Puritan Historical Background
Pilgrims vs. Puritans Pilgrims found the Church of England so corrupt that they wished to separate completely. Puritans were initially willing to work within the confines of the established Church of England
Five Pillars of Puritanism Everyone is born evil Original sin Evil is a constant and physical presence Dependent on God’s help
Five Pillars of Puritanism Election/Predestination Only “the saved” go to heaven Good works don’t cut it Everything happens because God deemed it so
Five Pillars of Puritanism Limited Atonement God did forgive some sins God’s grace was irresistible (if He decided you were forgiven, you were)
Five Pillars of Puritanism Clergy are the highest authority No separation of Church and State Clergy are the highest authority both politically and religiously Religious laws serve as civil laws This idea is still prevalent in many issues today
Five Pillars of Puritanism Bible is the ultimate authority Literal interpretation Everyone was taught to read so they could study the bible.
Puritan Writing Style Few adjectives/adverbs Religious To the point Religious Authors frequently refer to themselves in the third person
Puritan Poetry A contradiction in itself Creativity was looked down upon Poetry is creative Women weren’t supposed to write