Puritanism

Definition

Puritanism was a religious reform movement that emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, aiming to purify the Church of England from remnants of Catholicism and promote a strict adherence to biblical principles. This movement emphasized personal piety, community morality, and a commitment to an austere lifestyle, profoundly shaping early American culture and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritans believed in predestination, asserting that God had already chosen who would be saved and who would be damned, which deeply affected their moral outlook.
2. The Puritan work ethic stressed hard work, frugality, and discipline, leading to a strong emphasis on education and civic responsibility in their communities.
3. Puritan literature often contained themes of sin, redemption, and divine providence, with many works reflecting their worldview and religious beliefs.
4. Prominent figures like Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards were significant contributors to early American literature, using their writing to express Puritan ideals.
5. The Puritans established a form of government that intertwined religion with civic duties, laying foundational ideas for American democracy while also enforcing strict moral codes.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs influence early American literature and its major themes?
  • Puritan beliefs had a profound impact on early American literature, as authors often reflected their religious values through themes of sin, redemption, and divine providence. For instance, the writings of Anne Bradstreet reveal personal struggles with faith while adhering to Puritan ideals. Additionally, the sermons of Jonathan Edwards emphasize the importance of individual piety and the consequences of moral failure. Such themes collectively highlight the central role of Puritanism in shaping early American narratives.
• Discuss how the Puritans' emphasis on community morality shaped their social structures and governance.
  • The Puritans' focus on community morality significantly influenced their social structures and governance by intertwining religious authority with civil leadership. They created a theocratic society where church leaders played critical roles in both spiritual guidance and civic decision-making. This combination resulted in strict adherence to moral codes, including laws against sinful behavior. Their governance model promoted communal responsibility, reinforcing the idea that individual actions could affect the entire community's standing with God.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of Puritanism on American culture and identity in contemporary society.
  • Puritanism has left enduring legacies on American culture and identity, particularly through its emphasis on hard work, education, and moral rectitude. The Puritan work ethic laid the groundwork for American notions of success tied to industriousness. Additionally, many modern discussions about ethics, politics, and social issues can trace roots back to Puritan ideals about community responsibility and moral behavior. Furthermore, contemporary debates on freedom of religion reflect the complexities introduced by Puritan values during America's founding years.

Related terms

Calvinism:

A branch of Protestantism founded by John Calvin that emphasizes predestination and the sovereignty of God in salvation.

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a deity, often seen in Puritan settlements where religious leaders held significant political power.

Original Sin: The Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to Adam and Eve's disobedience, influencing Puritan beliefs about human nature and morality.