Puritans in America

16th-18th century

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 England1. King Charles forbid change in Church of England2. Puritans wanted to “Purify” church (hence Puritan)

I. History of Puritans in America (cont.)

B. Fled England for Massachusetts Bay1. Colonies at Plymouth, Salem, and Cape Ann2. 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 church2. Evolving philosophy after “great

awakenings” 3. Modern Presbyterians and Unitarians are

the remnants of Puritans

II. Puritan BeliefsA. 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. Sermons1. Intent is to frighten listeners2. Vivid images of suffering in hell

B. Historical Narratives1. Relay historical information2. Lace story with religious significance

C. Poetry (always religious)

IV. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (1741)

A. Author: Jonathan Edwards1. Puritan preacher2. Would later reject Puritanism during Great Awakening

B. Style1. Late Puritan Sermon2. Rich in vivid imagery of human suffering3. Extensive use of metaphor

C. Significance1. Most widely studied piece of Puritan literature2. 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 Bradford1. Governor of Plymouth Plantation2. Led colonists on difficult journey on Mayflower

B. Style1. Historical narrative – realistically relays events of early

settlement2. Bradford uses real events to teach religious lessons, a

sort of “disguised sermon.”

C. Significance1. One of the only existing documents about early Puritan

settlements2. Shows how religion dominated every aspect of Puritan

life

VI. “A Narrative of the Captivity” (approx 1711)

A. Mary Rowlandson1. Early American colonist who lived in Salem2. Spent 11 weeks as a captive of Indians

B. Style1. Historical narrative2. Teaches religious lessons, a sort of “disguised

sermon.” 3. Compares herself to Job, and to the Israelites.

C. Significance1. Enormously popular, it served to motivate further

conversion of Indians2. 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?