 The church was undoubtedly the most important social institution in the colony . The Bible was the primary religious document of the society , and it also served as the primary legal document . Church attendance was not only mandatory , but membership was socially vital . Education was carried out for almost purely religious purposes . The laws of the colony specifically asked parents to provide for the education of their children , " at least to be able duly to read the Scriptures " and to understand " the main Grounds and Principles of Christian Religion " . It was expected that the male head of the household would be responsible for the religious well @-@ being of all its members , children and servants alike . 
