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Basic Beliefs of the Puritans. (Or, What to Pay Attention to While Reading) (You know you’re impressed with this technology!!). Basic Beliefs:. What are the basic tenets of Puritanism? authority/centrality of the Bible plainness “God’s altar needs not our polishing”
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Basic Beliefs of the Puritans (Or, What to Pay Attention to While Reading) (You know you’re impressed with this technology!!)
Basic Beliefs: • What are the basic tenets of Puritanism? • authority/centrality of the Bible • plainness • “God’s altar needs not our polishing” • “Pre-destination” and “Grace” • Looking for signs • “backsliding” • Divine Mission • Providential view of life and of history • New World/Israel • Noah and Moses
Old Ship Church, 88 Main Street, Hingham, Plymouth County, MA, built 1681. The Old Ship Church is the oldest meetinghouse in continuous ecclesiastical use in the United States. The structure has been added to extensively over the years, but was restored to a "a pleasing combination of 17th and 18th century elements" in the 1930s.
What do you notice about the interior of the Old Ship church? How does it match with what you learned about the Puritans in your textbook reading?
What part of the church interior is most prominent? What common features of church interiors are missing? What does this say about Puritan religion? What do you notice about the type and arrangement of pews? What does this suggest about Puritan society?
The Old Ship Church is named for the interior curve of the roof which resembles a ship's hull. 1) Why might this be an especially appropriate architectural metaphor for the Puritans? 2) Why might a ship-like interior be a common component of church architecture? (Think: biblical allusion.)
In Your Notebook: • Think of yourself as an archeologist who has just discovered this artifact – an authentic “primer,” or a book used by Puritans to teach their young how to read. Glance through the New England Primer, looking to uncover the secrets of a civilization long since extinct, and then answer the following question: • What does this Primer reveal about the Puritans’ views about nature, God, work, life and death?
f(n) of Puritan Writing = x+4 • To transform a mysterious God -- mysterious because he is separate from the world. • To reveal signs of God’s presence and illuminate His plan and works. • To make him more relevant to the universe. • To glorify God. (HOLLA)
Puritan Style (aside from the buckled shoes and square hats) • The “Plain Style” vs. the “Ornate Style” (the East Coast/West Coast feud of the 1620s) • “God’s alter needs not our polishing!” • Biblical Allusions/Comparisons (“New” Canaan) • Intelligent, religious, highly-literate audience
The Freake Family, 1671-1674, by Unknown Artist known only as the Freake Painter.