Puritan and Colonial
Bryce Hardin and Triston Greenwald
In the late 16th century a religious movement arose from the Church of England known as Puritanism. In the 17th century Puritanism sent an offshoot to the Northern English colonies in the new world, which laid the foundation for the religious and social order of New England. During the Puritan era many Puritans sought corporate and individual conformity to the teaching of the Bible (Anglican). The Puritans also believed that man existed for the glory of god, and that his first concern was to do gods will. Later in the Puritans life having a family was at the center of their societies, as their devotion to god. In their marriage the father/husband were the spiritual head of the household, while their wives were ordered to obey male authority and to demonstrate religious piety. During the Puritan era girls carried the burden Eve’s corruption and were separate from boys during teenage years. Education for the boys prepared them for leadership roles, while girls were educated for religious purposes. In 1659 the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas celebrations but was later revoked by Sir Edmund Andros (Delbanco). The colonies also banned other entertainments on moral grounds such as games and drama (Finley). During this time period drinking alcohol, but did not sell to the natives. Also during this time period spouses were punished if they did not fulfill the sexual duties with their husbands.
The literature of the Puritan Era was hugely focused around devotion to religion, and living a life that follows all of the biblical rules laid down by the Puritan religion (Helena). They were very ardent in their beliefs as they wanted to reflect positively against the Catholics, whom they considered corrupt, and a model of what ideals not to follow. In this way, they attempted to be a beacon of godliness and morality. A popular leader referenced “A city upon a hill” in his writings, meaning that they served to be an example. Another common characteristic of the time period was the lack of free will in the writing, with complete devotion to the lord, and any other path being considered inhuman and not a respectable cause. There were no actions that were not directly influenced by God, and no actions that could not be attributed to his love (Kelly). However, the reverse was also true. The Puritans ardently believed in divine punishment, and anything that happened wrong in their life was the direct result of some fault that they had made, and God was punishing them. This resulted in lots of sermons and literature about Hell and the dangers of it, as well as how prevalent the chance of going there was. A completely moral life was an absolute necessity to be saved.
In the late 16th century a religious movement arose from the Church of England known as Puritanism. In the 17th century Puritanism sent an offshoot to the Northern English colonies in the new world, which laid the foundation for the religious and social order of New England. During the Puritan era many Puritans sought corporate and individual conformity to the teaching of the Bible (Anglican). The Puritans also believed that man existed for the glory of god, and that his first concern was to do gods will. Later in the Puritans life having a family was at the center of their societies, as their devotion to god. In their marriage the father/husband were the spiritual head of the household, while their wives were ordered to obey male authority and to demonstrate religious piety. During the Puritan era girls carried the burden Eve’s corruption and were separate from boys during teenage years. Education for the boys prepared them for leadership roles, while girls were educated for religious purposes. In 1659 the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas celebrations but was later revoked by Sir Edmund Andros (Delbanco). The colonies also banned other entertainments on moral grounds such as games and drama (Finley). During this time period drinking alcohol, but did not sell to the natives. Also during this time period spouses were punished if they did not fulfill the sexual duties with their husbands.
The literature of the Puritan Era was hugely focused around devotion to religion, and living a life that follows all of the biblical rules laid down by the Puritan religion (Helena). They were very ardent in their beliefs as they wanted to reflect positively against the Catholics, whom they considered corrupt, and a model of what ideals not to follow. In this way, they attempted to be a beacon of godliness and morality. A popular leader referenced “A city upon a hill” in his writings, meaning that they served to be an example. Another common characteristic of the time period was the lack of free will in the writing, with complete devotion to the lord, and any other path being considered inhuman and not a respectable cause. There were no actions that were not directly influenced by God, and no actions that could not be attributed to his love (Kelly). However, the reverse was also true. The Puritans ardently believed in divine punishment, and anything that happened wrong in their life was the direct result of some fault that they had made, and God was punishing them. This resulted in lots of sermons and literature about Hell and the dangers of it, as well as how prevalent the chance of going there was. A completely moral life was an absolute necessity to be saved.