Background information on the Puritans
Who were the Puritans? From England Struggled for years to purify the church of England
Influences Martin Luther- Believed men are inherently evil and God is omnipotent John Calvin who believed in predestination- belief that your afterlife has already been determined before birth
Who were the Puritans? Believed in original sin, the consequence of sin, and that men sinning was inevitable because of Adam and Eve’s sin Belief that hard work leads them to virtue Feared the wrath of God and His divine providence in their lives, both physical and eternal
Why did the Puritans seek permanent settlement in the Colonies? Many suffered from physical religious persecution –Physical mutilation- noses slit, ears cut, burnings –Thrown in Jail
Why did the Puritans seek permanent settlement in the Colonies? Freedom to practice religion –Sought to simplify and purify the church –Model directly after God’s word –Create “New Eden” –No intermediary between the individual and God
Characteristics of Puritan Literature Diaries and histories were important because they were records of workings of God Saw direct connections between biblical events and their own lives
Characteristics of Puritan Literature Written in plain style- way of writing that emphasizes simple sentences and the use of every day words from common speech
Puritan Beliefs T -- total depravity. This doesn't mean people are as bad as they can be. It means that sin is in every part of one's being, including the mind and will, so that a man cannot save himself. U -- unconditional election. God chooses to save people unconditionally; that is, they are not chosen on the basis of their own merit. L -- limited atonement. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was for the purpose of saving the elect. I -- irresistible grace. When God has chosen to save someone, He will. P -- perseverence of the saints. Those people God chooses cannot lose their salvation; they will continue to believe. If they fall away, it will be only for a time.