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Historical Context of TSL

Historical Context of TSL. Setting: Boston 1640s Boston had only been founded recently by about 1,000 English Puritans led by John Winthrop Puritanism began in New England—goal was to…. Historical Context of TSL. Puritans wanted to return to earliest forms of Christianity

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Historical Context of TSL

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  1. Historical Context of TSL • Setting: Boston 1640s • Boston had only been founded recently by about 1,000 English Puritans led by John Winthrop • Puritanism began in New England—goal was to…

  2. Historical Context of TSL • Puritans wanted to return to earliest forms of Christianity • Recognize the Bible as sole source of religious authority • The word of God was to be interpreted by ministers

  3. Historical Context of TSL • Attempts to impose these beliefs on English society were unsuccessful and brought persecution upon Puritans • The government Puritans envisioned was not intended to provide religious freedom for all

  4. Historical Context of TSL • Do not get Puritanism and Transcendentalism confused. • The central belief of Puritanism was predestination—all people deserve damnation but some were “elected” to receive salvation.

  5. Historical Context of TSL • A person did not know his or her predetermined fate until Judgment Day, and that destiny could not be influenced. • So, why, if your fate was predetermined, would you even try to live uprightly?

  6. Historical Context of TSL • Still, Puritans sought to be righteous. • They suppressed desires of the flesh, studied the Bible, and attended teachings of minister. • Puritans believed that they could recognize inner corruption in others.

  7. Historical Context of TSL • It was obvious that Hester was predestined for damnation. • God would take care of punishing wrong doers but “evil doers” were punished in order to warn others:

  8. Historical Context of TSL • Punished by • Hanging • Whipping • Humiliation in pillory

  9. Paradoxes in Puritan Lifestyle • Merchants and craftsmen were encouraged to live among them • They prized simplicity but loved fine clothing • Beautiful houses • Fine furniture • Superstitious

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