A great injustice has been bestowed upon our Sister in Christ, Anne Hutchinson. The General Court has given Governor Winthrop a bully pulpit to condemn a true guardian of religious liberty.
Accused of heresy, she stood before the court defending her right to practice her faith within the confines of her own home, in the company of other like-minded community members. A right for which many of us, including Winthrop, sought refuge in the New World. Such a censure reflects Winthrop’s failure to recognize in Mistress Hutchinson’s teachings the outlines of a religious and political philosophy with its own right to exist (Morgan 1937, 639).
Winthrop initiated the hearing by admonishing her for breaking the Law of God prohibiting women from ministering the Word. Citing the Scripture 1 Corinthians 14:34, he attempted to solidify his argument against the role of women in society and religion. …show more content…
Not unlike Lydia in the (Acts 16:13-15, 40), Mistress Hutchinson was already devoted to God. She too felt the Holy Spirit touch her heart upon hearing the gospel as told by the Apostle Paul. Such a revelation inspired her to spread the Word. Contrast to Winthrop, God did not condemn Lydia or any other woman for spreading the gospel. Mistress Hutchinson’s belief in the Covenant of Grace posed a threat to the magistrate’s authority and their ability to retain control over the people by imposing their religious doctrines (Bremer 1981). Though it eluded Winthrop, Mistress Hutchinson understood the Old Covenant had been fulfilled through Jesus Christ; “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
For the moment, the “City on the Hill” reigns as the exemplary symbol of righteousness whilst Governor Winthrop continues his quest to oppress those who oppose his
Accused of heresy, she stood before the court defending her right to practice her faith within the confines of her own home, in the company of other like-minded community members. A right for which many of us, including Winthrop, sought refuge in the New World. Such a censure reflects Winthrop’s failure to recognize in Mistress Hutchinson’s teachings the outlines of a religious and political philosophy with its own right to exist (Morgan 1937, 639).
Winthrop initiated the hearing by admonishing her for breaking the Law of God prohibiting women from ministering the Word. Citing the Scripture 1 Corinthians 14:34, he attempted to solidify his argument against the role of women in society and religion. …show more content…
Not unlike Lydia in the (Acts 16:13-15, 40), Mistress Hutchinson was already devoted to God. She too felt the Holy Spirit touch her heart upon hearing the gospel as told by the Apostle Paul. Such a revelation inspired her to spread the Word. Contrast to Winthrop, God did not condemn Lydia or any other woman for spreading the gospel. Mistress Hutchinson’s belief in the Covenant of Grace posed a threat to the magistrate’s authority and their ability to retain control over the people by imposing their religious doctrines (Bremer 1981). Though it eluded Winthrop, Mistress Hutchinson understood the Old Covenant had been fulfilled through Jesus Christ; “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
For the moment, the “City on the Hill” reigns as the exemplary symbol of righteousness whilst Governor Winthrop continues his quest to oppress those who oppose his