-isms Beginning with Puritanism

-isms The suffix –ism is used in colleges and upper levels in high school. It refers to the study of almost anything (the topic of study + the suffix -ism). For example, the study of Puritan literature is called Puritanism. This year, especially the first semester, will be devoted to learning the –isms of American literature.

The –isms we will study this year, chronologically: Puritanism Classicism (Rationalism)/ Deism Romanticism Transcendentalism Anti-transcendentalism/Dark Romanticism/Gothicism Realism Naturalism Modernism Post-modernism

1600s The Puritans were a group of people who grew discontented in the Church of England and worked towards religious, moral and societal reforms.

Who were the Puritans? Beliefs: That The Church of England had become a product of political struggles and man-made doctrines. Actions: To escape from church leadership and the King (the head of the Church of England), they came to America.

Puritans Wanted to “purify” the church and their own lives, and return to a simpler form of worship and church organization. Believed that religion should be a personal, inner experience (unlike the Catholic Church and the Church of England, where the clergy and king acted as an intermediary between the individual and God).

All Are Under Adam’s Curse Read the Puritan Beliefs text boxes on p. 10-11 in your textbook. Why did Puritans believe they were all damned? How did they know if they were one of the “elect,” the ones chosen by God to be saved? What motivated the Puritans to live exemplary, simple, hard-working lives?

Predestination They believed in Predestination (Pre-destiny) This meant that God has already chosen whether or not you are saved. The doctrine of predestination kept all Puritans constantly working to do good in this life to be chosen for the next eternal one. God had already chosen who would be in heaven or hell, and each believer had no way of knowing which group they were in.

Hard Work Those who were wealthy were obviously blessed by God and were in good standing with Him. The Puritans believed that hard work was an honor to God which would lead to a prosperous reward. (Ironically, just what was needed to build a new society!)

Zero Tolerance Any deviations from the normal way of Puritan life met with strict disapproval and discipline. Since the church elders were also political leaders, any church infraction was also a social one. There was no margin for error. If they were kicked out of the society, they’d have nowhere to turn in a wilderness full of “savage barbarians” And then there was that pesky belief that Godly society is good, and Nature is wild and impure…

Plain and Simple Because the Puritans didn’t know if they were already saved or not, they did their best to make sure that no temptation would be around them. They desired to rid themselves of envy, vanity, and lust. One way that they rid themselves of these feelings was through their appearance.

Puritans’ Religious Beliefs The devil was behind every evil deed. Constant watch needed to be kept in order to stay away from his clutches. Any leisurely activity was viewed as the Devil’s work. “Raising the Roof” was the closest thing to fun they had.

Puritanism All men are under “Adam’s curse” Desire to rid themselves of envy, vanity, and lust Valued plainness, esp. in religion Virtue achieved by the grace of God through salvation in Jesus Christ Idea of election-only some people are saved

Puritanism Pragmatism-practicality and sense of purpose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZLb33uCg

Puritanism Literature: Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, by Jonathan Edwards Upon the Burning of our House, by Anne Bradstreet