Moral Absolutism

Definition

Moral absolutism is the ethical belief that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the context or circumstances surrounding them. This philosophy asserts that there are universal moral standards that apply to all individuals at all times, and that these moral truths do not change based on societal norms or personal beliefs. Within Puritan themes, this concept reflects a strict adherence to religious doctrines and ethical guidelines that emphasize a clear distinction between good and evil.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral absolutism played a significant role in shaping the Puritan worldview, as they believed in an absolute moral code derived from their interpretation of the Bible.
2. Puritans viewed moral relativism as dangerous, believing it could lead to societal decay and an erosion of religious values.
3. The emphasis on moral absolutism led to practices such as public confession and punishment for sins, reinforcing community norms and values.
4. In literature from the Puritan era, moral absolutism is often reflected through allegorical tales and sermons that depict the struggle between good and evil.
5. This concept has influenced various American literary themes, including the exploration of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of sin.

Review Questions

• How does moral absolutism inform the Puritan belief system and its depiction of good versus evil?
  • Moral absolutism fundamentally shapes the Puritan belief system by establishing clear lines between good and evil based on biblical teachings. The Puritans held a strict view that certain actions were eternally right or wrong, which influenced their social practices and community laws. This worldview is reflected in their literature, where characters often grapple with moral dilemmas that highlight the importance of adhering to absolute moral standards.
• Discuss how moral absolutism affects the portrayal of sin in Puritan literature and its implications for individual behavior.
  • In Puritan literature, moral absolutism leads to a stark portrayal of sin as an undeniable violation of divine law. The authors used vivid imagery and allegory to illustrate the consequences of sin, emphasizing that deviations from their moral code would result in severe spiritual repercussions. This perspective not only shaped individual behavior but also reinforced communal expectations regarding morality and piety within Puritan society.
• Evaluate the impact of moral absolutism on the development of American literary themes following the Puritan era.
  • Moral absolutism laid a foundation for many American literary themes that emerged after the Puritan era by creating a framework for exploring morality in diverse contexts. As writers began to question rigid moral codes, they often contrasted absolute truths with personal experience and societal change. This shift led to nuanced discussions around guilt, redemption, and ethical ambiguity, illustrating how moral absolutism's influence evolved while still resonating in American literature.

Related terms

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement that sought to purify the Church of England from its Catholic practices, emphasizing a strict moral code and personal piety.

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of a deity, often characterized by strict adherence to religious laws.

Sin: An action or thought that goes against divine law or moral principles, often viewed as a violation that requires repentance and atonement.