Missionary Efforts

MISSIONARY EFFORTS

Seeing we daily pray for the conversion of the heathens, we must consider whether there be not some ordinary means and course for us to take to convert them, or whether prayer for them be only referred to God's extraordinary work from heaven... It seemeth unto me that we ought also to endeavor and use the means to convert them, and the means cannot be used unless we go to them...
Robert Cushman, Mourt's Relation

A major justification for English colonization was the conversion of the Natives to Christianity.

In former letters [I] wrote that the Indians about us are a people without any religion, or knowledge of any God, therein I erred...
They conceive of many divine powers, so of one, whom they call Keihtan, to be the principal and maker of all the rest, and to be made by none. He, they say, created the heavens, earth, sea and all creatures contained therein; also that he made one man and one woman, of whom they and we and all mankind came.
Edward Winslow, Good Newes from New England

Unlike Edward Winslow, many English did not recognize Native spiritual beliefs as "religion," because their beliefs were so dissimilar. They defined the Natives (as well as others, such as the Irish, who did not share their beliefs) as "heathens" or "savages." Some Puritan ministers set out to convert the Natives. Richard Bourne preached to the Mashpee Wampanoag people on Cape Cod and John Cotton Junior served as a missionary to the Aquinnah Wampanoag on Martha's Vineyard. Reverend John Eliot translated the Bible into the Native language and founded "Praying Indian" towns west of Boston. Several Natives attended Harvard College.

Some Natives converted. There were many reasons, ranging from political motives to genuine belief to basic survival. Other Natives incorporated selected Christian beliefs into their own religion. Many were not interested at all and maintained their traditional religion.

Updated 14 July, 1998