I wanted to read this book, because there has been a lot of discussion about the United States being a Christian country from the beginning, and many want to go back to those values. I wanted to read a history book that looks at the factual events, so I could decide for myself whether I agree with the statement that this country started as a Christian country.
The 1600s were a difficult time of monarchy rule, monarchy chosen religion, with riches for royalty, but only hard work for little benefits. The common people were very poor, worked hard 6 days each week, and paid taxes to royalty.
This book is about the Pilgrims, and as the title suggests,
“They Came For Freedom”.
I really enjoyed reading this book! The author, Jay Milbrandt, did a good job of research and filled in many gaps in what I remembered about the Pilgrims’ history. The story begins in England, because that history sets the stage for why the Pilgrims went to America.
Of course it wasn’t even America yet. It was a new world, still being explored for how other countries could use its resources to make money. Spain, England, and France were all sending ships to bring back a bounty of animal furs, sassafras, and fish. They were hoping to find gold and silver, but that didn’t happen this early in the history.
The people that later were called Pilgrims, were called Separatists in England. This meant that they separated from the Church of England. That was illegal. They had to worship in secret. The law in England said that everyone had to worship at a Church of England every Sunday. Breaking this law would end you in prison. Many of the Separatists did go to prison. Some died there. Some survived.
First a group of Separatists left England to move to Holland, where people were free to choose their own religion. It was illegal to leave England without permission. Once again, they had to be hidden to avoid going to prison. Some were caught and did go to prison. Life in Holland was still hard. At least they had their own church. When England got word of the Separatists in Holland, they were in danger of prison again. This time they decided to go to the New World.
By the time the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, explorers had already mapped the coastal areas all along the East coast. There was already a settlement established at Jamestown. They definitely were not the first to arrive.
The Pilgrims and the other settlers that came from England in the Mayflower ship, were going to the New World for different reasons. Many were seeking their fortune. The Pilgrims mainly wanted religious freedom.
In 1636, all the men on the Mayflower signed a document laying out the rules of law that they would follow. This document was called the “Mayflower Compact”. They decided to separate church and state, to guarantee religious freedom. They gave land ownership to all men, and inheritance to all sons, not just the first son. They made marriage a government function, not the church. These three decisions were in total disagreement with the ruling classes in England, France, and Spain. There was to be no king. There would be a governor, chosen by the people. This was the first self-government of the common people. None of these are really Christian based.
The book continues the story of how the Pilgrims lived and where they settled in the New World. It covers their relationship with the Indians in the area. It also covers the first thanksgiving feast. Their lives were still very hard. Many died.
About the same time as the Pilgrims settled in the New World, the Puritans also arrived. Although they both had Christian beliefs, they did differ, and did not live in the same towns. The Puritans later became well known for the Salem witch trials.
I believe, knowing our history, gives us good knowledge that can help us avoid some pitfalls. Unfortunately, most people ignore history, and they are then doomed to make the same mistakes. Some of the things Christians did after coming to the New World were good and worth following, but some things are not. Even as Christianity exists today with many different churches and beliefs, the same was true in the day of the Pilgrims.
People tend to want others around them to believe like they do. Some Christians even want the United States government to legislate based on Christian beliefs. This would be directly counter to the freedom the Pilgrims came here to find. They wanted freedom of religion, and separation of church and state. If we want freedom, we must give that same freedom to every citizen!
The story of the Pilgrims is complicated. It is not clear from their story alone whether this country can be called a Christian country from the beginning. I believe instead, what we can say is that it is a country with freedom of religion to all, and should stay that way.
If you would like to read the history, and make up your mind on this issue, this is an excellent book to read. Just remember that the Pilgrims are only one part of the story.
–>Click HERE to get “They Came For Freedom”.
Jay Milbrandt also wrote the book “The Daring Heart of David Livingstone”. If you enjoy history, you may want to read it too.
–>Click this to get the book about David Livingstone.
I am supposed to tell you that I got a free copy of “They Came For Freedom”, from —>BookLook Bloggers so that I could write my honest review of the book for you. Enjoy!
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