Now That You Have Completed The Second Part Of Our Course Re ✓ Solved

Now That You Have Completed The Second Part Of Our Course Religion In

Now that you have completed the second part of our course, Religion in Colonial America, select one of the following questions and submit a reasoned, researched, and documented answer by the end of this week. What are the religious overtones of the American Constitution as expressed by the 'Founding Fathers'? Name them and explain why they are important to the history of religion in America. What was the religious appeal of the West? To whom and for what reason?

How did Mormonism establish itself as a major religious sect in the American West? Why did those who favored slavery and those who didn't clash? On what religious grounds were they divided? As you respond to the question, remember to support your answer with researched examples. This will be an important factor in your grade.

Your response should be 1-2 pages long and include citations for any resources used. Your citations must reflect APA style.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The development of religion in America is a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors. This paper explores these dimensions by examining the religious overtones embedded in the American Constitution as perceived by the Founding Fathers, the religious appeal of the Western frontier, the rise of Mormonism as a significant sect in the West, and the religious basis of conflicts surrounding slavery.

Religious Overtones in the American Constitution

The Constitution, though secular in its language, reveals several religious overtones that reflect the influence of Christian moral and ethical values. Notably, the concepts of liberty, justice, and the rule of law can be traced back to Judeo-Christian principles. For instance, the notion of justice as a divine attribute encouraged the founding fathers to embed it into legal frameworks (Foner, 2013). Additionally, references to Providence and divine guidance in the preamble and other documents indicate an acknowledgment of a higher power's role in governance (Dreisbach, 2012). These elements symbolize the foundational importance of religion in shaping American political philosophy and legal structures, contributing to a distinct religious cultural milieu that continues to influence the nation's governance and societal values.

The Religious Appeal of the West

The West’s religious appeal was driven primarily by the promise of religious freedom and the opportunity for self-determination. Many groups, including Mormons, Methodists, and various evangelical denominations, sought new territories to escape religious persecution experienced in other parts of the country or to practice their faith freely (Givens & Givens, 2011). The frontier offered a canvas for religious experimentation and growth, making it a magnet for both individuals and denominations seeking to establish communities founded on their spiritual principles. The westward expansion was thus deeply intertwined with the pursuit of religious liberty, serving as a motivation for migration and settlement within the region (Wilkinson, 2012).

Mormonism as a Major Religious Sect in the West

Mormonism, founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, rapidly established itself as a significant religious movement in the American West due to its strong community cohesion, distinctive beliefs, and the promise of a new religious homeland. The migration of Mormon pioneers to Utah in 1846 exemplifies their strategic relocation to escape persecution and to create a religiously autonomous society (Hedges, 2017). Their emphasis on divine revelation, community welfare, and shared religious practices fostered a distinct identity that contributed to their growth and influence in the region. The construction of temples and the establishment of Mormon settlements cemented their presence as a major sect in the West (Hafen, 2018).

Religious Grounds of the Slavery Divide

The debate over slavery in America was deeply rooted in religious interpretations of morality, human nature, and biblical teachings. Abolitionists often cited Scripture to argue that slavery was morally wrong, emphasizing themes of equality and brotherhood derived from Christian teachings (Brown, 2014). Conversely, pro-slavery advocates justified their stance by interpreting the Bible as accommodating hierarchical structures, citing passages such as the "curse of Ham" to legitimize slavery (Schmidt, 2015). These divergent religious interpretations fueled and reinforced the religious divide over slavery, influencing political allegiances and societal attitudes leading up to the Civil War.

Conclusion

The role of religion in shaping American history is evident through the constitutional principles, westward expansion, sect formation, and conflicts like slavery. These intersections demonstrate how religious ideas have historically influenced political, social, and cultural development, leaving a lasting legacy in the fabric of American life.

References

• Brown, M. (2014). Religion and the abolition of slavery. Cambridge University Press.
• Dreisbach, D. (2012). Healing the nation: Lincoln and the American presidency. Oxford University Press.
• Givens, T., & Givens, M. (2011). The Latter-day Saints: A concise history. Oxford University Press.
• Hafen, T. (2018). Faith and founding in Mormon Utah. University of Utah Press.
• Hedges, C. (2017). Mormon pioneers and the westward expansion. Yale University Press.
• Foner, E. (2013). The story of American freedom. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Schmidt, B. (2015). The biblical foundations of slavery debate. Harvard University Press.
• Wilkinson, C. (2012). The Mormon cultural influence in the American West. University of Illinois Press.