"Church-members who were admitted in minority, understanding the Doctrine of Faith, and publicly professing their assent thereto; not scandalous in life, and solemnly owning the Covenant before the Church, wherein they give up themselves and their children to the Lord, and subject themselves to the Government of Christ in the Church, their children are to be Baptized."
— Recommendation of the Synod of New England Ministers, 1662
Which of the following historical developments in New England most directly prompted the recommendation described in the excerpt?
- AThe rapid growth of a plantation economy in New England that relied on transatlantic chattel slavery to grow cash crops.
- BThe adoption of imperial mercantilist reforms designed to enrich the British Crown through colonial religious taxes.
- A decline in the rate of full church membership among younger generations who could not testify to a personal conversion experience.Answer
- DA regional shift toward replacing indentured servitude with lifelong, hereditary chattel slavery to solve labor shortages on small family farms.
Answer
A decline in the rate of full church membership among younger generations who could not testify to a personal conversion experience.
The correct answer is correct because the Half-Way Covenant of 1662 was established in response to a decline in full church membership in Puritan New England. First-generation Puritans required individuals to present a public, personal testimony of conversion (being one of the 'elect') before they or their children could be baptized. However, many second- and third-generation colonists were unable or unwilling to experience or declare this conversion, threatening the church's influence and membership numbers. The Covenant allowed the children of baptized but unconverted parents to be baptized, maintaining the church's social and political hegemony.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Half-Way Covenant and Puritan religious society in New England
Estimated Time:1m 30s