The Scarlet Letter

1. The Scarlet Letter Background

2. Puritans: historical background • “Puritans”: name given to 16th century Protestants within Church of England. • Name came from group’s desire to “purify” the Anglican church of any hint of Roman Catholicism. • Wanted to return church to practices of early Christians as demonstrated in the Bible.

3. Historical background • In 17th century, many Puritans emigrated to the New World seeking to establish a holy Commonwealth in New England: to practice their faith in a way that would not draw persecution from the national Church of England (Anglican).

4. Historical background • They did not come to New World to found a commonwealth based on religious freedom. • The “freedom” they sought was to establish a church/state whose laws would be derived from Biblical principles. • Puritan “Founding Fathers” came to the New World in order to establish a “Utopian” state; the “New Jerusalem”; the “City on the Hill”

5. Historical background • In 1620 the Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony (via Holland) in Massachusetts • In 1630, Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the first major Puritan migration to New England.

6. Historical background • The “New Jerusalem” was built on the premise of humankind’s weakness and fallibility. • Left to their own devices, people would succumb to Satan’s temptations unless the whole community stood as one against the Tempter.

7. Historical background • Thus, there were few differences between church and state laws; offenses against church were offenses against state. • Puritan Code: • Waste no time • Duty and responsibility before pleasure • Evil is evil, regardless of circumstance • Man is imperfect • God has predestined man’s salvation and grace

8. Puritanism • Puritan beliefs • The Scriptures provide step-by-step instructions for church conduct and organization • The Bible tells individuals exactly how to behave • Human beings are put on earth to honor God and follow the calling that God has set forth for them • Human nature is evil; only God’s grace can save people from eternal damnation • The community has a responsibility to punish sinnners harshly for the good of their eternal souls

9. Puritanism • Forbidden: • Music in church • Drama • Erotic poetry • Swearing, idleness, drunkenness • Christmas and May Day holidays (they added three holiday celebrations: Thanksgiving, election day, college commencement)

10. Overview: Puritan Beliefs and Values • Grace, plainness, mission • Absolute sovereignty of God (many were Calvinists: predestination and “election”: a few are “chosen” to be saved) • Total depravity of mankind • Salvation entirely from God (grace) as opposed to a person’s good works, morality, intentions • Importance of personal religious experience • Education as the tool to understand and execute God’s will • Bible is indispensable guide to life; literal interpretation of Bible • Value of high moral conduct and hard work (link between Puritanism and capitalism) • Union of church and state to form holy commonwealth • Duty to direct national affairs according to God’s will as revealed in the Bible • Simple worship services; “plain” style of preaching; emphasis on conversion.

11. Puritan Beliefs and Values • Important contributions • High value on education (Puritans established Harvard College; between 1630 and 1690, there were as many university graduates in New England as there were in England). • Foundation for political revolution in New World and England (contributed to establishment of English Parliament). • Social vision with distinctively Christian character • Value on community and political service.