The Times Have Changed
Haven’t They?
Change
In the 17th century, Puritan colonists profoundly changed life in
North America. Their impact in many ways is still felt today.
I. History of Puritans in
America
A. Arrival motivated by political unrest in England
1.
2.
King Charles forbid change in Church of England
Puritans wanted to “Purify” church (hence Puritan)
I. History of Puritans in
America (cont.)
B. Fled England for Massachusetts Bay
1. Colonies at Plymouth, Salem, and Cape Ann
2. Set up schools, such as Yale and Harvard
I. History of Puritans
C. Decline came fast in end of 17th century
1. Salem Witch Trials undermined church
2. Evolving philosophy after “great awakenings”
3. Modern Presbyterians and Unitarians are the
remnants of Puritans
II. Puritan Beliefs
A. Religion based strongly on teachings of John
Calvin, which had five principles.
1. “Total Depravity” – mankind will always choose evil
over good
II. Puritan Beliefs (cont.)
2. “Unconditional Election” – you are chosen to be
saved or damned
II. Puritan Beliefs (cont.)
3. “Limited Atonement” – Jesus only died for the sins of
the chosen
4. “Irresistible Grace” – if you are chosen, the Holy Spirit
will force you to do good
5. “Perseverance of the Saints” – Satan cannot reclaim the
souls of the chosen
II. Puritan Beliefs (cont.)
B. Man and his accomplishments exist solely for the
Glory of God
C. If Hard Work results in success, it is a sign that you
are one of the “elected.”
D. Government should be a theocracy, meaning church
and government are one (decisions based on
religious belief).
III. Puritan Literature
A. Sermons
1.
2.
Intent is to frighten listeners
Vivid images of suffering in hell
B. Historical Narratives
1.
2.
Relay historical information
Lace story with religious significance
C. Poetry (always religious)
IV. “Sinners in the Hands of an
Angry God” (1741)
A. Author: Jonathan Edwards
1.
2.
B.
Style
1.
2.
3.
C.
Puritan preacher
Would later reject Puritanism during Great Awakening
Late Puritan Sermon
Rich in vivid imagery of human suffering
Extensive use of metaphor
Significance
1.
2.
Most widely studied piece of Puritan literature
Reflects Calvin’s principles of “Total Depravity” and
“Limited Atonement,” but contradicts those values in
conclusion (reflecting changing values)
V. “Of Plymouth Plantation”
(1667)
A. William Bradford
1.
2.
B.
Style
1.
2.
C.
Governor of Plymouth Plantation
Led colonists on difficult journey on Mayflower
Historical narrative – realistically relays events of early
settlement
Bradford uses real events to teach religious lessons, a
sort of “disguised sermon.”
Significance
1.
2.
One of the only existing documents about early Puritan
settlements
Shows how religion dominated every aspect of Puritan
life
VI. “A Narrative of the
Captivity” (approx 1711)
A. Mary Rowlandson
1.
2.
Early American colonist who lived in Salem
Spent 11 weeks as a captive of Indians
B. Style
1.
2.
3.
C.
Historical narrative
Teaches religious lessons, a sort of “disguised sermon.”
Compares herself to Job, and to the Israelites.
Significance
1.
2.
Enormously popular, it served to motivate further
conversion of Indians
Rare glimpse at early colonial life in America
Big Questions
(because it has to matter, right?)
1. How are Puritan religious values and beliefs seen in
their literature?
2. What place, if any, do Puritan values still have in
today’s world?