1. Puritans Early American Literature Voices of Conscience 1620 - 1720

2. The Puritans: A Brief History Unable to express their religious sentiments (feelings) and tired of a strict class system, the Puritans immigrated to New England in the 1620s and 1630s. All were hard-working members of society.

3. Calvinism Universe was God- centered Man was sinful and corrupt, predestined for damnation Man could only be saved by random divine grace Man was duty- bound to do God's will, which he could understand best by studying the Bible and the universe which God had created

4. Government under a Theocracy The Puritan church held exclusive control over the lives of the people. How is our government different than the Puritans’?

5. Puritan Beliefs Original Sin: All people, including newborn children, are basically sinful. Every person inherits the sin of Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden Eternal Punishment: All wicked people will be punished by being sent to hell, a place of fire and torment where they will remain forever.

6. Puritan Beliefs Salvation through Grace: All people were basically sinful and no one could be good enough to deserve heaven. The only way a person could get into heaven was through God’s mercy, or grace, given to them despite what they actually deserved.

7. Puritan Beliefs Being “Born Again”: When a person repented of his or her sins and accepted God’s grace, the Puritans said that these people were “born again.” That is, they had given up their old life and started a new life in Christ. Predestination: God knows, from the beginning of time, who will go to hell and who will go to heaven. A person’s fate is already determined, or predestined.

8. Other Elements of Puritanism Only the “elect” would be saved. Looked for signs to show they were elect. Heavy emphasis on the word of God, the Bible. Sermon was the regular medium of communication. Sermons accompanied every public event. Two sermons on Sundays. Pure word of God & transformation by Holy Spirit.