The impact of Christianity on colonial American settlements

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Oct. 23, 2019 - PRLog -- Over the past several years, Teleios Research has evaluated the impact of Christianity on global society and identified positive effects on modern and historical societies.

Most recently Teleios compared Native American tribes versus the closest geographical settlement of American colonists to determine societal structure that would potentially affect wellbeing.

Teleios included 30 pairs of native tribes and colonial settlements between the years 1620 and 1717. Each comparison was initiated at the year when tensions begin between the settlements.

This study found that for government structure all tribes and colonial settlements had an identified leader in each case (P=1.0). However, colonial settlements more often possessed an associated bureaucracy to help administrate the region (P<0.001). In addition, colonial settlements typically developed identifiable cities with organizational signs like local government, farms, businesses, trade and centers of worship (P<0.001). Further, colonial communities more often built public works such as: roads, bridges and port facilities, which were never apparent in native tribes (P<0.001). Additionally, colonial settlements were much more likely to provide education for their children (P<0.001).

Colonists more often were better organized for defense than the native tribes, including: palisaded cities, ranger type units, militia units or national military (P<0.001). Both sides conducted raids against their enemies, however, native tribes were more likely to destroy property, kidnap and attempt to seize the land and directly eliminate colonial communities (P= 0.042). In addition, natives more frequently initiated the raid on their enemies. In contrast, the colonists were more apt to attempt peace or take no initial retaliatory action. However, native tribes were no more likely to conduct raids over time than colonial settlements (P=0.088).

Also, Teleios noted that the Christian religion among the colonies in each case encouraged peace whereas the tribal religion was less likely to discourage conflict (P<0.001). Further, natives were more apt to raid other tribes whereas colonists in each case developed and maintained peaceful relationships, including open trade and alliances, with other colonial communities (P<0.01).

Dr. William C. Stewart, Co-founder of Teleios, stated "Our study suggests that a society based in biblical principles more often is associated with use of restraint in conflict resolution, peace between Christian communities, while building a society that creates positive institutions for its people. Our study adds to the growing evidence of the utility of Christianity to societies now and historically."

Other findings from Teleios Research are on their website (http://www.teleiosresearch.com/).

WC Stewart, AE Maier, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios - Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through the scientific method.