1. …and how do they affect us today?
Who were the Puritans?
…and how do they
affect us today?

2. Puritan People 17th & 18th Century English citizens
“protestant” Christian group
believed the Church of England was too political, corrupt, and “evil”
wanted to “purify” the Church of England (Anglican)
most wanted to remain loyal to England and the Church of England

3. Puritan Beliefs all people were sinners
following God was the only “right” thing to do
everything was “predestined” by God
Hell was a real place and the Devil was a real “person”
the Devil was always trying to make people to do evil things

4. Puritans and the Bible the Bible was the absolute “word of God”
the Bible influenced everything…
everything was done for the glory of God
school & education
government & laws
raising a family
farming
building homes & communities
conducting trade & business
etc.

5. Puritans and Church Attendance was mandatory Services were long
Non-attenders could be fined or jailed
Services were long
Sermons and prayers lasted for hours
Feathers and canes were used to awaken those who fell asleep
Churches were simply designed/decorated
Hymns were sung acapella
Christmas was NOT celebrated

6. Puritan Prediction….
What does the phrase “Puritan Work Ethic” mean?

7. Puritans at Work life was supposed to be difficult
an easy life was a sinful life
hard work builds strength and character
hard work results in material/spiritual wealth
6-day work week
+ Sunday worship
= place in heaven

8. Puritan Work Ethic Meaning in Colonial Days:
Hard work now means a heavenly reward later
Meaning in Modern Days:
Hard work now means material rewards and success now

9. Puritan Work Ethic
Working hard is now called the Protestant Work Ethic.
American businesses like “Puritan-type” workers.
Characteristics:
Punctual
Perfectionists
Self-starting
Self-disciplined
Respectful of others

10. Puritans Come to America
About 40 Puritan- Separatists-Pilgrims arrived in aboard Mayflower
established Plymouth Colony
wrote “Mayflower Compact”
1625 King Charles I persecuted Puritans heavily
1630 John Winthrop led 700 Puritans to MA
Est. Mass. Bay Colony
began the “Great Migration”

11. Puritans Come to America
English Civil War
1000’s of Puritans moved to America
Puritans wanted a bible-based society
Non-Puritans were criticized and expelled
MA Population:
1621 c. 50
1630 c. 1,000
1640 c. 10,000
1650 c. 15,000
1700 c. 55,000

12. Notable Puritan Events
Harvard College
established in 1636
oldest institution for higher education in America
intended to train men for the ministry
Salem Witchcraft trials
1692, Salem, MA
c. 100 arrested & 20 hanged
mass hysteria
cause unknown

13. Notable Puritan Events
First Great Awakening
1730s/40s, in New England and Middle Colonies
believed colonies had lost their religious zeal
began a revival movement… lots of preaching and teaching
many new churches were started

14. Puritan Prediction…. What does the word “irony” mean?
What is “ironic” about the Puritans?

15. The Irony of the Puritans
The Puritans came to America in search of “religious freedom.”
They wanted other religions to be tolerant
The Puritans would not let non-Puritans have “religious freedom.”
They were intolerant

16. Puritan Prediction….
Identify two ways Puritan beliefs or values are still part of our 21st century culture.

17. People who still affect us today…
Who were the Puritans?
People who still affect us today…