Puritans' religious beliefs

Definition

Puritans' religious beliefs were rooted in a desire for a more 'pure' form of worship and a strict adherence to the principles of Calvinism. They emphasized the importance of personal piety, moral rigor, and a covenant relationship with God, which significantly influenced early colonial society in New England. Their beliefs fostered a community focused on education, hard work, and a strong moral code, which shaped the culture and values of the colonies they established.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritans believed in predestination, meaning that God had already determined who would be saved and who would not, leading them to seek evidence of their salvation through good works and moral living.
2. They placed a strong emphasis on education, founding schools and colleges like Harvard in 1636 to ensure that ministers could read the Bible and preach effectively.
3. The Puritan work ethic became a foundational aspect of American culture, promoting values of hard work, discipline, and frugality as expressions of faith.
4. Puritans practiced a form of communal governance that reflected their belief in a covenant community, where each member was accountable for the moral behavior of others.
5. Their belief in the 'city upon a hill' concept influenced American exceptionalism, as they viewed themselves as a model society for others to follow.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan religious beliefs influence the social structure of early colonial communities?
  • Puritan religious beliefs heavily influenced the social structure of early colonial communities by promoting a strong sense of moral responsibility and community accountability. This created a tightly-knit society where individuals were expected to adhere to strict moral codes and support one another's spiritual well-being. The emphasis on education and civic duty also led to the establishment of local schools and community governance systems that reflected their values.
• In what ways did the Puritan emphasis on education reflect their religious beliefs and impact colonial society?
  • The Puritan emphasis on education was directly tied to their religious beliefs, as they viewed literacy as essential for understanding the Bible and living a godly life. This led to the founding of schools and colleges like Harvard, aimed at training ministers and ensuring that congregants could read scripture. The focus on education not only helped establish a literate society but also fostered an environment where individual interpretation of faith was encouraged, influencing democratic ideals within colonial society.
• Evaluate how Puritan beliefs contributed to the development of American identity and culture in relation to modern societal values.
  • Puritan beliefs significantly contributed to the development of American identity by instilling values such as individualism, hard work, and community responsibility that resonate in modern society. Their concept of a 'covenant community' laid the groundwork for democratic governance, influencing contemporary views on civic engagement and social contracts. Additionally, the Puritan work ethic has been heralded as foundational to American capitalism, shaping cultural attitudes toward success and moral responsibility that persist today.

Related terms

Calvinism: A major branch of Protestantism that follows John Calvin's theological teachings, emphasizing predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God.

Covenant: A sacred agreement or promise between God and the Puritans, which outlined their responsibilities as a chosen people to live according to God's laws.

Congregationalism: A form of church governance where each congregation is self-governing, reflecting the Puritan belief in local autonomy and community decision-making.