Act of Toleration

Definition

The Act of Toleration (1649) was passed in Maryland. It granted religious freedom to Christians living in Maryland but death penalty for anyone denying Jesus' divinity.

Analogy

Imagine being at school where everyone can bring their favorite lunch but if someone says they don't like sandwiches at all - they get expelled! That's how strict the Act of Toleration was about maintaining Christian beliefs.

Related terms

Religious Persecution: Harassment or punishment because of someone's religious beliefs. The Act of Toleration sought to prevent this among Christians within Maryland.

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England in late sixteenth century whose followers sought "purity" from Catholic practices; they were not tolerated under this act due to their differing beliefs about Jesus' divinity.

Colonial Laws: These are laws enacted in colonies that are usually influenced by the mother country's laws. The Act of Toleration is an example of a colonial law.