Although many people came to America seeking religious freedom, it appears that they were actually seeking the freedom to practice their own religion. In reality, almost all colonies were allowed to practice religions that they could not practice in Europe. The founders of many colonies preached religious tolerance but were really only concerned with the practitioners of their own religion and the degree of legal authority they could derive from "the will of God." Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Often, the people preaching the need for religious freedom were the same people who made and enforced the laws. Members of what might be called the ruling class were not really in danger of being burned at the stake, but they feared being oppressed as they were in England. William Penn declares: “No people can be truly happy... if they are deprived of the freedom of their conscience, as to their religious and professional worship” (VO4, 47). Penn recognizes the necessity of religious freedom for a prosperous and happy society. However, the only people protected by such freedoms were “the person or persons, living in this province or these territories, who will confess and recognize an almighty God” (VOF, 47). Even in Pennsylvania, considered a model colony for religious freedom, religions centered on Christianity were the only acceptable ones. Native Americans and many others were conveniently excluded from all of these religious protections. Likewise, exclusive doctrines of religious toleration existed in many other colonies, notably Maryland. Maryland's religion law explains how people "professing to believe in Jesus Christ" (VOF, 28) must be free from harassment based on their religious beliefs. Many people came to the new world to free themselves from the oppression of the Anglican Church, but immediately forgot what it felt like to be oppressed and subsequently became oppressors. In addition to championing pseudo-religious freedom, people who settled the New World used the platform of religious exclusivity to elevate its political authority. As John Winthrop said: "The other type of liberty which I call civil or federal... with reference to the covenant between God and man... this liberty is so maintained and exercised as to submit to authority” (VOF, 31). . Winthrop uses a religious appeal to reinforce the idea that it is the duty of every citizen to submit to authority. During this era, many rulers relied on the alliance between church and state to enforce their laws and ensure that people behaved in ideal ways. John Winthrop reiterated this belief during the trial of Anne Hutchinson for preaching against Puritan doctrine: "We do not see that anyone should have the authority to organize other exercises in addition to what the authority already has established” (VOF, 36). This type of narrow religious justification allowed the court to remove Hutchinson from Massachusetts. Because these settlers were so closely tied to government and religion, there did not have to be a violation of civil law to remove him. His views contrary to Puritan ideals provided sufficient grounds for such legal action. At that time, religious freedom meant the freedom to preach and govern according to Christ-centered teachings and essentially prohibited other religious teachings...