Wellbeing measures of those immigrating from Europe to the American colonies for religious freedom

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sept. 3, 2019 - PRLog -- Christianity is the foundation of our Western Society. However, some deny its historical and current benefits.

Teleios, Inc. evaluated societal measures that might have influenced wellbeing in religious groups which immigrated for greater religious freedom from Europe to the 13 British colonies that would become the United States (US). Teleios tested the hypothesis if living in a freer society and being able to express the Christian religion improved potential measures for wellbeing. Teleios used Wikipedia as source material to assess Christian groups that immigrated for religious reasons from Catholic Europe between 1620-1819 (n=26). There was a statistical difference found when comparing the change in potential wellbeing measures in each case (P>0.0001).

With respect to the rule of law our results showed there were more restrictions on the head of government in the colonies compared to European countries (P=0.0007). Further, in the colonies there was no serfdom, less slavery, voting rights were extended, and the number of violent conflicts were reduced, in large measure because the church did not induce war as occurred in Europe.

After immigrating to America large reductions were observed in the influence of the national church (as existed with the Catholicism in Europe) on the state and individual lives, including: greater separation of church and state, reduced church authority over secular affairs, limitation of church authority to only clergy, less church rulership over geographical regions, intolerance of other religions, and removal of church based taxes.

Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, commented "These compelling data provide strong evidence that Christians who immigrated from Europe developed societies built upon biblically based principles that offer enhanced educational, governmental, religious and economic benefits. Such societies furnish their citizens the opportunity to live in freedom and experience a better life for their themselves, their children, as well as their future generations."

This study suggests that when Christian based groups seeking freedom of worship immigrated from catholic areas in Europe to the US early in the country's history found greater religious, economic, governmental and educational freedom.

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 scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.