Lesson 16 Religious Persecution – Part One

Please read The Silencing ofMary Dyer (p. 4 of Us and Them).

1. In what sense was Mary Dyer one of “us” who became one of “them”?

2. Why did Puritans – themselves victims of religious persecution – persecute those who did not share their religious views?

Visit this site to learn more about Mary Dyer. Some of what you will read was written during the time the events took place. You can read some of the actual comments from her “trial.”

3. What interested you the most from what you read on this site?

4. People who are willing to sacrifice their lives for their beliefs are rare. Why do you believe Mary Dyer is not a well-known historical figure?

5. Choose ONE:

a. Imagine you are Mary Dyer, exiled in England. Write a letter to your husband and children explaining your new religious beliefs and how you intend to lead your life when you return to America.

b. You are a reporter for the Boston Globe in the mid-1600s. You have been assigned to cover the execution of Mary Dyer, and she has granted you a final interview. Write a brief article describing the events of June 1, 1660, and recounting some of Mary’s hopes and dreams for the world her descendants will inherit.

Please read In the City of Brotherly Love (p. 39 of Us and Them).

6. Describe the religious controversy that sparked conflict between Irish Catholic immigrants and the native-born Protestants in Philadelphia during the 1840s.

7. What underlying economic and social factors contributed to this conflict? Discuss some of the ways the conflict between the Philadelphia Protestants and Irish Catholics might have been addressed and resolved peaceably.

8. What are some issues of public controversy in our country today that pit one religious group against another? Discuss nonviolent ways of resolving these disputes.

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