1. The Puritans

2. Who were the Puritans? Puritans were a branch of the Protestant church Puritans were a branch of the Protestant church Their movement began in the 16 th and 17 th centuries Their movement began in the 16 th and 17 th centuries Although they preferred to be called “the godly,” they were given the name “Puritans” for their struggle to reform or purify the Church of England Although they preferred to be called “the godly,” they were given the name “Puritans” for their struggle to reform or purify the Church of England

3. Doctrine of Election - Predestination: Man is innately sinful; original sin means that we are incapable of any depravity Man is innately sinful; original sin means that we are incapable of any depravity Only those who are chosen by God (the elect) are saved; salvation is not based on your beliefs or good works Only those who are chosen by God (the elect) are saved; salvation is not based on your beliefs or good works

4. Predestination continued… No one knew who was or was not saved. Puritans believed that you must have a conversion experience in order to be accepted by God. God’s grace was given to the chosen, and this grace was demonstrated through one’s behavior. Puritans would, therefore, reflect upon themselves (self-examination) for signs of this grace. So, even though they did not believe good works helped one get into heaven, they believed that living a godly life was evidence of being chosen. No one knew who was or was not saved. Puritans believed that you must have a conversion experience in order to be accepted by God. God’s grace was given to the chosen, and this grace was demonstrated through one’s behavior. Puritans would, therefore, reflect upon themselves (self-examination) for signs of this grace. So, even though they did not believe good works helped one get into heaven, they believed that living a godly life was evidence of being chosen.

5. As a result of their belief in predestination, Puritans: were always looking for signs; were always looking for signs; scrutinized daily events; scrutinized daily events; thought there was always a reason for everything; thought there was always a reason for everything; felt that God’s hand was in everything, no matter how insignificant felt that God’s hand was in everything, no matter how insignificant

6. Puritan Beliefs & Values: Puritans believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible. Puritans believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible. They believed in explicit readings of the Bible, as opposed to church doctrines. They believed in explicit readings of the Bible, as opposed to church doctrines. They did not believe in excess worship; they wanted no rituals, adornments, no stained glass, no cushioned pews, no singing, and no music. They did not believe in excess worship; they wanted no rituals, adornments, no stained glass, no cushioned pews, no singing, and no music. They wanted to keep things simple so that they could concentrate on God. They wanted to keep things simple so that they could concentrate on God. There is a constant struggle between the forces of God and Satan. There is a constant struggle between the forces of God and Satan. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.

7. Education & Work Ethic: Children were not allowed to play games; boys were taught to go hunting and fishing, while girls were taught how to run a household. Children were not allowed to play games; boys were taught to go hunting and fishing, while girls were taught how to run a household. Women were considered less capable intellectually, physically, theologically, and morally (Eve was the first sinner). Women were considered less capable intellectually, physically, theologically, and morally (Eve was the first sinner). Literature for pleasure was highly censored. Literature for pleasure was highly censored. They believed in strict discipline and had a strong work ethic.

8. Puritan Literature & Writings: They did not write for pleasure or entertainment. Types of texts: They did not write for pleasure or entertainment. Types of texts: - historical documents: preserving their history and offering justifications to relieve the guilt they felt over leaving relatives behind in England - personal journals: as tools for self-reflection/ examination and as a way to look for signs of salvation - poetry, but highly inspired by religious beliefs - religious tracts

9. Sounds Like a Lot of Fun, Right?