Post-Revolutionary American Religion

Religious tolerance and acceptance has been a staple of the American belief system since the colonial era. Many colonists were seeking religious solace and safety from persecution when they migrated to the New World. These factors have always been important to followers of various factions of Christianity, who fled their countries to escape the tyranny of the Catholic church. The promise of religious freedom was so important to early American citizens that they even felt the need to write it into the United States Constitution. The first amendment guarantees that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (U.S. Constitution). America is known as the “land of the free” and many Americans still believe that America is tolerant of all religions and cultures. Although this is partially true, there are a lot of groups in America that are still discriminated against. This discrimination can be dated back to the beginning of the colonial era. Two less well known religions of this time were Quakerism, or the Society of Friends, and Afro-Caribbean religions such as Santería. The Society of Friends was more accepted by members of colonial and post-revolutionary American societies than Afro-Creole/Afro-Caribbean religions.
The religion of Quakerism first emerged …show more content…
Because of this small piece of God in every human, many Quakers feel strongly that we cannot harm one another, making them very anti-violence. The Society of Friends also believes that every person is capable of teaching themselves the words of God, and, therefore, have no preachers or priests. During worship sessions, every follower, or Friend, is encouraged to speak as they feel necessary. MORE HERE. ONLINE