What comes to mind when people speak of Puritans? Most people would relate the religious and intolerant Puritans to the infamous Salem witch trials. However there is much more to the people who became the founding fathers of the USA. For example, the Puritans believed in divine providence and predestination.
Through Puritan literature it is obvious that the puritans stressed divine providence. For instance, in "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford, everything is referred to as God's good grace, even when an antagonistic sailor falls overboard it is considered divine providence. Also, in Mary Rowlandson's captivity narrative she relates her captivity to Moses and the Israelites. So, if everything came from God including the actions of people, wouldn't one already be predetermined to act a certain way contradicting predestination?.
The Puritans believed that God handpicked who would join him in heaven and these select few were the Society of Saints. So people tried to emulate someone who would be chosen by having certain qualities such as being a hard worker, honesty, and modesty. Writing a journal was essential to reflect on their actions, to exploit their good deeds to what the bible stated a good person is. .
Puritanism makes living impossible through absurd beliefs such as everything derives from god and everyone's future is already planned out. However, all Puritan ideas aren't that irrational. For example, emphasis on education has influenced us to provide free education to all who want it. Furthermore, perhaps these religious fanatics are the reason why the United States is as great as it is today.