Religion and Politics in colonial Virginia

Religious persecution was very extreme back in colonial Virginia, and with politics and religion being intertwined it gave the church great power. It was punishable by death if anyone spoke unkindly against Gods holy name three or more times, and if it occurred twice there would be a "bodkin thrust through his tongue." It is hard to imagine a time when religion and politics worked together to rule over communities, because in today's society there are completely separated. I also thought it was very disturbing that nobody was allowed to speak disgracefully against any person in the Colonie, or they would be publicly disgraced with their head and feet tied together, and their occupation would be compromised.