RELIGION ROLE MODELS

Follow Jesus' Example as Role Model

CONTENTS — FIND IN PAGE

PURITAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S.

PURITAN FAILINGS

PURITAN LEADERS

PUBLIC EXECUTIONS

QUAKER INFLUENCE

ANABAPTIST INFLUENCE

FAILINGS OF THE PEACE RELIGIONS

RELIGIONS AS ROLE MODELS

COMMUNITIES & TOWNS

PURITAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S.

Founding and Shaping New England Colonies
The early Puritans had a profound and lasting influence on the development of the American colonies, especially in New England. They played leading roles in establishing key colonies such as Massachusetts Bay (1629), Connecticut (1636), New Haven (1638), and were active in New Hampshire and other northern colonies1,4,5. Their vision was to create a "City upon a Hill" - a model Christian commonwealth that would inspire both Europe and the New World1,6.

Religious and Social Structure
Puritan society was deeply religious, with church and civil governance closely intertwined. Only church members - those who could demonstrate a personal conversion experience - could vote or hold office, making religious conformity central to public life4,5. The Puritans’ emphasis on a covenanted community shaped the social and moral fabric of the region, enforcing strict codes of behavior and communal responsibility2,4.

Education and Literacy
Puritans prioritized education, believing that everyone should be able to read the Bible. They established the first formal schools in America, including the Roxbury Latin School (1635) and Harvard College (1639). By 1647, Massachusetts law required towns to support public schools, leading to higher literacy rates in New England than elsewhere in the colonies5.

Political Ideals and Governance
The Puritans’ self-governing congregational church model influenced the development of democratic practices in the colonies. Town meetings and local self-rule became hallmarks of New England political life, and their ideas about liberty of conscience and the rule of law contributed to the evolution of American democratic ideals2,6,7,8.

Cultural and Moral Legacy
Puritan values - such as a strong work ethic, moral seriousness, and a sense of mission - became deeply embedded in American culture7. Their legacy influenced later social movements, including abolitionism, and shaped the emerging American identity as a people with a unique purpose and destiny1,6.

PURITAN FAILINGS

While Jesus taught that his yoke is easy and his burden light, offering rest and mercy to the weary (Matthew 11:28–30), the Puritans in early colonial America often imposed heavy social, religious, and legal burdens on their communities. Here are the main ways in which their approach diverged from Jesus’ example:

1. Harsh Moral and Religious Laws

• The Puritans adopted strict Old Testament laws, enforcing severe punishments - including whipping, public humiliation, and even the death penalty - for offenses such as blasphemy, adultery, homosexuality, and Sabbath-breaking5,3,9.

• Even minor infractions, like public displays of affection or missing church, could result in fines, stocks, or corporal punishment6,8.

2. Coercion and Compulsory Religion

• Attendance at church was mandatory, with authorities searching for absentees and punishing those who did not comply6.

• The Puritans enforced religious conformity through civil authority, punishing nonconformity as a threat to social order7.

3. Intolerance of Dissent and Diversity

• The Puritans were intolerant of other religious groups, persecuting, banishing, and even executing Quakers, Catholics, and others who differed from their beliefs9.

• Laws were passed to banish or execute those who practiced or promoted alternative faiths, directly contradicting Jesus’ inclusive call to the weary and burdened9.

4. Heavy Social Regulation

• Strict laws governed nearly every aspect of daily life, from family relations to leisure activities, leaving little room for personal freedom or relief from communal expectations8,3.

• The Puritan approach often led to fear and hypocrisy, as people conformed outwardly to avoid punishment rather than from genuine conviction6.

Summary
Rather than making people’s burdens light, the Puritans often increased them through legalism, coercion, and intolerance. Their society was marked by strict control, harsh penalties, and little space for mercy or rest - contrasting sharply with Jesus’ invitation to find rest for the soul and relief from heavy burdens5,6,9.

PURITAN LEADERS

• Cotton Mather was a prominent Puritan clergyman and author in colonial New England. He was deeply involved in the religious and public life of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and is recognized as a major figure in Puritan history1,3,4,5.

• John Winthrop was a leading Puritan and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He played a crucial role in founding the colony as a Puritan settlement and was committed to establishing a society based on Puritan religious principles6,8,9.

Both men are considered central to the Puritan movement in early American history. Both Mather and Winthrop were central figures in promoting and maintaining the strict methods and ideals of Puritanism in early New England1,2,6,8.

• Thomas Dudley was a key founder of the MA colony and was instrumental in the founding of Harvard College and was known for his strict enforcement of Puritan orthodoxy, contributing some of the colony’s harshest religious policies7.

• John Eliot was a leading Puritan missionary in New England, famous for his efforts to convert Native Americans, the establishment of "praying towns," and translating the Bible into the Algonquian language. His missionary work had a significant impact on both colonial policy and Native relations3.

PUBLIC EXECUTIONS

1. Intensified Debate Over Religious Tolerance
The public execution and harsh persecution of Quakers by Puritan authorities, especially between 1659 and 1661, when four Quakers were hanged in Massachusetts Bay, sparked widespread condemnation and debate. Many colonists and observers in England viewed these acts as extreme and contrary to the ideals of religious refuge that had motivated much of early colonial settlement1,5,6. The executions highlighted the contradiction between the Puritans’ own experience of persecution in Europe and their willingness to persecute others in America1.

2. Pressure from England and Legal Reforms
The severity of Puritan measures against Quakers - including mutilation, branding, and execution - drew the attention and intervention of English authorities. King Charles II issued orders to end capital punishment for religious dissenters, forcing Massachusetts to halt executions and gradually moderate its laws against Quakers4,6. This external pressure marked an early limit to colonial autonomy in matters of religious policy and set a precedent for royal intervention on behalf of religious minorities.

3. Strengthening of Quaker Resolve and Influence
Rather than extinguish Quaker beliefs, the martyrdoms created powerful symbols of faith and resistance. Stories of executed Quakers like Mary Dyer became rallying points, inspiring both Quakers and other advocates for religious freedom. The Quakers’ willingness to suffer and die for their convictions won them sympathy and respect, ultimately helping their movement grow and gain legal toleration in other colonies, such as Rhode Island6.

4. Shifting Colonial Attitudes Toward Toleration
The spectacle and controversy of public executions contributed to a gradual shift in attitudes toward religious diversity in the colonies. The harshness of Puritan persecution was increasingly seen as unjust and un-Christian, prompting some colonists to advocate for greater religious liberty. Over time, this contributed to the broader American tradition of religious pluralism and legal protections for dissenters1,5.

QUAKER INFLUENCE

Quakers, also known as the Society of Friends, had significant and wide-ranging influence on the early American colonies and the development of the United States, well beyond their well-known experiences as victims of Puritan persecution.

1. Founding and Shaping Pennsylvania

• William Penn, a prominent Quaker, founded Pennsylvania as a "holy experiment" in religious freedom, fair government, and equality6,7. The colony became a haven for Quakers and other persecuted groups, and its principles of religious tolerance and self-governance set important precedents for American society4,8.

• Quaker values shaped Pennsylvania’s laws and culture, promoting religious liberty, fair treatment of Native Americans, and a representative government6,7.

2. Religious Tolerance and Pluralism

• Quakers pioneered the idea of religious freedom, not only in Pennsylvania but as a model for other colonies. Their advocacy for liberty of conscience and opposition to religious coercion influenced broader American ideals and legal protections for religious minorities3,6.

• Pennsylvania’s success as a diverse, tolerant colony helped demonstrate the practical benefits of pluralism to the rest of the colonies7.

3. Political and Social Influence

• Quakers held significant positions in colonial assemblies, especially in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, shaping policies on governance, justice, and civil rights2.

• Their commitment to pacifism and refusal to bear arms or take loyalty oaths sometimes put them at odds with other colonists, but also highlighted alternative approaches to conflict and civic duty1,2.

4. Economic and Cultural Contributions

• Quakers contributed to the economic success of their colonies, especially Pennsylvania, which became one of the richest and most prosperous due to its resources, location, and the industriousness of its settlers7.

• Their emphasis on honesty, fair dealing, and community welfare influenced business practices and social norms3.

5. Advocacy for Equality and Justice

• Quakers were early advocates for the rights and fair treatment of Native Americans, often engaging in more equitable land negotiations and seeking peaceful coexistence7.

• While initially some Quakers owned slaves, the movement became a leading voice in the abolitionist cause, setting the stage for later anti-slavery activism6.

6. Influence on Legal and Social Boundaries

• The presence and activism of Quaker missionaries forced colonial governments to define and sometimes expand the boundaries of acceptable religious dissent, contributing to evolving concepts of freedom and rights in America5.

Legacy
Quaker self-governance in Pennsylvania became a model for democratic principles, religious liberty, and constitutional government in America. The colony’s political innovations and commitment to pluralism influenced later state and national frameworks4,8.

ANABAPTIST INFLUENCE

1. Religious Pluralism and Tolerance
The presence of diverse religious groups-including Anglicans, Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Catholics, Jews, and especially Anabaptist groups like the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites - helped foster a culture of religious pluralism in the colonies. Unlike colonies with established state churches (such as Puritan Massachusetts or Anglican Virginia), areas with significant populations of dissenting groups, like Pennsylvania and parts of the Middle Colonies, became models for religious liberty and coexistence4,5. This diversity laid the groundwork for the American commitment to freedom of conscience and the eventual separation of church and state2,5.

2. Separation of Church and State
Amish-like religions (Anabaptists) were particularly influential in shaping the American principle of church-state separation. Their core beliefs included:

• Voluntary church membership

• Opposition to state churches

• Refusal to use government power to enforce religious conformity

Instead of seeking to dominate public life, these groups advocated living quietly and separately, practicing their faith without interference and not imposing it on others2,3,5. This stance influenced the broader American ethos that government should not dictate religious practice, a principle later enshrined in the First Amendment2,5.

3. Community Autonomy and Ethnic Identity
Anabaptist groups like the Amish and Mennonites developed self-contained, tightly-knit communities with distinct social norms, dress, and language. Over time, these communities became both religious and cultural enclaves, emphasizing communal living, mutual aid, and separation from mainstream society3,7. Their example showed that it was possible to maintain strong group identities and values within a pluralistic society, influencing American attitudes toward minority rights and local autonomy3.

4. Economic and Social Contributions
Amish-like groups were known for their skills in farming and willingness to settle and cultivate rural, undeveloped land. Their agricultural innovations and strong work ethic contributed to the economic development of regions where they settled, such as Pennsylvania and later the Midwest3,6. Their approach to community welfare and mutual support also provided models for cooperative and communal living6,7.

5. Advocacy for Liberty of Conscience
The Anabaptist insistence on adult baptism was a public declaration of freedom of conscience-a key idea that influenced later American thinkers and legal frameworks5. Their refusal to use violence or coercion in matters of faith set a powerful precedent for peaceful dissent and respect for individual rights2,5.

FAILINGS OF THE PEACE RELIGIONS

Peace religions-such as the Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, and Moravians-were deeply committed to nonviolence, religious liberty, and community integrity. However, their approach was not without shortcomings or internal contradictions, especially during times of crisis or conflict.

1. Internal Divisions and Inconsistency

• The outbreak of war, particularly the American Revolution, exposed deep ideological divides within peace churches. While most Quakers and similar groups refused to support war in any form, some members participated in the conflict or supported it indirectly, leading to expulsions and disciplinary actions1,5. For example, between 1774 and 1785, over 1,700 Quakers were disowned for involvement in the Revolution1.

• There was often ambiguity and debate within these communities about what constituted “support” for war-whether paying taxes, using government-issued currency, or providing goods and services to the military counted as complicity1,5. This lack of consensus sometimes undermined the clarity and unity of their witness.

2. Withdrawal from Public Life

• In times of war or political conflict, peace churches often withdrew from positions of authority or government to avoid compromising their principles1,6. This retreat sometimes meant relinquishing influence over public policy, leaving governance to those less committed to peace and tolerance.

• Their separation from broader society, while preserving their values, sometimes limited their ability to advocate effectively for justice or reform beyond their own communities1.

3. Perceived Lack of Patriotism and Social Solidarity

• Refusal to take oaths of allegiance, serve in militias, or support revolutionary causes led to accusations of disloyalty or even treason from other colonists5. Peace church members were fined, imprisoned, and socially ostracized, which further isolated them and sometimes fueled suspicion or resentment from neighbors.

4. Compromises in Practice

• Even Quaker leaders in civil office sometimes found themselves supporting war measures indirectly, such as raising taxes for defense or provisioning military supplies, despite their personal pacifist convictions6. This practical compromise revealed the difficulty of maintaining absolute nonviolence while participating in real-world governance.

5. Limited Engagement with Broader Injustice

• While peace churches were often ahead of their time in advocating for religious liberty and, later, abolition, their focus on internal purity and separation sometimes limited their engagement with broader social injustices, especially in the earliest years7. Their insular approach could delay more active involvement in movements for wider social change.

Despite these shortcomings, their legacy of nonviolence and religious liberty remains significant1,5,6.

RELIGIONS AS ROLE MODELS

The Bible clearly presents Jesus as our role model, calling us to follow his example-especially his radical love for all people. {IMO, Salvation means following Jesus’ example of love for all.} He taught, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), making love the foundation of Christian life and the ultimate measure of discipleship8,5. To love as Jesus loved is to embody compassion, humility, and service to others, breaking down barriers and extending dignity to all - regardless of status or background6.

Religions throughout history have sought to be role models by encouraging their followers to embody these ideals in both personal conduct and community life. For example, the Bible highlights women like Priscilla and Mary of Bethany, who led by example in faithfulness and hospitality, showing that leadership and love transcend cultural hierarchies6. Religious communities have often organized themselves around principles of mutual care, justice, and inclusion, striving to reflect Jesus’ teachings in their structures and relationships.

Early American religious groups were highly intentional about serving as role models, both for their own members and for the wider society. Their communities were often founded with the explicit goal of embodying their religious ideals in everyday life, governance, and social reform.

1. Creating Model Societies

• Puritans, Quakers, and other groups saw their colonies as “cities upon a hill”-examples of godly living meant to inspire others. The Puritans in Massachusetts Bay, for instance, aimed to create a society governed by biblical principles, hoping their discipline, education, and communal responsibility would set a standard for others3.

• The Quakers in Pennsylvania intentionally built a colony on principles of religious tolerance, peace, and equality, striving to demonstrate that a just and harmonious society was possible through these values4.

2. Social Reform and Activism

• Many religious groups believed that personal salvation should lead to societal transformation. Methodists, for example, were deeply involved in reform movements-founding Bible societies, temperance organizations, and educational initiatives to uplift the marginalized and improve society1.

• African American religious leaders like Jarena Lee broke barriers by preaching to mixed-race audiences and challenging both racial and gender norms, modeling courage and inclusivity1.

3. Religious Tolerance and Pluralism

• In the Middle Colonies, religious diversity led to a practical model of coexistence. Groups realized that to practice their faiths freely, they had to extend the same tolerance to others. This mutual respect provided a living example of peaceful pluralism and influenced the broader American commitment to religious liberty4.

• Pennsylvania and New York, in particular, became showcases for the benefits of religious voluntarism and equal freedom, as noted by leaders like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison4.

4. Challenging Authority and Promoting Individual Conscience

• Figures like Anne Hutchinson challenged established religious authority by asserting the right of individuals to interpret scripture and experience God directly. Such challenges modeled the importance of conscience, dissent, and spiritual authenticity1.

• Joseph Smith’s founding of Mormonism was rooted in the quest for true religion and a community that reflected restored Christian ideals, even at great personal and communal cost1.

5. Women and Minorities as Role Models

• Women like Anne Hutchinson and Jarena Lee became role models by defying social norms and leading in spiritual matters, demonstrating that faith could empower marginalized voices to lead and inspire1.

Early U.S. religions were intentional role models by striving to build exemplary communities, championing social reform, practicing and modeling religious tolerance, empowering individual conscience, and elevating the voices of women and minorities. Their actions and communities were designed not just for their own benefit, but to serve as living examples of their highest ideals for the broader world to see and, potentially, to emulate1,4.

This aspiration toward loving community finds a modern culmination in a governance model like sociocracy {coopocracy}. These systems are built on principles that closely mirror religious ideals: equality, solidarity, shared responsibility, and participatory decision-making7,9. Sociocracy, for instance, emphasizes democratic member control (“one member, one voice”), consent-based policy, and the inclusion of all voices in decision-making - values that resonate with Jesus’ call to love and serve one another7,9,12. Cooperatives and sociocratic organizations intentionally create communities where each person’s needs are respected and where power is shared transparently and equitably, embodying the biblical vision of loving one’s neighbor in practical, organizational life7,11,12.

The Bible sets Jesus as our role model, commanding love for all as the highest standard. Religions have sought to live out this example, and modern cooperative and sociocratic models can be seen as the practical, organizational fulfillment of these timeless spiritual ideals - communities where love, equality, and shared purpose are not just preached, but practiced7,11,12. {IMO, Love is just a fancy word for caring about others, as well as oneself.}

COMMUNITIES & TOWNS

Intentional communities adopting sociocracy report greater inclusion, transparency, and shared responsibility, leading to stronger engagement and improved economic stability, including new business creation5,1. Mainstream towns could apply sociocratic principles-such as consent-based decision-making and distributed leadership-to solve economic problems by empowering residents, supporting local businesses, and fostering more equitable, resilient communities2,3.

{Jesus is our role model and we’re to follow his example and be role models to others, as we learn Jesus’ methods.}