Puritan society

Definition

Puritan society refers to the social structure and cultural values established by the Puritans, a religious group that sought to purify the Church of England and create a community based on strict religious principles. This society was characterized by a strong emphasis on piety, hard work, education, and moral conduct, influencing the development of colonial New England and reflecting broader themes of colonial society and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritan society was built around the idea of creating a 'city upon a hill,' meaning they aimed to be a moral example for others.
2. Education was highly valued in Puritan communities; they established schools to ensure children could read the Bible and understand religious texts.
3. Puritans believed in predestination, meaning they thought God had already decided who would be saved or damned, leading to intense moral scrutiny within their communities.
4. The family was central to Puritan society, with clear roles for men, women, and children, promoting a strong sense of community and moral responsibility.
5. Puritan communities often faced internal conflicts, such as dissenting views on religion and governance, which sometimes led to the establishment of new colonies.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs shape their social structure and community life?
  • Puritan beliefs significantly shaped their social structure by emphasizing piety, moral conduct, and communal responsibility. Their view of society was intertwined with their religious convictions, leading to strict codes of behavior and governance. This resulted in a highly organized community where church leadership played a central role in daily life and decision-making.
• Discuss the role of education in Puritan society and its impact on community values.
  • Education held great importance in Puritan society as it was essential for understanding religious texts and promoting moral values. The establishment of schools ensured that both boys and girls were literate enough to read the Bible. This focus on education reinforced community cohesion and helped instill Puritan values in the younger generation, ultimately shaping the culture of colonial New England.
• Evaluate the significance of events like the Salem Witch Trials within the context of Puritan society's values and fears.
  • The Salem Witch Trials were significant as they exemplified the fears and tensions inherent in Puritan society. Driven by strict religious beliefs and a fear of moral corruption, accusations of witchcraft reflected underlying anxieties about sin, dissent, and societal order. These trials not only highlighted the extreme measures taken to preserve community purity but also indicated how fear could lead to hysteria and injustice within a tightly-knit religious community.

Related terms

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God, commonly seen in Puritan communities where church leaders held significant power.

Covenant Theology: A theological framework emphasizing the importance of covenants or agreements between God and humanity, central to Puritan belief and community life.

Salem Witch Trials:

A series of hearings and prosecutions in 1692 that led to the execution of several individuals accused of witchcraft, highlighting the tensions and fears within Puritan society.