Pilgrim Myths P5

As an historical side note, concerning the misinformation about the Pilgrims killing Indians & stealing their land, there was a vast difference in the practice of various missionary groups in early colonial days.

Spanish missionaries could be harsh in the treatment of natives, using forcible conversations and beating them for wrongdoings after the “conversions.” The Spanish view of Christianity at that time allowed for torture and barbaric persecutions, even a brutal Inquisition.

The French missionaries, while better in their treatment of natives, generally did not recognize the equal value of individuals or the right of personal religious faith and conscience.

But the English, as well as Dutch, Moravian, and other missionaries shaped by the Reformation, showed the best personal character and displayed the most civilized practices of the various missionary groups. They used neither coercion nor force but instead presented faith on a voluntary-choice basis. Of course, there were exceptions for each of the groups, but this characterization reflects the general practices of each.

Content Sourced from The American Story, The Beginnings.  By: David Barton and Tim Barton