Puritanism Introduction Basic Timeline 1630 The Great Migration

Puritanism Introduction

Basic Timeline 1630: The Great Migration to New England (Puritans) 1690 1636: Harvard College founded 1620: Mayflower lands (W. Bradford) with 100 pilgrims 1730: J. Edwards Speech “Sinners in the Hands of an angry God” The Great Awakening 1692: The Salem Witch Trials The Puritan Age 1745

Puritanism: a definition As a religion it stems from Roman Catholics Church of England (Anglican) Puritan (to purify) As a way of life it is based on God and his teachings Puritans lived in a THEOCRACY Church Elders Ministers = Bible teachings = State government/law

View of God Puritan Views: All-powerful All-knowing Revengeful Just/fair View of Man Sinful Unworthy of salvation • View of Nature - Used by God as a way to punish or reward man

Puritan Tenets (beliefs): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Bible is the inerrant (without errors) word of God an outline for living Special people (good Puritans) have been chosen by God to carry out certain actions Your eternal destiny is decided before you are born. How you live life hints to this destiny. In all aspects of life, be pragmatic (practical) and avoid frivolous (unnecessary) activities. “Work is necessary and good for you. ”

Puritan reasons for writing: Puritan literature is both PRAGMATIC and THEOCRATIC Reasons for writing are Loneliness To describe the new land For support from Europe To explain action (esp. W. Bradford) For religious purposes (esp. J. Edwards)