Puritanism/Colonialism The Search for Religious Freedom

Historical/General Time span of mid-1500’s to late 1600’s In 1608 Christian separatists traveled to Netherlands to escape religious persecution. Growth of trade and commercialization of agriculture marked the beginnings of modern capitalism Great need felt for social order, intellectual/moral certainty…and spiritual consolation

Pilgrims travel to New World In Europe,the English government and Church deeply intertwined. Puritans represented a threat to Church and society with criticisms and Calvinistic theology Rather than face religious persecution, Pilgrims sailed to American in 1620 Pilgrim:

What is a Puritan? Refers to a number of protestant sects which sought to purify the established Church of England Firmly against the idea of a national church Believed clergy should NOT act as intermediary between individual and God Stressed certain values inherent and helpful in the New World. * * *

Biblical Proportions Story of creation, fall, wanderings and rescue of the human race For the Puritans the Bible was viewed as the literal word of God and became the foundation of Puritan writing and life Believed that God revealed Himself through the Bible Puritan’s escape from religious persecution had biblical roots _________________ and ____________________ Kingdom of God in the New World

Calvinism John Calvin was a law student in Paris who believed Lutheran theology Emphasized the power of God over sinful and corrupt humanity Man exists for________ God is ____________________ One must be content with __________________________ The Trinity Father: Chose a people (Elect) Son: Died for those chosen Holy Ghost: makes Christ’s death effective by bringing the Elect to faith and repentance TULIP

TULIP Total Depravity: Unconditional Elect: Limited Atonement: man is bound to his evil nature..no free will Need regeneration from God Regneration= Unconditional Elect: Predestination/Predetermination/The Elect/Selective Salvation Fate determined upon foundation of world by God…man cannot choose or change Limited Atonement: Irresistable Grace: Conversion: time in life when feel God’s grace..feel profound sense of inner assurance. Believe that those chosen are accomplished in society. That God uses them as tools for His message on earth Perseverence of the Saints: Manifest Destiny Set a shining example of God’s will and grace Typology:

The Way of Life Government Mayflower Compact Covenant between God and humanity Mayflower Compact Made by those early settlers in the New World Belief that Elect should exert greater influence Three Areas of Integrated Puritan Life Family Church State

Literature The function of Puritan writing Transform the mysteries of God Make God more relevant to universe and life itself Glorify God Puritan writing greatly influenced American literature and imagination Held the concept that each individual’s life as a journey to salvation and connected to biblical events Writing used to explore inner/outer lives for works of God

Literary Style Types Poetry Sermon Journal Plain Style References to Bible Reflected character and scope of the reading public Some elaborate imagery, prose, complex metaphor…but meaning is always clear Types Poetry Sermon Journal

Fault and Decay Forces undermining Puritanism Puritan’s “demise” One’s natural desire to do good Anti Original Sin Resentment of power of few over many Rejection of Elect Change in economic conditions Growth of farms and towns Presence of Frontier Signaled optimism and self reliance Theocracy lacked flexibility Growth of rationality Use mind, not Bible to know God Immigrants brought cosmopolitan thinking Puritan’s “demise” Decay of godliness Manifestations of pride (wealth) Violations of the Sabbath Business/social morality decrease Decay of family government

The Legacy America’s need for moral justification for private, public, governmental areas. America’s Quest for freedom…personal, professional, economic, etc Puritan Work Ethic Elegaic Verse: City Upon the Hill: Manifest Destiny concept