A popular myth is that the US was founded on Christian ideals, or founded by Christians. Not entirely true.

America was largely colonized by English Christians seeking religious freedom. It was not the US, yet, and was not all based on religious freedom for Christians. For example, many Jews migrated to the American colonies. People often fail to note that the first English settlers were the Jamestown folk, and they weren't seeking religion.

However, many English colonized America because they were seeking religious freedom. The first of these were the Separatists, better known as the Pilgrims, in 1620. They came to what is now New England because of the persecution they dealt with in England.

Another Christian group that left England for similar reasons were the Puritans. They came by the thousands between 1630 and 1700. They were responsible for starting the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

England made New York a colony in a days time when the Dutch surrendered New Netherlands to them without putting a up a fight.

Pennsylvania was founded by a Christian group known as the Quakers. William Penn was the founder of PA, and the colony was named for him.

Maryland was founded as a place for Catholics to worship freely. They even passed the Act of Religious Tolerance. However, MD eventually banned people of the Jewish faith.

In conclusion, nearly all of the early English American settlers came for religious reasons, different religious reasons, and nearly all DID NOT accept those of different beliefs.