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Introduction to Puritanism. Origin of the name Puritan.
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Origin of the name Puritan • Puritans was the name given in the 16th century to the more extreme Protestants within the Church of England who thought the English Reformation had not gone far enough in reforming the doctrines and structure of the church; they wanted to purify their national church by eliminating every shred of Catholic influence. In the 17th century many Puritans emigrated to the New World, where they sought to found a holy Commonwealth in New England. Puritanism remained the dominant cultural force in that area into the 19th century. http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/puritani.htm
What Puritanism entailed: • “personal salvation was entirely from God” –meaning God and only God had the power to save the lives of men’s souls • “that the Bible provided the indispensable guide to life”- Puritan’s took the bible literally, saw it as a roadmap to salvation, do not stray from the word of the bible • “church should reflect the express teaching of Scripture” • “society was one unified whole”- had a strong sense of community
(cont.) • Because of their literal interpretation of the bible, it was considered criminal to break any of the ten commandments • Because of strong religious beliefs, people thought that Satan was the causer of evil in the world. Saw a constant battle between good and evil • Believed in predestination, meaning that some people were already selected by God for eternal salvation. But how do you know who is selected??? You don’t.
Some Facts about American Puritanism • Founded Plymouth colony in 1620 • New England became the base/center for American Puritanism in the 1600’s • Held very strict and harsh rules, almost rejected satisfaction and luxuries • Puritan's were responsible for the Salem witch trials, which is now seen as an atrocity (1692)
Coming to America • The man who is seen in the eyes of History as bringing the Puritans to America is William Bradford. • Bradford lived in England, but was forced to move to the Netherlands with many others because of his religious beliefs • After 12 years in the Netherlands, Bradford and fellow Puritans decided to sail to the “New World.” • They were at sea for 65 days under horrific conditions • Finally settled in New England in November of 1620 • In 5 months half of the original settlers were dead from starvation.