Ideology and Literature Puritan Ideology TOTAL DEPRAVITY through

Ideology and Literature

Puritan Ideology

• TOTAL DEPRAVITY: through Adam and Eve's fall, every person is born sinful - concept of Original Sin – Human beings are INTRINSICALLY evil and must overcome constant temptation within and from the outside world. – Original Sin: because of what happened in Eden, all mankind is cursed.

LIMITED ATONEMENT: Jesus died for the chosen (“the elect”) only, not for everyone…

• THE DOCTRINE OF THE DIVINE ELECT (ELECTION): God "saves" those he wishes - only a few are selected for salvation – this is the concept of predestination – God has already decided who is going to Heaven and who is not (he is OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT) – Since no one knows WHO “the elect” are, we should live as if we know we are…what do you have to LOSE?

THEOCRACY • A theocracy is a government ruled by GOD/religion (theo=religion, cracy=govt. ) • BECAUSE PURITANS SAW THE BIBLE AS THE SUPREME AUTHORITY ON EARTH, NO OTHER LAWS or GOVERNMENTS COULD SUPERCEDE IT!

• A separation of CHURCH and STATE does not yet exist…they are inseparable to the PURITANS…

Gov. John Winthrop, Massachusetts Bay Colony: • “The Lord will make our name a praise and glory…For we must consider that we shall be like a CITY UPON A HILL; the eyes of all people are on us. ”

Puritan Writing • Puritans used writings to explore their inner and outer lives for signs of the workings of God

• The Puritans produced no fiction or drama because they viewed these forms of writing as sinful. • Genres of writing included: histories, sermons, journals, and poetry

The idea of the “City upon the Hill” is seen in America's foreign policy and commercial mission.

Americans still feel that their government and lifestyle is the best and will enter other countries trying to force them to live that way of life.

The “Puritan Work Ethic” is also alive in America • Those who work hard are rewarded by God • Those with idle hands are “the Devil’s playground. ”