Lenka S. reviewed The Times And Trials Of Anne Hutchinson: Puritans Divided (Landmark Law Cases & American Society) on + 823 more book reviews
It was the Baltimore columnist H. L. Menchen who stated that "Puritanism is the haunting fear that someone somewhere may be happy." Differing opinions regarding religion in the Massachusetts Bay Colony created strife and confusion between ministers and their congregants. A once popular minister in Salem named Roger Williams was jettisoned from his post and banished into the wilderness where he founded the colony of Rhode Island. Anne Hutchinson had the gall to have home meetings to discuss spiritual matters that apparently differed from acceptable opinions and she, too, was banished from the colony and eventually ended up in what is now the Bronx, New York, where she and several family members and others were killed by Indians.
I found it difficult to keep track of the infighting among church members regarding what was considered acceptable religious belief. People had various opinions regarding salvation and intolerance reigned supreme where people were excommunicated from the church, suffered physical punishment, and banished all-together from the colony. So much for coming to America for religious freedom. I guess if I learned anything from this book it's that religious diversity was in vogue at the time as it is now.
I found it difficult to keep track of the infighting among church members regarding what was considered acceptable religious belief. People had various opinions regarding salvation and intolerance reigned supreme where people were excommunicated from the church, suffered physical punishment, and banished all-together from the colony. So much for coming to America for religious freedom. I guess if I learned anything from this book it's that religious diversity was in vogue at the time as it is now.
