Early American Writers

An introduction to the writing of the Puritans – who came to North America for freedom and went on to practice the most oppressive brand of Christianity ever known to man!

John Winthrop (1588-1649): One of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Winthrop arrived in 1630 aboard the flagship Arbella. On board the Arbella, he prepared and delivered his famous sermon "A Model of Christian Charity." In this speech, Winthrop introduced the concept of Manifest Destiny, stating "For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.”

Early American Writers

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): First female poet published in the New World. Bradstreet’s poetry captured the struggles Puritan women faced in North American, her love for her family, and her intense religious faith.

Early American Writers

Early American Writers

Jonathan Edwards(1703-1758): Famed theologian and preacher who helped lead the First Great Awakening (~1730-1755). His most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” showcased his defense of Puritan ideals.

Basic Puritan Beliefs

1. Total Depravity 2. Unconditional Election 3. Limited Atonement 4. Irresistible Grace 5. Perseverance of the "saints”

Total Depravity

Total Depravity - through Adam and Eve's fall, every person is born sinful - concept of Original Sin

This depravity begins at conception. It does not begin when we do something bad. We are not sinners because we sin, rather, we sin because we are sinners.

Unconditional Election

Unconditional Election – God saves only those he chooses. This is the Puritan belief of predestination.

Limited Atonement

Limited Atonement - Jesus died only for the chosen elite, not for everyone.

Irresistable Grace

Since grace is undeserved by any person, Irresistible Grace teaches that when the Spirit of God is sent to change a person’s heart, that person cannot resist the change.

“That there is such a thing as a spiritual and divine light immediately imparted to the soul by God, of a different nature from any that is obtained by natural means.” Jonathan Edwards

Perseverance of the "saints"

God’s grace can transform sinners into upright people (“saints”) with the power to reject evil and do good.

(A “saint” continually shows himself as one who has been changed by God)

Additional Beliefs: Typology

Typology: The belief that God's intentions are present in human action (everyday behavior) and in natural phenomenon (i.e. flooding, a bountiful harvest, lightning striking a home).

Additional Beliefs: Backsliding

Backsliding: The belief that "saved" believers, those with visible signs of grace, can fall into temptation and become sinners. To prevent this, believers were expected not to become smug, do constant soul-searching, be introspective, and pray constantly. Satan was particularly interested in snaring such believers.

The Function/Purposes of Puritan Writers

1. To transform a mysterious God - mysterious because He is separate from the world.

2. To make Him more relevant to the universe.

3. To glorify/praise God.

The Style of Puritan Writing

1. Plainness: Simple word choice/poetic techniques

2. Purposiveness: Texts designed to “teach” readers a lesson

3. Awareness of religious audience: Consistent references to the Bible

Puritanism