Puritanism, a movement within the Church of England, aimed to purify the church and promote Protestant theology. Its principles of God's sovereignty, Scripture authority, and predestination led to the Puritan migration to New England, shaping the region's ethos. The decline of Puritanism gave rise to new sects, while its literature, marked by didacticism and religious themes, left a lasting legacy on American values and literary canon.
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Puritanism originated in the late 16th century as a movement within the Church of England to "purify" the church
English Reformation
The Puritan migration to New England was a response to religious conflict in England after the English Reformation
Persecution under Queen Elizabeth I
Under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Puritans faced increasing persecution for their beliefs
In search of religious freedom, many Puritans emigrated to the American colonies, establishing colonies such as Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Central to Puritan belief was the sovereignty of God
Puritans believed in the authority of Scripture
Puritans believed in the doctrine of predestination, which held that God had predetermined the salvation or damnation of individuals
Puritans emphasized personal, disciplined piety and a moral life as evidence of faith
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 exposed the dangers of religious extremism and weakened Puritan authority
As the original religious fervor diminished, other Protestant denominations gained followers, diversifying the religious landscape
The Great Awakening of the 18th century further diversified the religious landscape, paving the way for the rise of new denominations
The religious fervor of the Puritans evolved into a broader emphasis on morality and social reform, contributing to the pluralistic nature of American Protestantism
Puritan literature was marked by its didactic purpose, serving to instruct and improve the reader's moral and spiritual condition
Puritan writers often used plain style and a first-person perspective to communicate directly with readers
Puritan literature emphasized the integration of biblical principles into everyday life
Puritan literature produced significant works that contributed to the cultural and religious life of early America
The legacy of Puritan literature continues to influence American culture and values, instilling values such as diligence, frugality, and a strong sense of community responsibility
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The Puritans believed in the ______ of God, the ______ of Scripture, and the concept of ______, which posits that God has already decided who will be saved or condemned.
sovereignty
authority
predestination
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Result of English Reformation for Church of England
Broke from Catholic Church, retained many Catholic traditions.
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Puritan settlements in North America
Established Plymouth (1620) and Massachusetts Bay Colony (1630).
