1. Puritan Historical Background

2. 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

3. Five Pillars of Puritanism
Everyone is born evil
Original sin
Evil is a constant and physical presence
Dependent on God’s help

4. 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

5. Five Pillars of Puritanism
Limited Atonement
God did forgive some sins
God’s grace was irresistible (if He decided you were forgiven, you were)

6. 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

7. Five Pillars of Puritanism
Bible is the ultimate authority
Literal interpretation
Everyone was taught to read so they could study the bible.

8. Puritan Writing Style Few adjectives/adverbs Religious
To the point
Religious
Authors frequently refer to themselves in the third person

9. Puritan Poetry A contradiction in itself
Creativity was looked down upon
Poetry is creative
Women weren’t supposed to write