2.2 Puritan Theology and its Influence on Colonial Writing
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Puritan theology shaped colonial writing in profound ways. Calvinism's core beliefs, like and , influenced how Puritans viewed themselves and their place in the world. This mindset seeped into their literature, affecting both content and style.
Puritan authors used techniques like and to convey religious truths. Their writing reflected the characteristics of Puritan communities - theocratic, , and morally strict. Key figures like left lasting impacts on American literature and identity.
Calvinist Theology
Core Beliefs of Calvinism
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- Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the idea that salvation is predetermined by God's will alone, not by human actions or decisions
- Predestination asserts that God has already chosen who will be saved (the elect) and who will be damned before the creation of the world
- views God's relationship with humanity as a series of covenants, including the covenant of works (God's agreement with Adam) and the covenant of grace (God's offer of salvation through Christ)
- refers to the belief that all humans are born sinful due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, which corrupted human nature and necessitates God's grace for salvation
Implications for Puritan Beliefs and Practices
- Puritans believed in the total depravity of human beings, meaning that without God's grace, humans are incapable of choosing to follow God or do good
- The concept of meant that Puritans believed God had already chosen the elect for salvation, and nothing could change this divine decision
- suggests that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to save only the elect, not all of humanity
- implies that those chosen by God for salvation cannot resist His call and will inevitably come to faith
- means that once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation, as God will preserve them in faith until the end
Literary Techniques
Typology in Puritan Literature
- Typology is an interpretive method that sees people, events, and symbols in the Old Testament as foreshadowing or prefiguring their fulfillment in the New Testament and Christian history
- Puritans often used typology to draw connections between biblical figures and contemporary events or individuals (e.g., comparing the Puritan journey to America with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt)
- Typological readings of scripture and history allowed Puritans to see their experiences as part of a divine plan and to find spiritual significance in everyday life
Plain Style Writing
- Puritan writers often employed a plain style of writing, characterized by clear, direct language and an emphasis on conveying religious truth rather than displaying artistic flourish
- The plain style reflected Puritan values of simplicity, humility, and the importance of spiritual substance over worldly embellishment
- Puritan authors believed that a straightforward writing style would make their message more accessible to readers and prevent misinterpretation or distraction from the core religious content
- Examples of plain style writing can be found in the works of John Winthrop, , and , among others
Puritan Society
Characteristics of Puritan Communities
- Puritanism was a religious reform movement that sought to "purify" the Church of England from remaining Roman Catholic influences and to establish a society based on strict adherence to biblical principles
- Puritan communities were often structured as theocracies, where religious leaders held significant political power and the laws were based on their interpretation of scripture
- Puritans emphasized the importance of education, as they believed that individuals needed to be able to read and interpret the Bible for themselves
- Puritan society was characterized by a strong work ethic, , and a focus on community welfare over individual desires
Key Figures and Concepts
- John Winthrop, a prominent Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, played a crucial role in shaping the religious and political foundations of Puritan New England
- In his sermon "A Model of Christian Charity," Winthrop used the phrase "city upon a hill" to describe the Puritan community's role as an example of godliness to the world, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility and moral purity
- The concept of a "city upon a hill" became a lasting symbol of and the idea that the United States has a special mission to serve as a model of virtue and democracy for other nations to follow
- Other notable Puritan figures include William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony and author of "Of Plymouth Plantation," and , a minister and prolific writer who played a significant role in the
Key Terms to Review (21)
American Exceptionalism: American exceptionalism is the belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, particularly in terms of its ideals, political system, and historical development. This concept often emphasizes the nation's unique role in promoting democracy and freedom, suggesting that it has a special destiny to lead the world towards a better future. The idea has roots in historical narratives that celebrate America's founding principles and its perceived moral superiority.
Anne Bradstreet: Anne Bradstreet was the first published American female poet and a prominent figure in early colonial literature. Her work is deeply influenced by Puritan theology, reflecting the complexities of her role as a woman in a patriarchal society while expressing her spiritual beliefs and personal experiences. She is significant not only for her contributions to poetry but also for her embodiment of Puritan values and the early American literary voice.
Cotton Mather: Cotton Mather was a prominent New England Puritan minister, author, and pamphleteer who played a significant role in the early 18th century, particularly noted for his involvement in the Salem witch trials and his writings on theology and medicine. His works reflect the Puritan emphasis on moral responsibility, divine providence, and the need for community vigilance against sin, showcasing how these beliefs influenced colonial writing and the creation of religious texts.
Covenant Theology: Covenant theology is a system of biblical interpretation that emphasizes the concept of covenants as the central organizing principle of God's relationship with humanity. It highlights different types of covenants, such as the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, which play a significant role in understanding salvation and the moral order within a Christian framework. This theological perspective heavily influenced Puritan beliefs and writings, shaping their understanding of individual and communal identity in the New World.
Education-focused: Education-focused refers to an approach that emphasizes the importance of learning and knowledge acquisition, often prioritizing the development of intellectual and moral capacities in individuals. This concept is particularly relevant when examining the Puritan belief in the value of education as a means to achieve spiritual understanding and societal improvement, shaping both personal and communal identities.
Irresistible Grace: Irresistible Grace is a theological concept in Calvinism that asserts that the saving grace of God is effectively applied to those whom He has chosen to save, ensuring that they will inevitably come to faith in Christ. This belief emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the salvation process, indicating that God's grace cannot be rejected or resisted by the elect. This concept is fundamental to understanding Puritan theology, which shaped much of the religious and literary landscape during the colonial period.
John Winthrop: John Winthrop was a prominent Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for his vision of creating a 'city upon a hill' that would serve as a model of Christian virtue and community. His beliefs and writings significantly influenced early colonial writing and the moral framework of Puritan theology, which emphasized the importance of communal values and a covenant with God.
Limited Atonement: Limited atonement is a theological doctrine primarily associated with Calvinism, which posits that Christ's sacrificial death was intended only for the elect—those chosen by God for salvation—and not for all of humanity. This belief implies that while Christ's atonement is sufficient for all, it is efficient only for those predestined to receive God's grace. This concept significantly influenced Puritan thought and their understanding of salvation, shaping their religious writings and practices in colonial America.
Moral Discipline: Moral discipline refers to the practice of adhering to a set of ethical standards and behaviors that align with religious and societal expectations. In the context of early American society, particularly under Puritan influence, moral discipline was crucial in shaping individual conduct, community values, and written expression, emphasizing the importance of self-control and accountability to God and the community.
Original Sin: Original sin is a Christian doctrine that asserts that humanity inherits a fallen state from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden. This concept suggests that all humans are born with a sinful nature, which fundamentally influences Puritan beliefs about human nature, morality, and the need for redemption. The notion of original sin played a crucial role in shaping the theological perspectives of early American settlers and profoundly impacted colonial writing, emphasizing themes of guilt, grace, and the struggle for salvation.
Perseverance of the Saints: Perseverance of the Saints is a theological doctrine that asserts that once a person is truly saved, they will continue in faith and cannot permanently fall away from salvation. This concept is rooted in Calvinist thought, emphasizing the idea of God's sovereignty in ensuring the ultimate salvation of believers. It suggests that genuine faith is evidenced by a continued commitment to God and an enduring relationship with Him, influencing both personal conduct and communal practices within the Puritan movement.
Plain Style: Plain style refers to a manner of writing characterized by simplicity, clarity, and directness, often utilized by Puritan writers to convey religious and moral themes. This approach emphasizes straightforward language and avoids elaborate imagery or ornate expressions, making it accessible to a wide audience. The plain style connects deeply with Puritan theology, reflecting their belief in sincerity, humility, and a focus on spiritual rather than worldly matters.
Predestination: Predestination is the theological doctrine that asserts that God has already determined the fate of every individual, specifically regarding their salvation or damnation. This belief emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty, suggesting that human actions cannot alter one's preordained destiny. It plays a central role in the religious perspectives of certain groups, particularly among early Protestant reformers and Puritans, influencing their worldview and the literary expressions of their faith.
Protestant Work Ethic: The Protestant Work Ethic is a concept that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and frugality as a result of a person's faith and belief in the Protestant faith, particularly among the Puritans. This idea stems from the belief that labor is a form of worship and a means to demonstrate one’s faith and commitment to God. It also influenced social values and attitudes towards work and success in colonial society, shaping the cultural identity of early America.
Salem Witch Trials: The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. This tragic event highlights the intense fear and paranoia surrounding witchcraft at the time, fueled by Puritan beliefs and a strict moral code, which ultimately led to the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of many others. The trials exemplify how Puritan theology influenced societal norms and literary expressions during this period, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the supernatural and a pervasive fear of sin.
The Great Awakening: The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by an emphasis on personal faith and emotional religious experiences. It challenged established religious institutions and inspired a new wave of evangelical fervor, leading to significant changes in colonial society and culture. The movement played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of America and influencing various forms of colonial writing, particularly sermons and religious texts.
Theocratic Society: A theocratic society is a form of government in which religious leaders control the political power and the state's laws are based on religious principles. This type of society intertwines religion and politics, often enforcing a strict moral code dictated by religious beliefs, which significantly influenced various aspects of life, including writing and literature in colonial America.
Total Depravity: Total depravity is a theological concept that suggests every part of a person is tainted by sin, meaning humanity is fundamentally unable to choose God or do good without divine intervention. This belief emphasizes the idea that since the fall of Adam and Eve, all humans inherit a sinful nature that corrupts their thoughts, actions, and will. It forms a crucial part of Puritan theology, impacting their worldview and writings, as they sought to grapple with the implications of human sinfulness and the need for redemption.
Typology: Typology is a method of interpreting texts, especially biblical texts, by identifying patterns and symbols that prefigure or foreshadow events, characters, or themes in a later narrative. This approach emphasizes the connection between the Old Testament and New Testament, viewing earlier events as types that find their fulfillment in later events. This interpretive framework is particularly significant in certain religious writings, where allegorical meanings play a crucial role.
Unconditional Election: Unconditional election is a theological concept that asserts that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation without any conditions based on their actions or merits. This belief emphasizes that the choice of who will be saved is entirely based on God's will and grace, not influenced by any human decision or behavior. This doctrine is a key component of Calvinist theology, which significantly shaped Puritan beliefs and their writings in colonial America.
William Bradford: William Bradford was a key figure in early American history, known primarily as the governor of the Plymouth Colony and a prominent leader among the Pilgrims. His writings, particularly 'Of Plymouth Plantation,' reflect the Puritan values of hard work, community, and divine providence, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the settlers in a new land. Bradford's work serves as a crucial document in understanding the influence of Puritan theology on colonial writing and the development of American identity.