William Penn: Faith, Not Force

How did the words and actions of William Penn, who established the colony of Pennsylvania, guarantee freedom of worship?

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• In what ways did William Penn demonstrate respect in order to enhance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for himself and others?
• What was William Penn’s identity during the late 1600s? To what extent do you see an emphasis on the virtue of respect in his words and actions?
• As he worked to establish the colony of Pennsylvania, how did Penn see his purpose?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the problem?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze William Penn’s character as a leader and his commitment to respecting freedom of conscience.
• Students will examine Penn’s understanding of respect as a necessary virtue.
• Students will understand why cultivating respect affects the future of the United States.
• Students will demonstrate respect in their own lives to protect freedom.