The Trial of Anne Hutchinson
(1637)
The
God in America
study guide
provides a good description of the significance of Anne
Hutchinson, an important figure in understanding the dynamics of the American political and
religious traditions—particularly the tensions between orthodoxy and dissent. Anne Hutchinson
was charged with 1)
disturbing the peace
by conducting religious services in her home—which
was directly across the street from John Winthrop; and 2)—preaching religious doctrines that the
Puritan politico-religious leaders (including Winthrop) considered incorrect—including her
belief that individuals were
responsible to God
for their actions, not to the church or church
officials. And she was a woman.
Why was she considered a threat? The transcript of her trial testimony in response to the charges
filed against her reveal the courage of her convictions, and her ability use scripture against the
church leaders who accused her of preaching incorrect doctrines. A religious dissenter
challenging established authority.
The trial is taught today as an early example of the dynamic of religious conflict between the
established religious orthodoxy (in this case the Puritan clergy) and dissenters (individual
believers who challenged the religious authority/institutional leadership), and between the church
hierarchy and lay people.
Hutchinson was found guilty. The sentence was banishment from
Massachusetts Colony. What is the moral of the story of the trial of Anne Hutchinson—that is,
what is its meaning in American religious politics?
The Salem Witchcraft Trials
(1692)
B. The Early Years of the Republic
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution
Article VI:
“….but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any
Office or public Trust under the United States.”

First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; …”
Madison’s
Federalist No. 10
. The Problem: Factions. Economic, geographic, party, even
religion. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction.
The Solution: Pluralism.
Religious Revivals.
Utopian Movements: Sacred and Secular.
Fruitlands
(1840s) and
Brook Farm
(1840s). Transcendentalism and freeing individuals
from established….
III. “Civil religion” in America
In an influential 1967 essay, the sociologist Robert N. Bellah (1927–2013) coined the term “civil
religion” to describe the distinctive American political religiosity—the surprisingly large role
that religion plays in American politics and government. What is civil religion? Does the U.S.
have one?
“
Civil Religion in America
”
IV. The Puzzle of American Religiosity

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- Fall '19
- Christianity, Faith