Why Is William Penn Allowed For Greater Religious Freedom

1. William Penn was an advocate of such a colony that allowed for greater religious freedom than there had been in Europe. As a Quaker, he sought the creation of a colony within which the Quakers could exercise their religious customs without any inhibition. William Penn, in support of religious liberty, argues that the freedom of conscience is integral to the attainment of happiness. He further asserts, in agreement with the Quaker faith, that God’s Spirit dwells in the masses and influenced the people’s conscience, and knowledge hence the people were to be protected from any form of religious related molestation. Penn also observes that the laymen had a political voice and were supposed to provide guidance in the running of the colonies. He also opines that persons were not to be compelled to adopt a religion against their wish. In essence, Penn asserted that the government ought not to restrict religious practice. …show more content…
While William Penn indicates outright freedom of religion in Pennsylvania, Maryland’s Toleration act delved more into protecting Catholicism rather than creating free space for various faiths to express their faith. Maryland’s Toleration act criminalizes blasphemy; making it punishable by death. Punishments including fines were also outlined for various other crimes against the Apostles, the Evangelists, and the Virgin Mary. This shows that Catholicism was held in a superior position relative to other faiths. Notably, Maryland, unlike Pennsylvania that was formed as a solace of Quakers, was established as a home for persecuted Catholic immigrants. Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges and Liberties deemed that the government should not make religious restrictions whatsoever. In the case of Maryland, however, the toleration act expressly outlines punishments for what are evidently religious