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EN220/IN250, American Identity, O'Conner |
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In America, Puritan devotion to democratic principles deeply affected
the national character and produced America's first democratic institution,
the town meeting. At the town meeting every church member had the right to speak,
and decisions were made by majority rule. The Puritan emphasis on simplicity
of worship, its asceticism (austerity and self-denial), remained influential
into the 20th century. The Puritan devotion to democratic principles had an
important effect on American life.
- -source: http://www.geocities.com/c2777/lhc/puritans.html (Jan 15, 2003).
Puritanism: A Few Things to Know.
A. Puritans were willing martyrs. Many died in England and America for principle.
B. American Puritanism: 1620--Massachusetts colony-- through 1691--new charter.
C. Movement arose out of desire to purify church and society.
D. James I harassed the Puritans.
E. John Winthrop's phrase, "a city on a hill," reflects Puritan belief
that all the world was watching them. Puritans overrated their importance and
significance, believing they would be emulated or called back to England.
F. Covenant theology:
1. Covenant of Works: Between God and Adam. Fall of man, original sin, was breaking
of covenant by Adam and Eve. Their fall was man's fall.
2. Covenant of Grace: Established by Christ.
G. A day in the life of an average Puritan:
1. Awake at 4:30 or 5:00 am, had prayer alone, and then prayer and scripture
reading with family.
2. Most Puritans kept daily spiritual diaries in which they looked at their
lives for signs of election.. Kept records of virtues and flaws.
3. Their main concern: "Is this pleasing to God?" All events and actions
pointed to this.
Puritan political and cultural heritage:
A. Development of schools: everyone should be educated
B. New England Primer: A: In Adam's fall / We sinned all.
C. Established Harvard. Believed in Learning/Higher Education
D. Bicameral legislature.
E. Town meetings-everyone has a voice, majority rules.
F. 1638: first printing press in America.
G. The "instructed conscience." A precursor of Supreme Court.
H. Intense individualism and paradoxical spirit of community.