Puritan Movement NOTES PDF

A Collision of Cultures American Voices | Roberts The Arrival of Outsiders: European Exploration and Colonization Spain - 1492 Christopher Columbus...

A Collision of Cultures American Voices | Roberts The Arrival of Outsiders: European Exploration and Colonization Spain - 1492 Christopher Columbus and three ships are North America about to set sail: The Nina, The Pinta, 5-15 million and The Santa Maria. Native Americans Goal: find a new trade route to Asia  Columbus's First Voyage to the Bahamas (1492) In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain and, instead of reaching Asia as North America planned, he landed on an island in the Bahamas, 5-15 million marking the beginning of Spain Native European exploration in Americans the Americas. This initiated the era of colonization, which would have profound impacts on indigenous peoples.  Juan Ponce de León reaches Florida in 1513 20 years laters, after Columbus's initial voyage in 1492, Juan Ponce de León was one of the first European North America explorers to land on what is now U.S. soil. 5-15 million In 1513, on his quest to Native find the mythical Americans "Fountain of Youth”, he arrived in Florida. His exploration marked the first documented landing of a European in what is now the continental United Note: Their goal was to claim land for Spain, convert Native Americans to States. Christianity, and search for resources like gold.  English Colonization (1600s) The British arrived in Jamestown on May 14, 1607. A group of about 100 North America English settlers, sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, landed in what 5-15 million Native is now Virginia and Americans Jamestown, “established” the VA settlement of Jamestown. This was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Group 1: Early European Exploration Excerpt from Christopher Columbus's Journal (1492): This short excerpt can illustrate the motivations behind Columbus's voyages and the impact on Native peoples: "As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I gave to some of them red caps and glass beads, which they hung around their necks, and many other things of small value, in which they took much pleasure." Key Takeaway: This shows how Columbus initially viewed Native Americans and his aim of converting them to Christianity. It also provides insight into European attitudes of superiority over indigenous cultures. Discuss: How do Columbus's goals (trade, conversion) reflect broader European colonial ambitions?  Puritans Before Plymouth Puritans were Protestants in England who wanted to "purify" the Church of England, influenced by John Calvin's teachings. Calvinism emphasized predestination (the North America belief that God had already chosen who would be saved) and 5-15 million Native strict moral discipline. Americans Facing persecution in England, some Puritans (known as Separatists) fled to the Netherlands, but later sought to establish a new, godly community in …  Plymouth, Massachusetts In 1620, they sailed on the Mayflower, intending to North America establish a religiously 5-15 million pure Native Americans community in what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts.  To understand The Puritans, we have to know about John Calvin. John Calvin -French Theologian / Thinker -His followers were called “Calvinists” Beliefs of Calvinism Total Depravity: Humans are inherently sinful and need God's grace for salvation. Unconditional Election: God chooses who is saved, not based on human actions. Limited Atonement: Christ died only for the elect, not for everyone. Irresistible Grace: God's chosen cannot resist His call to salvation. Perseverance of the Saints: The elect cannot lose their salvation once granted. NOTE: Puritanism is a subset of Calvinism, meaning all Puritans were Calvinists, but not all Calvinists were Puritans. Wrote this book 📖 Group 2: Puritans and Calvinism Excerpt from John Winthrop's "A Model of Christian Charity" (1630): This foundational Puritan sermon, delivered on the journey to America, emphasizes the Puritans’ religious mission: "For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us, so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world." Key Takeaway: The Puritans saw themselves as creating a model Christian society that would serve as an example for others. This idea of being a "city upon a hill" is central to their worldview. Discussion: How does Winthrop's sermon reflect Puritan values, and how did these values shape their actions in the New World? 1. The Purpose of Puritan Literature Religious Instruction: Puritan writings often aimed to instruct readers on living a godly life and preparing for salvation. Authors frequently addressed sin, repentance, and the divine relationship. Moral Examples: Many Puritan texts served as moral examples, warning against straying from the path of righteousness. Plain Style: The Puritans valued simplicity and clarity in their writing, reflecting their belief in living humbly before God. 2. Common Themes in Puritan Literature The Covenant with God: A recurring theme in Puritan literature is the idea that the Puritans had entered into a covenant with God, similar to the Israelites in the Bible. Predestination: Many Puritan works reflect the belief in predestination, the idea that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned. The Struggle with Sin: Much of Puritan writing expresses the internal struggle between sin and the pursuit of godliness. 3. Importance of Sermons and Diaries Sermons: Beyond Jonathan Edwards, sermons were a key form of Puritan literature, often used to preach morality and warn against sin. Diaries and Journals: Puritans kept detailed personal journals, reflecting on their daily lives and spiritual journeys, which gives us insights into their inner lives and religious struggles. 4. Legacy of Puritan Literature Influence on American Identity: Puritanism heavily influenced the development of American literature and thought, particularly through themes of hard work, morality, and self-examination, which are evident in later American writers. Shaping Early American Ideals: Their writings contributed to the idea of America as a "city upon a hill," with a special purpose and destiny. The phrase "a city on a hill" comes from John Winthrop's 1630 sermon, "A Model of Christian Charity." Winthrop, one of the early leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, used this metaphor to describe the Puritans' vision for their new community in America. Meaning of "A City on a Hill": Moral Example: The Puritans believed that their colony should serve as a model Christian community for the rest of the world. Just as a city on a hill is highly visible and cannot be hidden, their community would be observed by others, and they felt a deep responsibility to live according to God's will. Divine Mission: The phrase symbolized the Puritans’ belief that they were on a divine mission to create a holy society that would reflect God's covenant with them. They saw themselves as chosen people, much like the Israelites in the Bible. Accountability: It also carried a sense of accountability, as they knew their actions would be scrutinized by others. If they failed to live up to their ideals, it would dishonor God and be a poor reflection of their faith. The concept of being a "city on a hill" has been invoked many times throughout American history, especially in political and cultural contexts, to reflect America's role as a nation that others look to for leadership and moral guidance. Group 3: Puritan Literature Excerpt from Jonathan Edwards’ "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (1741): This famous sermon exemplifies Puritan religious thought and rhetoric: "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked. His wrath towards you burns like fire; He looks upon you as worthy of nothing else but to be cast into the fire." Key Takeaway: Edwards uses vivid imagery to instill fear and repentance in his listeners, focusing on God’s wrath and the concept of predestination. This demonstrates the Puritan emphasis on moral discipline and the constant threat of damnation. Discussion: How does this writing style and message reflect Puritan religious beliefs, particularly predestination and total depravity? American Voices glory or a testing ground for the faithful.