Do you believe in witches or ghosts?

An Introduction to The Crucible Puritans An Introduction to The Crucible

Who were the Puritans? Group of religious, social, and moral reformers who emerged within the Church of England during the middle of the sixteenth century. Sought to purify the church by getting rid of the hierarchy (priests, bishops, cardinals) and ornate ceremonies. Against man-made doctrine and church politics. Believed religion should be plain. People should worship through Bible reading and individual prayer.

The Great Migration Puritans were persecuted in England for their radical beliefs. 1630-1640 over 20,000 immigrated to New England to create a new society based on their religious ideals. In his famous sermon “A Model of Christian Charity,” John Winthrop described their society as a “city upon a hill” that would be watched by the whole world. Believed they were doing God’s work by settling in America.

Puritan Beliefs The Puritans believed in Predestination. Before the dawn of history, God chose who He would save and who He would condemn to Hell. There is a plan for everyone. The chosen few, called saints, experience a strong feeling of assurance that they have received God’s grace. This experience is called conversion. Puritans were always looking for signs of grace in themselves and others. Important: Puritans believed the deeds of people, no matter how good or moral, have no influence over who God elects for salvation. Total Depravity Through Adam’s fall, every man is born sinful. Unconditional Election Sinners can be save through God’s grace alone. Limited Atonement Jesus died for the chosen – not all. Those not chosen will feel God’s wrath for living in sin. Irresistible Grace God’s grace is freely given – not earned or denied. Perseverance of the Saints Those elected by God have the full power to interpret the will of God and to live uprightly.

Would you accept this? Is this belief comforting or upsetting to you? Why? What problems does it pose? If you believed in Predestination, how would you live your life?

Did they accept this? They were an extraordinarily energetic, activist lot, constantly striving to reshape both society and government to accord with what they believed to be the will of God as set forth in the Bible. They strove to lead godly and disciplined lives. Puritans believed that their very ability to master their own sinful ways provided some evidence that they ranked among the elect of saints. Godliness was the effect, not the cause of salvation.

Way of Life Religion was at the center of the community and government. Puritans valued hard work on every day but the Sabbath. Puritans believed economic prosperity was a sign of God’s grace. Puritans did not celebrate holidays. Puritans attended four-hour church services where they listened to long sermons on God and community events.

Rigid Social Hierarchy Men had power over women. Women had to obey their husbands. Women could not own property. Women could not vote. Yet…men and women were spiritual equals. The rich had power over the poor. Rich had more political power. Employment: Rich  Poor Charity: Rich  Poor

Theocracy Theocracy: System of government tin which priests rule in the name of God The church ruled the government. Puritans believed that the government should strictly enforce public morality. Privacy did not exist. The community had a right to know your business. Anyone who broke the laws of the church was punished severely. The society valued conformity over individualism. Bullet 2 by prohibiting vices like drunkenness, gambling, fancy dress, swearing, and Sabbath-breaking. People were judged by their Christian character.

Benefits of a Strict Society The Puritans maintained an orderly society even during uncertain times. Their work ethic helped them survive in harsh conditions. By placing the wellbeing of the group in front of the wellbeing of the individual, they stuck together. Puritans provided free education to children—this ensured their Christian upbringing.

1630-1660: Misfortunes Relations with Britain became strained. Native American raiding parties Natural forces: harsh winters, flooding and illness Disease: small pox

Results of Misfortune Puritans believed Satan must be working to destroy the church. Puritans looked to superstition for explanation of life’s misfortunes. Witch hunts provided scapegoats to take the blame. *What is a scapegoat? *We will learn more about witch hunts next week.

Threats to Puritanism Dislike of a “closed” life. Resentment of the power of the few over many. Increasing economic prosperity. People sought individual wealth. The presence of the frontier – concepts of self-reliance, individualism, and optimism. Theocracy suffered from a lack of flexibility. Growth of rationality – use of the mind to know God – less dependence on the Bible Diversity of the new immigrants