The Economics of the Pilgrims

Before the Pilgrims could navigate the waters of the Atlantic, they had to navigate the economic challenges of raising funds.  They sought God at every turn in the face of financial obstacles.  Though the 1606 Charter of James I for exploration had a mission of “propagating (the) Christian Religion,” it took God’s intervention to allow…

Why They Came: Pilgrim Character

What kind of character did the Pilgrim Church embrace?  It is apparent that Pastor Robinson and William Brewster did embrace and teach good character.  In addition it is clear that they demonstrated it as an example as well. When the Pilgrim Church emigrated from Amsterdam to Leyden, they had to ask permission from the civil…

Pastor John Robinson and the Synod of Dort

During the time the Pilgrims were staying in Leyden a famous synod was called by the Dutch Reformed Church to settle a doctrinal dispute initiated by Jacob Arminius.  Though Jacob had already died, his disciples presented their objections to the teachings of John Calvin.  This challenge was called the Remonstrance of 1610.  Those defending the…

The Legacy of Pastor John Robinson

The Pilgrim story is a church migration project and much of its success is due to the instructions and leadership of Pastor John Robinson.  The Pilgrims landed in what is now Provincetown in early November of 1620.  Their first response was to fall on their knees and to bless the God of heaven.  One month…