Puritanism

Definition

Puritanism was a religious reform movement that arose in the late 16th and 17th centuries, primarily within the Church of England, advocating for a return to what its followers considered a more 'pure' form of worship and church governance. The movement emphasized personal piety, moral rigor, and an intense focus on scripture, influencing various aspects of culture, literature, and society in early America and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritans sought to 'purify' the Church of England from what they viewed as remnants of Catholicism, advocating for simpler worship and stricter moral conduct.
2. Many Puritans migrated to America in the 1620s and 1630s, establishing colonies where they could practice their beliefs freely, such as Massachusetts Bay Colony.
3. Puritan literature often focused on personal experiences of faith and the interpretation of Scripture, with devotional poetry and sermons being central forms of expression.
4. Prominent Puritan figures like John Winthrop envisioned their colony as a 'city upon a hill,' symbolizing an ideal Christian community meant to serve as a model for others.
5. The legacy of Puritanism is seen in modern American values such as hard work, frugality, and a strong sense of community responsibility.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs influence the literary tradition in early America?
  • Puritan beliefs significantly shaped early American literature by promoting themes of personal faith, morality, and the interpretation of scripture. This influence is evident in the works of authors like Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor, who expressed their religious experiences through poetry. Their writings often reflected Puritan ideals such as the importance of community and a deep connection to God, serving both as devotionals and reflections on daily life.
• In what ways did Puritanism contribute to the development of American identity during its early colonial period?
  • Puritanism played a critical role in shaping American identity by establishing values like self-governance, community ethics, and an emphasis on education. The Puritans created a society based on their strict religious principles that prioritized moral integrity and communal responsibility. These values laid the groundwork for later American ideals like democracy and individualism, influencing not only social structures but also cultural narratives that would define America.
• Evaluate how Puritan beliefs regarding covenant theology influenced their societal structure and governance.
  • Puritan beliefs in covenant theology deeply influenced their societal structure by creating a community that viewed itself as bound by agreements with God. This led to a governance system where church authority intertwined with civil authority, resulting in a theocratic model that prioritized moral legislation aligned with Puritan values. Their emphasis on covenants fostered a sense of collective responsibility among members, reinforcing social cohesion while also paving the way for conflicts with dissenters who challenged their strict interpretations.

Related terms

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God, often seen in Puritan communities where church leaders had significant political influence.

Calvinism: A branch of Protestantism that emphasizes predestination and the sovereignty of God, which significantly shaped Puritan beliefs and practices.

Covenant Theology: A theological framework used by Puritans that views God's relationship with humanity through the lens of covenants, or agreements, between God and His people.