Civic Life

Quiz: What Was Religion Like in Early America?

A South East view of Christ's Church. Engraving in Columbian Magazine, November 1787-December 1787 Philadelphia: 1787. Page 2. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (52)

A South East view of Christ's Church. Engraving in Columbian Magazine, November 1787-December 1787 Philadelphia: 1787. Page 2. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (52)

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that provides the philosophical foundations for religious liberty and a pluralistic society! How much do you know about religious life in early America?

Step 1 of 10

How many American colonists attended church regularly in the 1700s?(Required)

The American Revolution

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence, will premiere on Sunday, November 16 and air for six consecutive nights through Friday, November 21st at 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. The full series is available to stream at PBS.org and on the PBS App.
 
The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward. The filmmakers and PBS scheduled the broadcast for 2025, the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.

Related Resources

Want to learn even more about faith and freedom in early America? Check out the new documentary, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONand our accompanying resources, Faith & Freedom in America.

The American Revolution: Faith and Freedom in America

Consider how diverse beliefs shaped early American ideals and how interfaith dialogue can strengthen civic understanding and unity today.

5 Religious Freedom Stories You Missed in History Class

Early American history is full of figures pursuing their freedom of religion, which helped shape a society that values pluralism and working toward a common good

The American Revolution Faith & Freedom Bingo Card

As you enjoy Ken Burns’ new film “The American Revolution," use this bingo card to note faith and freedom focused tidbits.

Interfaith America Magazine seeks contributions that present a wide range of experiences and perspectives from a diverse set of worldviews on the opportunities and challenges of American pluralism. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Interfaith America, its board of directors, or its employees.