What belief was common among the Salzburgers when they settled in Georgia?

The Salzburgers, a group of German Protestant refugees who settled in Georgia in the 1730s, were primarily motivated by their desire for religious freedom. Forced to leave their homeland due to persecution from the Catholic Church, the Salzburgers sought a place where they could practice their Lutheran faith without fear. This belief in the importance of religious liberty guided their decision to immigrate to Georgia, where they found a welcoming environment under the leadership of James Oglethorpe, who promoted tolerance for various religions.

In their new settlement near Savannah, the Salzburgers established the community of Ebenezer, reflecting their commitment to a life of faith and community. Their focus on establishing a society where they could worship freely distinguished them from groups that may have prioritized economic gains, such as agriculture or trade, in their settlement strategies.