PURITANS 1620 1750 s History Purify the church

PURITANS 1620 -1750 s

History • • “Purify” the church in England Severe persecution 1620 – Landed in “new world” 1640 – 20, 000 arrived

Theology • Religion was a personal experience • Original sin – Saved [elect] and unsaved [damned] • Call of the saved – Outward expression of beliefs – Valued exemplary lives • Bible was the literal word of God – Source of guidance for life

Government • “Elect” ran the government • Strict and slightly undemocratic • Constitution (over monarchy) – Power spread out

Schooling • Education was pivotal • Founded on Bible • Surrounded families • Harvard was founded by Puritans

LITERATURE / WRITINGS • Plain, simple • Journals, diaries • Sermons • The following are slides on author…

William Bradford • • • Prestigious background in England Joined non-conformists Escaped to Holland Traveled on Mayflower Governor of Plymouth • Of Plymouth Plantation

Mary Rowlandson • • Wife of minister Victim of King Phillip’s War Captive of Wampanoag Story shows obedience of faith • A Narrative of the Captivity

Anne Bradstreet • First American poet • Lover of Shakespeare • Puritan wife/daughter • Here Follow Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10, 1666

Jonathan Edwards • Puritan preacher • Began Great Awakening revival – Challenge to the duty of the saved • Extremist • Fought modern world and religious world of ancestors • Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

William Byrd • Virginia-born • Son of wealthy land-owner • Loved theater and science – Outlawed by Puritans • Controversial diary • Satirical exploitation • A History of the Dividing Line