Baruch Spinoza was one of the greatest philosophers of post-Cartesian philosophers during the 17th century. Born into a Jewish family, Spinoza did his schooling in the congregational institution. However, as he became an adult, he started attending diverse 'free thinking' groups and protestant meetings.
In time, he developed his own philosophy of rationalism and he became controversial among the Jewish community. Spinoza was excommunicated from the Jewish community because of his philosophies and works based on rationalism and geometry.
He also ceased to be a Jew without becoming a Christian - or member of any other religion due in part to his disillusionment after Shabbetai Zevi who was proclaimed as the Messiah converted into Islam.
Freedom of faith was a big motivation for the English. In 1620, a group of settlers left England to seek the New World. Many were separatists, who believed the Church of England was dishonorable. By seeking out the New World, they were trying to break away and worship their own faith.
