Which of the following best summarizes the role of religion in the massachusetts bay colony a) the massachusetts bay colony encouraged religious tolerance and was open to colonists of different beliefs b) the massachusetts bay colony did not encourage religious tolerance but it did not strongly oppose it either c) the massachusetts bay colony was established by the church of england for anglican colonists d) the massachusetts bay colony had strict rules governing behavior that were based on religious principles

D) the Massachusetts bay colony had strict rules governing behavior that were based on religious principles

Explanation:

The possibility of a "city upon a hill" clarified the religious direction of the New England settlement, and the contract of the Massachusetts Bay Colony expressed as an objective that the province's kin "might be so religiously, quietly, and commonly administered, as their great Life and precise Conversation, made Wynn and instigate the Natives of Country, to the Knowledge and Obedience of the main genuine God and Sailor of Mankind, and the Christian Fayth." To outline this, the seal of the Massachusetts Bay Company demonstrates a half-stripped Native American who implores a greater amount of the English to "come over and help us."

The correct summary of the religion’s role in the Massachusetts Bay Colony is “The Massachusetts Bay Colony had strict rules governing behavior that were based on religious principles.” The population was intensely Puritan, and its authority was controlled by a small group of superiors who were powerfully motivated by Puritan teachings.

EXPLANATION:  

The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by Puritans, a religious minority who wandered to the New World to build a model religious community. The Puritans convinced that the Anglican Church needs to be purified from Catholic influence. The Puritans were in conflict with the Anglican Church and Stuarts, the ruling British monarch, and they became very unpopular in England.

In 1629, many Puritans were tired of attempting to reform the church in England, and they were afraid that God would soon penalize sinful English people. A wealthy Puritan group formed the Massachusetts Bay Company, a joint-stock company that employed 17 ships to carry Puritans to their new homes in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The Puritans were controlled by a disposable lawyer named John Winthrop, who was one of the most powerful religious leaders of the colony. Winthrop stated that the Massachusetts Bay Colony must be a 'city on a hill,' an example of a flawless religious community.

The idea of a "city on a hill" clarified the religious orientation of New England townships, and the Massachusetts Bay Colony charter stated as an objective that the people of the colony " may be soe religiously, peaceablie, and civilly governed, as their good Life and orderlie Conversacon, maie wynn and incite the Natives of Country, to the Knowledg and Obedience of the onlie true God and Saulor of Mankinde, and the Christian Fayth.”

LEARN MORE:  

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

•What was a major difference between the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Rhode Island?

KEYWORDS: Massachusetts Bay Colony, Puritans

Subject  : History

Class  : 10-12

Sub-Chapter: Massachusetts Bay Colony