The jews living during the time of jesus' birth wanted the messiah to deliver them from earthly rulers, to be :

a : lamb of god
b : lion of god
c : angel of the lord

the old way of life was represented by superstition, an angry god, and absolute submission to authority. the thinkers of the age of reason ushered in a new way of thinking. this new way championed the accomplishments of humankind. individuals did not have to accept despair. science and reason could bring happiness and progress. kings did not rule by divine right. they had an obligation to their subjects. europeans pondered the implications for nearly a century. americans put them into practice first.

they encountered severe weather for which they were poorly prepared.