Cite several fundamental differences between Puritan thinking and deist thinking. Analyze specific literary works that illustrate these differences.
Response.
Puritan thinking and Deist thinking are two discrete but overlapping lines of belief that share principle differences. These fundamental discrepancies are effectively illustrated via former president Benjamin Franklin's The Way to Wealth and From the Autobiography and his Deist spiritual convictions as well as hints of Puritan idealism due to his religious background. In addition to Franklin's works, there is William Bradford's Plymouth Plantation, with a noticeable essence of Puritanism.
To begin with, Deism is a belief system which is instilled within a lifestyle, and it calls for abiding by a moral code, inspired by ethical philosophies. The concept suggests that God has made activities and the ability to fulfill things exist for the purpose of individuals approaching and attempting at them. However, according to this acceptance, we have the presence of mind to realize that particular activities and things are not worth approaching and attempting, because they have no ulterior benefit or advantage to leading a worthy life. Making lucid, rational decisions, on an independently responsible level, is the basis of this belief. The Puritan belief system suggests of a highly religious and spiritual conduct, emphasizing the righteousness and dominion of God, being all-knowing and controlling of His will and from intellectual standards. Moderation is an integral sect of Puritanism, as no alternative should be approached and attempted in excess. Therefore, the moral code injunctions the demeanor of Deists, and the followers of this belief are completely responsible for their judgments depending on the situation. However, Puritanism is a way of submission and living for God, derived from conservative fundamentals. .
There are several elements of the Deist belief system as well as Puritan idealism that are found in Benjamin Franklin's work, The Way to Wealth and From the Autobiography.