Overview
This lecture introduces the Puritans—their beliefs, way of life, and how these influenced American society and early literature.
Puritan Beliefs and Origins
- Puritans sought to "purify" the Church of England, believing it had become corrupt.
- They left England for the New World to practice their faith freely.
- Puritanism is a branch of Calvinism asserting human sinfulness and salvation for only some, called the "elect."
- Conversion, or a personal experience with God, was seen as necessary for salvation.
Puritan Society and Theocracy
- Puritanism governed all aspects of life, creating a theocracy with no separation between church and state.
- The Bible was considered the supreme authority and influenced laws, courts, and daily life.
- Puritans saw themselves on a divine mission, laying groundwork for the concept of "manifest destiny."
- Hard work, self-discipline, and introspection were considered religious duties.
- Good behavior, guilt, industriousness, and business success were seen as possible signs of being among the "elect."
Church Membership and Citizenship
- Church membership was exclusive to those considered "elect."
- Citizenship in Puritan colonies required church membership.
- Applicants had to submit conversion narratives—written testimonies of personal experiences with God.
- Non-conformists and non-believers were exiled from the community.
Social Codes and Education
- Strict codes punished drunkenness, gambling, and skipping church, but discipline severity is often exaggerated.
- Puritans valued education to combat atheism and instill hard work, making them highly literate.
- Most Puritan writings were religious, including histories, journals, hymns, and sermons.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Puritan — Member of a religious movement seeking to "purify" the Church of England.
- Theocracy — System where church and state are intertwined.
- Elect/Predestination — Belief that God has predetermined salvation or damnation.
- Conversion Narrative — Written testimony of a personal experience with God required for church membership.
- Manifest Destiny — The idea that expansion into the New World was a divine mission.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on how Puritan beliefs influenced early American literature.
- Prepare to discuss examples of Puritan writings and their religious themes in the next class.