1. The Scarlet Letter Background

2. Puritans: historical background  “Puritans”: name given to 16 th 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 17 th 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.