Puritanism and Its Influence on Early American Literature

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Puritanism and its Influence on Early American Literature The Puritans had a profound effect upon American culture. As a political, social, and cultural force, Puritanism lasted until around 1728. The term "Puritan" first began as an insult applied by traditional Anglicans to those who criticized or wished to "purify" the Church of England. "Puritan" refers to two distinct groups: "separating" Puritans, such as the Plymouth colonists, who believed that the Church of England was corrupt and that true Christians must separate themselves from it; and non-separating Puritans, such as the colonists who settled the Massachusetts Bay Colony, who believed in reform but not separation. Ironically enough, out of these two groups, were two notable men, William Bradford and John Winthrop, whose life’s work soon became influential pieces of American literature. Several beliefs differentiated Puritans from other Christians. The first was their belief in predestination. They believed that some people were “predestined” to experience an afterlife with God. Only the “elect” or “chosen” were in a good relationship with God. The Puritans believed that belief in Jesus and participation in the sacraments could not alone affect one's salvation; one cannot choose salvation, for that is the privilege of God alone. They also feared that humanistic learning will draw people away from the church. In 1620, in order to practice their beliefs freely, some 100 men, women, and children boarded the Mayflower to establish a settlement in the New World. Amongst these passengers, was the English leader of the settlers William Bradford, whom later became the governor of Plymouth Plantation in 1621at the age of thirty- one. For many years he occupied his spare time writing about his experience of this new settlement. The journal, as we know it, became the history of the first 30

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