What role did religion play in the founding of New England colonies?

Religion played a central and foundational role in the establishment of the New England colonies, serving as a critical framework for social and political life. The early settlers, particularly the Puritans and Pilgrims, arrived in New England primarily to practice their religious beliefs freely and to create communities based on their interpretations of Christianity. This desire for religious freedom was intertwined with their daily lives, influencing their governance, social structures, and moral expectations.

In New England, towns were often organized around a central meetinghouse that served as a place for worship and community gatherings, reinforcing the idea that religion was not just a personal belief but a collective responsibility. The Puritan work ethic and their belief in a "city upon a hill" emphasized a model community striving to exemplify their religious ideals. Legal codes were often reflective of religious principles, and dissenters, like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, faced significant challenges for their differing beliefs, underscoring how deeply religion influenced societal norms and political authority in these colonies. Thus, the guiding principles derived from their religious beliefs became integral to the identity and governance of New England settlements.