When the topic of a Puritanical society is brought up, people tend to think of a rigorous, conservative, highly devout society. While this description is generally true, it seems as though half the time it is false. The Puritan society is known not only to act out of brotherly, Christian love, but is also known to cruelly lash out on those who sinned or were deemed unfit for society. Such authoritarian actions lay the groundwork for its demise. It was only a matter of time before something exploited the population's weakest qualities and insecurities and brought forth its collapse.
The isolation of the Puritan society created a rigid social system that did not allow for any variation in lifestyle. The church was against the Devil, and at the same time it was against such things as dancing and other premature acts. The Puritans were a God-fearing community. The reputation of the family was very important to the public. Young Puritan children were given little or no freedom to act like children. They were to be seen and not heard. It is not surprising that some would rebel against this constricting lifestyle. Though this society was thought of at the time to beperfect?, it was not taken into consideration that humans were not perfect. The secret grudges that neighbors held against each other and the physical and economic differences between the citizens is one factor which brought forth tragedies such as the witch trials. Within this model society lived many people with hidden darkness in their hearts, and the Salem witch trials exposed and magnified the consequences of those black desires.
A community living in a Puritan society like Salem could easily go into a chaotic state and have a difficult time dealing with evil. Salem's hysteria made the community lose faith in the spiritual beliefs that they were trying to strictly enforce. Their justice system was hypocritical to the people that it was designed to protect.
Puritan religion revolved around the concept of salvation. ... Many interesting Puritan laws were made regarding marriage. ... The institution of marriage was a sacred and valued tradition of the Puritan culture. ... There was a distinct structure to Puritan family relationships. ... Without the crops, the Puritans starved. ...
Who would have ever thought that these words were spoken by a Puritan? ... The quote above was said about her, from another puritan woman. ... I believe I already made clear, it was a puritan woman who said that. ... They spoke of going back to the traditions of the Old Testament, yet in the Old Testament, it says both men and women were created equal. ... I might have been a bit caustic with the puritans. ...
John Winthrop started his journey when he became a Puritan. Morgan stated that Puritanism was "only a belief that the Church of England should be purged of its hierarchy and the traditions and ceremonies inherited from Rome (5). ... He argues that the Puritans should leave to avoid God's judgment. ... However to show he was a good leader he welcomes all Puritans, even separatists. ... In the end John Winthrop became a strong and talent leader for the Puritans. ...
For example ancient Jewish tradition placed great emphasis on marriage and reproduction, while early Christian sexual traditions promoted celibacy as superior to marriage and that all humans should strive for a chaste life. The Puritans defined marriage as a covenant of God and thus the only legitimate mechanism for sex and procreation. Steve Wilkins in his article "The Puritans and Family" stated: "The Puritans were not bashful to acknowledge the sanctity of sexuality. ...
Since then, the term has been used to identify an ideal American tradition. ... Seventeenth century Puritans' objective and hope were to form a society devoted to God. ... With the Puritans were also Pilgrims, also known as Separatists, whose only wish was to worship as the saw fit. ... The Puritans were determined to build a "City on a Hill," where God's law and Christian living would rule. ... Neither group welcomed idle people, and both were willing to risk everything for what has become the American tradition- a chance to achieve one's own unique goal. ...
In my quest for a true understanding of what religion is I explored my own traditions and religious beliefs as well as life experiences. ... Tradition, prayer, and meditation are all acts of religion and are considered intangible behaviors. ... The Puritans were very vocal about their quest for an ideal life. ... Instead of focusing on how to nurture their current world, the Puritans caused mass mayhem and interrupted a peaceful environment. ... Again, I reflect to the Puritans who spoke out against the Catholic Church of England and founded the Protestant form of Christianity. ...
Both the Puritans and the Separatists established their colonies and their governments. ... However, in colonies like Rhode Island, many pariahs could find peace and the freedom to practice their traditions. ... Here they were free to live about their lives, unlike living by colonies near the Puritans. ... Yet, here the Quakers established strong relations with their neighboring Indians along with accepting their traditions. ... The Puritans limited other religions; yet, in Rhode Island other religions were welcomed. ...
In my quest for a true understanding of what religion is I explored my own traditions and religious beliefs as well as life experiences. ... Tradition, prayer, and meditation are all acts of religion and are considered intangible behaviors. ... The Puritans were very vocal about their quest for an ideal life. ... Instead of focusing on how to nurture their current world, the Puritans caused mass mayhem and interrupted a peaceful environment. ... Again, I reflect to the Puritans who spoke out against the Catholic Church of England and founded the Protestant form of Christianity. ...
