Puritanism

Definition

Puritanism was a religious reform movement in the late 16th and 17th centuries, aiming to purify the Church of England from remnants of Roman Catholic practices. This movement significantly influenced literature, politics, and culture during a time marked by civil war and social upheaval.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritanism arose as a response to perceived corruption in the Church of England, advocating for a return to a more biblical form of worship and governance.
2. The Puritans were instrumental in the development of early American society, emphasizing hard work, education, and moral living, which laid the foundation for American values.
3. Many Puritans fled to America in search of religious freedom, leading to the establishment of colonies like Massachusetts Bay, where they could practice their faith without persecution.
4. Puritan literature often reflected their religious convictions, focusing on themes such as sin, redemption, and the moral struggles of individuals in a sinful world.
5. The political writings of Puritans during the English Civil War argued for a greater role of Parliament and individual rights, influencing modern democratic thought.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs influence the political landscape during the English Civil War?
  • Puritan beliefs played a significant role in shaping the political landscape during the English Civil War by advocating for the authority of Parliament over the monarchy. Their emphasis on covenant theology reinforced ideas about governance based on moral and religious principles. The Puritans sought to establish a government that reflected their values, leading to increased tensions with royalists who supported absolute monarchy. This ideological struggle contributed to the eventual rise of republicanism in England.
• In what ways did Puritanism impact early American literature and societal values?
  • Puritanism had a profound impact on early American literature and societal values by promoting themes centered around morality, individual accountability, and religious introspection. Authors like Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards used their writings to reflect Puritan ideals, exploring human sinfulness and divine grace. Additionally, Puritans placed a high value on education, which fostered literacy and a culture of reading that would influence American literature and thought for generations.
• Evaluate the significance of Puritanism in shaping modern democratic thought and its legacy in contemporary society.
  • The significance of Puritanism in shaping modern democratic thought is evident through its emphasis on individual rights, moral governance, and the role of community in public life. Their arguments for self-governance and accountability laid foundational ideas for democracy that would resonate through history. In contemporary society, Puritanical values can still be seen in debates around morality, work ethic, and education. The legacy of Puritanism encourages ongoing discussions about religious freedom and the intersection between faith and governance.

Related terms

Separatists: A faction within Puritanism that believed in completely separating from the Church of England to establish independent congregations.

Covenant Theology: A theological framework that emphasizes the covenants God made with humanity, central to Puritan beliefs and their understanding of salvation.

Predestination: The belief in Puritan theology that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned, shaping their views on morality and behavior.