Which influential Massachusetts minister wrote many highly read religious works during the colonial period?

The correct answer is Cotton Mather, who was a prominent minister, prolific author, and an important figure in the colonial religious landscape. Mather was known for his sermons, theological writings, and historical works, which had a significant impact on New England Puritanism and the broader colonial society. His writings included influential texts on witchcraft, such as "Wonders of the Invisible World," and he was deeply involved in the Salem witch trials, which further elevated his prominence.

Mather’s ability to articulate complex religious ideas and his engagement with the cultural and moral issues of his time made his works highly read and circulated among the colonists. This cultural influence reflected the Puritan commitment to education and literacy, setting Mather apart in the context of colonial ministers.

The other figures mentioned, while influential in their own right, did not focus primarily on writing as Mather did. George Whitefield was an important preacher known for his role in the Great Awakening but was more a public speaker than a prolific writer. Samuel Adams was a political leader and activist rather than a religious writer, and William Penn was a Quaker leader known more for his role in founding Pennsylvania and promoting religious freedom than for writing influential religious works. Therefore, Cotton Mather stands out