of religion, from the colonial era, can be seen all across the country in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and on our money (“In God We Trust” on the back of coins). The examples of how the Founding Fathers used religion to shape the nation demonstrates the historical significance of religion during the establishment of
The immense strength of religion on past societies, is best exemplified in the early American colonies. Fleeing religious persecution, the first Europeans to settle in America, established colonies to serve as ‘safe havens’ for their spiritual beliefs. Each colony was defined by the religion of its people, crafting their policies and traditions around their faith. Salem, Massachusetts, epitomized the views of the Puritans. Their strict social views greatly influenced what rules were enforced in Salem. The town banned things such as travelling to the forest and dancing, believing that they were direct signs of the Devil. The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, demonstrates how these ideals and the strict adherence to religion allows for a young girl, named Abigail William, to manipulate the citizens of Salem into believing there is witchcraft and evil within the town. Abigail uses the people’s fear of the Devil to execute her vengeful plans to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor so that she can have a relationship with John Proctor, Elizabeth’s husband. As the accusations of witchcraft spin out of control, the characters use their connection to religion, in an attempt to try to decipher the truth behind the …show more content…
Jon McNaughton’s painting, “One Nation Under God” showcases how the time period of the American Revolution was greatly influenced by religion. At the center of McNaughton’s painting, illuminated in a beam of light is Jesus Christ. He is surrounded by many political figures, as well as some soldiers, immigrants, regular citizens overcome with hope for the future of the country. The painter is able to highlight how during the time period, religion was a unifying force, bringing together all types of people from all different walks of life. Regardless of the cultural differences of Americans, religion was a way for the people to give thanks for their new home and celebrate their newfound freedoms. Traces of religion, from the colonial era, can be seen all across the country in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and on our money (“In God We Trust” on the back of coins). The examples of how the Founding Fathers used religion to shape the nation demonstrates the historical significance of religion during the establishment of