Religion can be defined in several manners, ranging from “the practice of religious beliefs” to “something one believes in and follows devotedly.” (Dictionary.com) Contrary to definition, in the founding of America, religion acted as a catalyst for what many people believed was a new beginning. Starting with the establishment of Plymouth Colony, and followed by the founding of English colonies all the way down the east coast of North America, religion and the desire to practice it freely, acted as a primary impetus for the creation of what has now become the United States. America, from the starting point has always been centered on diversity and the freedom to express that diversity. It comes as no surprise that the Pilgrims, who were Separatists, came to North America in an attempt to flee religious persecution because they desired to separate themselves from The Church of England. They thought The Church of England, which practiced Christianity and was established by King Henry the VIII, was far too similar to the Roman Catholic Church. The biggest problem they saw with it was that it retained too many elements from the Roman Catholic Church such as, “the ecclesiastical courts, clerical vestments, altars and the practice of kneeling.” ("The Separatists") Although Plymouth Colony was solely founded in an effort of England’s Separatists escaping religious persecution while preserving their culture, many colonies were formed for purely economic interests and had just as little religious freedom as nations in Europe provided. Among these colonies were Virginia Colony, consisting of Anglicans, and Massachusetts Bay Colony, consisting of Puritans. These colonies went as far as exile to ensure that their laws, which were designed to adhere to their strict religion, were implemented and followed. On a different spectrum, you have colonies such as Pennsylvania, sometimes called the “Promised Land”, because it promised new