Chapter 7: The Seventeenth and Early Eighteenth Centuries - People

People (Individuals and Groups)

      It should be noted that there were important individuals and groups of people who greatly influenced the process of the emergence of the New World. One of those individuals is Anne Hutchinson, whom developed interests in theology and religion. Her father was condemned for his views on the subsequent religions during the colonial era. Because she, her family, and others had new views in Puritanism, they were all forced to migrate to the colonies controlled by Puritans of New England, where they could freely practice their faith without interference;(http://www.annehutchinson.com/anne_hutchinson_biography_001.htm).  Though not have practiced theology, Benjamin Franklin had so much talent that was exposed within America. He helped find a new nation through literacy by printing an almanac and his observations that he wrote down. Some of these observations were even scientific; (http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/).

      Religion became more independent when congregationalists ascended. What they did was form congregationalism, which is a version of Protestant Christianity. One exception of congregationalism is that it does not submit to human authorities. More religious entities rose among the colonies, one of them being George Whitefield. Whitefield became a missionary in a new colony in Georgia in America. Before traveling to the colony, he preached and was surprised to find that people actually clung to his words.

    

      Other races had their independent groups involved with religion. Huguenots were one of them, and they were the French Protestants. The followers' leader was John Calvin; (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0824470.html).    

      Ambushed by deer hunters in December 1607, John Smith was captured by Indians. He was carried to the chief Powhatan, where his fate would be decided. Note that Powhatan ruled over the Powhatan Confederacy, a group of Native Americans who prevented the takeover of some of their lands by Englishmen. Powhatan was impressed by the instruments Smith had carried, so rather than being executed, Smith had been part of a ritual. In the ritual, it was revealed that Pocahontas was involved with the decision of John Smith's fate, so she was a hero to him. (Unfortunately, she was captured, converted to Christianity, and married John Rolfe).After saving the Jamestown colony, he had instituted a harsh policy, "He who does not work, will not eat." He then had an accident on October 1609, which prevented him from ever returning to Virginia.

      Theologian Jonathan Edwards helped the Native Americans, because he was their missionary. He was acknowledged to be the the most important and original philosophical theologian. He delivered a sermon during the Great Awakening for the revival of religion at his First Church. (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/edwards/). Another theologian, Roger Williams, believed in the freedom of religion and the separation of Church and State. He had also learn the language of the Native Americans to make fair deals with them.

      Sir Walter Raleigh had something in common with Jonathan, Roger, and Benjamin. He had great talents such as poetry, writing, spying, and aristocracy. He had popularized tobacco in England. He was on Queen Elizabeth I's side. He had even heard of the "City of Gold" in 1594 and contributed to that legend through his writings.

      Though important people struggled with their ideas given to the public and religious groups fought for freedom, there was still some diversity. Separatists had removed other ethnic groups (Africans and Indians) from major groups such as Puritans.