Puritan VisionPuritan Visionand Struggle in New Englandand Struggle in New England

(Errand into the Wilderness)(Errand into the Wilderness)

Who were the Puritans?Who were the Puritans?H. L. Mencken (1880-1956), journalist, freethinker, H. L. Mencken (1880-1956), journalist, freethinker,

social critic, in "On Being an American" called social critic, in "On Being an American" called the United States "... incomparably the best the United States "... incomparably the best show on Earth….”show on Earth….”

Also contains his famous quote describing Also contains his famous quote describing PuritanismPuritanism as as "the haunting fear that someone, "the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, might be happy."somewhere, might be happy."

Common cultural conceptions, but how true are Common cultural conceptions, but how true are they??they??

Puritan Vision and StrugglePuritan Vision and Struggle

Part I: Part I: Theological BackgroundTheological Background

Part II:Part II: The Story and the PlayersThe Story and the Players

Part III:Part III: The Puritans Legacy in The Puritans Legacy in American American Religious HistoryReligious History

Part I: BackgroundPart I: Background

Conditions in EnglandConditions in England

Jean Calvin and Calvinism Jean Calvin and Calvinism (Reform Theology)(Reform Theology)

Politics in EnglandPolitics in England

Conditions in EnglandConditions in England

Persecution under James IPersecution under James I Charles I and Civil WarCharles I and Civil War Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell Restoration under Charles IIRestoration under Charles II

Jean Calvin’s TheologyJean Calvin’s Theology

TULIP:TULIP:– Total DepravityTotal Depravity– Unconditional ElectionUnconditional Election– Limited AtonementLimited Atonement– Irresistible GraceIrresistible Grace– Perseverance of the SaintsPerseverance of the Saints

Sovereignty of God, Predestination, VocationSovereignty of God, Predestination, Vocation

Max Weber’s Max Weber’s Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of CapitalismProtestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1920)(1920)

Puritans, Precisemen, Puritans, Precisemen, PrecisionistsPrecisionists

““Puritan” originally used to describe a 3rd Puritan” originally used to describe a 3rd c. CE sect of heretics.c. CE sect of heretics.

Came to be used as pejorative term(s) for Came to be used as pejorative term(s) for “low church” Anglicans who favored “low church” Anglicans who favored further reform of the Church of England further reform of the Church of England after Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.after Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

They referred to themselves as “the They referred to themselves as “the godly,” “the saintly,” or followers of “true godly,” “the saintly,” or followers of “true religion.”religion.”

Three Types of PuritansThree Types of Puritans

1.1. PuritansPuritans who want to purify but who want to purify but remain in the Church of England.remain in the Church of England.

2.2. PresbyteriansPresbyterians who want to substitute who want to substitute Presbyterian form of church Presbyterian form of church government for the Episcopalian. government for the Episcopalian.

3.3. IndependentsIndependents who want to purify and who want to purify and have only independent small have only independent small churches.churches.

- Separatists like Pilgrims at PlymouthSeparatists like Pilgrims at Plymouth- Non-Separatists like Puritans of Massachusetts Non-Separatists like Puritans of Massachusetts

Independents’ DilemmaIndependents’ Dilemma• Francis Mason (1605): “Then see, I beseech you, Francis Mason (1605): “Then see, I beseech you,

into what perplexities you cast yourselves. If you into what perplexities you cast yourselves. If you should conforme, you tell us that you should sinne, should conforme, you tell us that you should sinne, because it is against your conscience; and if you because it is against your conscience; and if you doe not conforme, wee must tell you that you doe not conforme, wee must tell you that you sinne, because it is unjustifieable disobedience.”sinne, because it is unjustifieable disobedience.”

• Giles Widdowes (1630): “The Puritan tenet is, that Giles Widdowes (1630): “The Puritan tenet is, that Kings must bee subject to the Puritan Presbyters…Kings must bee subject to the Puritan Presbyters…Thus the oaths of Superacie, and allegiance are Thus the oaths of Superacie, and allegiance are broken. This Puritan is an Arch-traitor.”broken. This Puritan is an Arch-traitor.”

• Samuel Brooke (1630): “Puritanism is the root of Samuel Brooke (1630): “Puritanism is the root of all rebellion and disobedient intractablenesse, and all rebellion and disobedient intractablenesse, and schism, and sauciness in the country.”schism, and sauciness in the country.”

Motivations for ExodusMotivations for Exodus ““Popish” Church of EnglandPopish” Church of England

– Book of Common PrayerBook of Common Prayer– Hierarchies of bishops and King.Hierarchies of bishops and King.

The difficulties with James and Charles and The difficulties with James and Charles and loss of Parliament (where they had support)loss of Parliament (where they had support)

Puritan clergy concerned with the “contagion Puritan clergy concerned with the “contagion of wickedness” and its effect on the young of wickedness” and its effect on the young peoplepeople

The appeal of creating a Christian nation as an The appeal of creating a Christian nation as an example/witness for the world - this was their example/witness for the world - this was their Errand (into the wilderness).Errand (into the wilderness).– Not motivated by economics or social equalityNot motivated by economics or social equality

Part II: Story and PlayersPart II: Story and Players

Getting ThereGetting There John WinthropJohn Winthrop Roger WilliamsRoger Williams Anne Hutchinson and John CottonAnne Hutchinson and John Cotton IndiansIndians Declension and WitchcraftDeclension and Witchcraft Jonathan Edwards and the Great Jonathan Edwards and the Great

AwakeningAwakening

Getting ThereGetting TherePilgrims (Separatists) arrive first:Pilgrims (Separatists) arrive first: 1607: a congregation from 1607: a congregation from

Nottingham goes to Holland. They Nottingham goes to Holland. They become the Pilgrims. 1620: become the Pilgrims. 1620: Mayflower sets out with 102 people Mayflower sets out with 102 people for N. Virginia and land at Plymouth for N. Virginia and land at Plymouth Rock. William Bradford (1590-1657) Rock. William Bradford (1590-1657) is governor for 30 years.is governor for 30 years.

12 of 26 men died; 18 of 21 women 12 of 26 men died; 18 of 21 women died in the first Winter. died in the first Winter. Thanksgiving for seeing the first Thanksgiving for seeing the first harvest in 1621 (Squanto).harvest in 1621 (Squanto).

Small colony: 1000 in 1640 and 2000 in 1660 (compare to Boston with 20,000 in 1660)

Mayflower Compact

Plymouth ColonyPlymouth Colony “…“…a great inward hope a great inward hope

and zeal.” and zeal.” - William - William Bradford Bradford

Saw themselves as Saw themselves as “stepping stones unto “stepping stones unto others…laying some good others…laying some good foundation, or at least to foundation, or at least to make some way therunto, make some way therunto, for the propagating & for the propagating & advancing the gospel of the advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world.”remote parts of the world.”

Very humble, mainly intent Very humble, mainly intent on escaping worldly snares, on escaping worldly snares, not so interested in not so interested in reforming the Church of reforming the Church of England.England.

Absorbed into larger Absorbed into larger Massachusettes Colony in Massachusettes Colony in 1691.1691.

Getting Getting (More) (More) There There

Royal Grant to all of New England Royal Grant to all of New England in 1620 to the Council for New in 1620 to the Council for New England.England.

Pilgrims were just one of various Pilgrims were just one of various groups that settled along coast.groups that settled along coast.

1628 Council granted charter to a 1628 Council granted charter to a group of Puritan merchants - the group of Puritan merchants - the New England Company (NEC).New England Company (NEC).

John Endecott, a Puritan is sent to John Endecott, a Puritan is sent to take charge of small Salem take charge of small Salem “Plantation”“Plantation”

1629 (just before Charles 1629 (just before Charles dissolved parliament) NEC dissolved parliament) NEC obtains a royal charter confirming obtains a royal charter confirming the grant, now they become the grant, now they become “Governor and Company of the “Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New Massachusetts Bay in New England” - pretty independent England” - pretty independent now.now.

Massachusetts Bay ColonyMassachusetts Bay Colony

Not schizmatic like Pilgrims.Not schizmatic like Pilgrims. John Winthrop (1588-1649)John Winthrop (1588-1649)

sets sail aboard the sets sail aboard the ArbellaArbella in in 1630 to establish covenantal 1630 to establish covenantal community with God.community with God.

400 men, women, children in 400 men, women, children in first 4 ships - 600 more follow.first 4 ships - 600 more follow.

Land at Salem, but go to Boston Land at Salem, but go to Boston peninsula - very defensible.peninsula - very defensible.

200 die during first winter, 200 200 die during first winter, 200 more call it quits by next more call it quits by next Spring.Spring.

But many more arrive - 15,000-But many more arrive - 15,000-20,000 Puritans fled Charles’ 20,000 Puritans fled Charles’ attempt to rule without attempt to rule without Parliament - “The Great Parliament - “The Great Migration”Migration”

“…“…Citte on a hill…”Citte on a hill…”

John WinthropJohn Winthrop First Governor of Massachusetts Bay ColonyFirst Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony Wealthy puritan merchant of some renownWealthy puritan merchant of some renown ““And who knows, but that god hath provided And who knows, but that god hath provided

this place, to be a refuge for manye, whom he this place, to be a refuge for manye, whom he means to save out of the general destruction.”means to save out of the general destruction.”

““It hath pleased the Lorde to call me to further It hath pleased the Lorde to call me to further trust in this business of the plantation, than trust in this business of the plantation, than either I expected or finde my selfe fitt for.”either I expected or finde my selfe fitt for.”

A great leader, organizer, and intensely A great leader, organizer, and intensely religious.religious.

“…“…the Lord will be out God and delight to the Lord will be out God and delight to dwell among us, as his owne people and dwell among us, as his owne people and will commaund a blessing upon us in all will commaund a blessing upon us in all our wayes, soe that wee shall see much our wayes, soe that wee shall see much more of his wisdome power goodnes and more of his wisdome power goodnes and truthe… wee shall finde that the God of truthe… wee shall finde that the God of Israell is among us, when tenn of us shall Israell is among us, when tenn of us shall be able to resist a thousand of our be able to resist a thousand of our enemies…for wee must Consider that wee enemies…for wee must Consider that wee shall be as a Citty upon a Hill, the eies of shall be as a Citty upon a Hill, the eies of all people are uppon us.” -- Journals, John all people are uppon us.” -- Journals, John Winthrop (1630)Winthrop (1630)

Winthrop’s IdeasWinthrop’s Ideas

““Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant with him for his work. We have taken out a into covenant with him for his work. We have taken out a commission, the Lord hath given us leave to draw our own commission, the Lord hath given us leave to draw our own articles.”articles.”

If the ships land safely, it would be God’s sign of having sealed If the ships land safely, it would be God’s sign of having sealed the covenant. Should the people betray their promises, “…the the covenant. Should the people betray their promises, “…the Lord will surely break out in wrath against us, be revenged of Lord will surely break out in wrath against us, be revenged of such a perjured people, and make us know the price of the such a perjured people, and make us know the price of the breach of such a covenant.”breach of such a covenant.”

“…“…to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God.”walk humbly with our God.”

““We must be knit together as one man.”We must be knit together as one man.”““We must delight in each other, make others’ conditions our own, We must delight in each other, make others’ conditions our own,

rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, our community as members of the same in the work, our community as members of the same body….then God in turn would delight to dwell among us as his body….then God in turn would delight to dwell among us as his own people.”own people.”

““We shall find that the God of Israel is among us, when ten of us We shall find that the God of Israel is among us, when ten of us shall be able to resist a thousand of our enemies.” - Journals.shall be able to resist a thousand of our enemies.” - Journals.

More on MassachusettesMore on Massachusettes The Puritan Way expanded The Puritan Way expanded

to Connecticut and then to to Connecticut and then to New HampshireNew Hampshire

Congregationalism = Congregationalism = PuritanismPuritanism

Edward Taylor, Puritan Poet Edward Taylor, Puritan Poet wrote: “Lord, Can a Crumb of wrote: “Lord, Can a Crumb of Dust the Earth outweigh Dust the Earth outweigh Outmatch all mountains, nay Outmatch all mountains, nay the Chrystall Sky?” - humans the Chrystall Sky?” - humans are the dust.are the dust.

Emphasis on education, Emphasis on education, Harvard founded just 7 years Harvard founded just 7 years after landing. Each township after landing. Each township had a school.had a school.

““Salvation is given by God, not Salvation is given by God, not earned by women or men.” - earned by women or men.” - Samuel Willard (1640-1707)Samuel Willard (1640-1707)

Puritan Social LifePuritan Social Life

EducationEducation Church membership = communion of saintsChurch membership = communion of saints Family affection, covenantal relationshipsFamily affection, covenantal relationships Civil meetings take place in Meeting House = Civil meetings take place in Meeting House =

Church. Theocracy?Church. Theocracy? HumilityHumility Emphasis/obsession on community/purityEmphasis/obsession on community/purity IndustriousnessIndustriousness Willingness to endure hardship, struggle, endure.Willingness to endure hardship, struggle, endure.

Sources of ConflictSources of Conflict Winthrop came as the governor of Mass Colony

– duty to establish the communal order, economic, legal, etc. responsibilities.

– focused on the pragmatics and alert to dangers.– he thought that because the people of Boston were true

Christians they had sin under control (not eradicated), but a healthy body can get rid of disease.

Roger Williams (1603-1682) comes to Boston in 1631 as minister, but had problems with the Puritans:

1) shouldn’t claim to still be part of the C of E while pursuing diff paths of worship and thought - can not “build a square house on top of a ship’s keel.”

2) no acknowledgement of Indians ownership of land. Not “empty land” - and who gave it to the King of England in the first place?

3) Did not agree with “the setting up of civil power and officers to judge the conviction of men’s souls.”

Anne Hutchinson and Roger WilliamsAnne Hutchinson and Roger Williams

Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) – Hutchinson sees Puritanism

as a means of self-expression– she does a great job of

discussing John Cotton’s sermons in her kitchen with as much as 80 people

– she served as a teacher when it wasn’t allowed for women

Antinomianism “against the law” Enthusiasm “presumption to be

directly inspired by God” - like the prophets of old themselves.

Ideological DifferencesIdeological Differences

Preparation v. Assurance– the Winthrop people felt that the most you

could look for in this life is the hope of salvation– the Hutchinson group (including John Cotton)

said there is another stage the sealing of the assurance where you have Christ in

a union consummation of the wedding (enthusiasm) there is a new creature now, not happening later in

heaven, Christ has taken over your personality– then you can do no wrong there is no earthly, human

law that can condemn or judge you (Antinomianism)

Religious Dissent and Religious Dissent and AuthorityAuthority

Winthrop gathered ministers and town leaders together to put pressure on John Cotton and persuaded him over time to reject Hutchinson

Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts and moved to Rhode Island– She died in an Indian attack in 1643 in New York

Roger Williams is banished (in Winter) and then founds the colony of “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” based on religious freedom and tolerance.– Bought the land from Indians.– Organized a separate church– Determined that civil government would have nothing to do

with religion.

Williams is exiled by law that was not Williams is exiled by law that was not revoked until 1936 with Massachusetts revoked until 1936 with Massachusetts House Bill 488 which formally ended 300 House Bill 488 which formally ended 300 years of exileyears of exile

""Whereas Mr. Roger Williams, one of the Elders of Whereas Mr. Roger Williams, one of the Elders of the church of Salem, hath broached and divulged the church of Salem, hath broached and divulged new and dangerous opinions against the new and dangerous opinions against the authority of magistrates, as also written letters of authority of magistrates, as also written letters of defamation, both of the magistrates and churches defamation, both of the magistrates and churches here, and that before any conviction, and yet here, and that before any conviction, and yet maintaineth the same without any retraction; it maintaineth the same without any retraction; it is, therefore, ordered that the said Mr. Williams is, therefore, ordered that the said Mr. Williams shall depart out of this jurisdiction within six shall depart out of this jurisdiction within six weeks now next ensuingweeks now next ensuing . . . " . . . "

Inscription on Monument:Inscription on Monument:

ANN HUTCHINSONANN HUTCHINSON

Banished from the Massachusetts Bay Banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony In 1638 Because of Her Devotion to Colony In 1638 Because of Her Devotion to Religious Liberty This Courageous Woman Religious Liberty This Courageous Woman Sought Freedom From Persecution In New Sought Freedom From Persecution In New

Netherland Near This Rock in 1643 She Netherland Near This Rock in 1643 She and Her Household Were Massacred by and Her Household Were Massacred by

Indians Indians This Tablet is placed here by the Colonial Dames of This Tablet is placed here by the Colonial Dames of

the State of New York the State of New York

Anno Domini MCMXIAnno Domini MCMXI

IndiansIndians How to regard the native How to regard the native

peoples?peoples? Squanto (Tisquatum) - Squanto (Tisquatum) -

English speaking native who English speaking native who assisted Pilgrims through 1st assisted Pilgrims through 1st winter. They would not have winter. They would not have survived w/o him.survived w/o him.

Pequot War (1637)Pequot War (1637) King Phillip’s War (1676) King Phillip’s War (1676)

(Narangansetts)(Narangansetts) Captives and exchangeCaptives and exchange Missionizing and “Praying Missionizing and “Praying

Indians”Indians”

Rhode Island: A New IdeaRhode Island: A New Idea Rhode Island was established as the first Rhode Island was established as the first

secular state.secular state. It emphasized democracy instead of theocracy It emphasized democracy instead of theocracy

or monarchy.or monarchy.– Election was done “by papers” (ballots) freely given Election was done “by papers” (ballots) freely given

by all free inhabitantsby all free inhabitants It also emphasized religious freedom.It also emphasized religious freedom.

– Individuals were allowed to "walk as their conscience Individuals were allowed to "walk as their conscience persuaded them, every one in the name of his God.”persuaded them, every one in the name of his God.”

– ““Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils.”Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils.” It emphasized the separation of church and It emphasized the separation of church and

state.state.

Rhode Island and Williams Rhode Island and Williams RejectedRejected

The “orthodox” Puritans of Massachusetts The “orthodox” Puritans of Massachusetts referred to Rhode Island as “the Lord’s referred to Rhode Island as “the Lord’s debris.”debris.”

Others joked that if someone had lost their Others joked that if someone had lost their religion, they were sure to find it religion, they were sure to find it somewhere in Rhode Island.somewhere in Rhode Island.

In 1643 Rhode Island was refused In 1643 Rhode Island was refused admission into the coalition of colonies admission into the coalition of colonies that was established for protection from that was established for protection from the Indians.the Indians.

Declension and IntoleranceDeclension and Intolerance

2nd and 3rd generations not so religious…2nd and 3rd generations not so religious… Baptism at birth then clear conversion Baptism at birth then clear conversion

experience expected, but 2nd generation experience expected, but 2nd generation not having themnot having them

““Halfway Covenant” to keep 2nd gen. in the Halfway Covenant” to keep 2nd gen. in the covenant of the Churchcovenant of the Church

Admitted to Sacraments to encourage or Admitted to Sacraments to encourage or facilitate conversion…facilitate conversion…

Quakers and Baptists expelled, flogged, or Quakers and Baptists expelled, flogged, or hung.hung.

Solomon Stoddard (1643-Solomon Stoddard (1643-1749)1749)

Suggests the Halfway Covenant in 1677Suggests the Halfway Covenant in 1677 Decline of virtueDecline of virtue Rise of economic success in trade with Rise of economic success in trade with

England, economic disparities are visual England, economic disparities are visual indications of the fracturing community.indications of the fracturing community.

Trade goods from England seen as signs Trade goods from England seen as signs of indulgence. of indulgence. What is happening?What is happening?

The Devil, that’s what…..The Devil, that’s what…..

Wonders and Witchcraft Wonders and Witchcraft TrialsTrials

““World of Wonders”World of Wonders” Activity of the supernatural in the modern worldActivity of the supernatural in the modern world Dabbling with astrology, magic, alchemyDabbling with astrology, magic, alchemy Part of the daily life of most people in New Part of the daily life of most people in New

England in 1600sEngland in 1600s Practice of magic connected to Christianity in Practice of magic connected to Christianity in

compatible wayscompatible ways Both God and Satan worked through “occult” Both God and Satan worked through “occult”

waysways Attempt to identify God’s “miracles” vs. Satan’s Attempt to identify God’s “miracles” vs. Satan’s

“wonders”“wonders”

Witchcraft TrialsWitchcraft Trials Salem Witch Trials (1692) most famousSalem Witch Trials (1692) most famous

– But early trials from 1648 and 1651 Mrs. Kendal is But early trials from 1648 and 1651 Mrs. Kendal is first execution.first execution.

Belief that Satan was trying to overturn social Belief that Satan was trying to overturn social orderorder

Salem: 160 accused, 19 executed (15 women) Salem: 160 accused, 19 executed (15 women) and 1 man pressed to death.and 1 man pressed to death.

Why did they happen?Why did they happen?– PersonalitiesPersonalities– Social differencesSocial differences– Psychological needsPsychological needs– Gender issues: Gender issues: Devil in the Shape of a Woman Devil in the Shape of a Woman (1987) (1987)

Carol KarlsenCarol Karlsen– Politics:Politics: In the Devil's Snare In the Devil's Snare (2002) Mary Beth Norton (2002) Mary Beth Norton

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) and The Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) and The Great AwakeningGreat Awakening

New PreachingNew Preaching ““There is no question whatsoever that is of There is no question whatsoever that is of

greater importance to mankind then this: What greater importance to mankind then this: What is the nature of true religion?”is the nature of true religion?”

Emphasis on Affections Emphasis on Affections ““Spiritual wisdom and grace is the highest and Spiritual wisdom and grace is the highest and

most excellent gift that ever God bestows on any most excellent gift that ever God bestows on any creature, it is not a thing that belongs to creature, it is not a thing that belongs to reason…it is not a speculative thing, but depends reason…it is not a speculative thing, but depends on the sense of the heart.”on the sense of the heart.”

Difference between being told that honey is Difference between being told that honey is sweet and the taste of it for oneself….sweet and the taste of it for oneself….

JeremaidsJeremaids

SummarySummary

Halfway Covenant, Witch Trials, Halfway Covenant, Witch Trials, Jeremiads, Great Awakening, Indian Jeremiads, Great Awakening, Indian problems, Hutchinson and Williams all problems, Hutchinson and Williams all indicate the need for adaptation.indicate the need for adaptation.

Divine Providence was challenged Divine Providence was challenged again and again leading to crises of again and again leading to crises of faithfaith

The The ErrandErrand becomes an adventure becomes an adventure Search for a new, unique, Search for a new, unique, AmericanAmerican

identity.identity.

Part III: LegacyPart III: Legacy

Myth of the Pilgrims?Myth of the Pilgrims?

Transformation and Continuation, Transformation and Continuation, Scholarly Debates…Scholarly Debates…

Core of American Culture? Core of American Culture?

So How/Why the Myth of Pilgrims?So How/Why the Myth of Pilgrims? 1820: Daniel Webster (1782-1852) coined the term 1820: Daniel Webster (1782-1852) coined the term

“Pilgrim Fathers” taking the term “Pilgrim” from “Pilgrim Fathers” taking the term “Pilgrim” from William Bradford journals. He overlooked the William Bradford journals. He overlooked the differences between Separatists and New England differences between Separatists and New England Puritans.Puritans.

In the face of tensions before the Civil War, nation-In the face of tensions before the Civil War, nation-wide movement to celebrate Thanksgiving Day as a wide movement to celebrate Thanksgiving Day as a means of uniting the nation under a consensual myth. means of uniting the nation under a consensual myth. The Pilgrim’s quest for religious freedom equated to The Pilgrim’s quest for religious freedom equated to Colonial quest for independence from England, the Old Colonial quest for independence from England, the Old World. America stands for freedom (from slavery too). World. America stands for freedom (from slavery too).

1863: Abraham Lincoln declares Thanksgiving Day a 1863: Abraham Lincoln declares Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.national holiday.

Transformation or Transformation or Continuation?Continuation?

Sydney E. Ahlstrom: Continuity from 1463 Sydney E. Ahlstrom: Continuity from 1463 to 1963 (Elizabeth to JFK)to 1963 (Elizabeth to JFK)

Aesthetic ThesisAesthetic Thesis: Calvin to Edwards to : Calvin to Edwards to Emerson to Social Gospel to Martin Luther Emerson to Social Gospel to Martin Luther King, Jr to 60’s “Awakening”King, Jr to 60’s “Awakening”

Reformed Theological Tradition: rising up Reformed Theological Tradition: rising up to Civil War, then declining.to Civil War, then declining.

Aesthetic core? Intellectual? Cultural? Aesthetic core? Intellectual? Cultural? PluribusPluribus or or UnumUnum??

Historical ConnectionsHistorical Connections

Great Awakenings and Evangelical Great Awakenings and Evangelical ChristianityChristianity

American Protestantism TodayAmerican Protestantism Today– Christian ConservativesChristian Conservatives– FundamentalistsFundamentalists– PentecostalsPentecostals– Mainline or Liberal ChristiansMainline or Liberal Christians

TranscendentalismTranscendentalism– True Religion becomes universal religion using True Religion becomes universal religion using

non-biblical language (Self, Oversoul, Self-reliance, non-biblical language (Self, Oversoul, Self-reliance, etc.)etc.)

Beginnings of American Culture

Mobilization toward unique American identity Core theme of independence and individual

conscience Core dilemma of social order and self-

expression Missionary efforts as Missionary efforts as

expansionism/imperialismexpansionism/imperialism– Slaves, leading to Civil WarSlaves, leading to Civil War– Indians, leading into the WestIndians, leading into the West

Education, Ivy League UniversitiesEducation, Ivy League Universities

The myth(s) of the Puritans?The myth(s) of the Puritans?

Puritans as founders of God’s nationPuritans as founders of God’s nation Puritans concerned that someone Puritans concerned that someone

somewhere is having a good timesomewhere is having a good time Scapegoating (Catholics, Reds, Scapegoating (Catholics, Reds,

Homosexuals, Terrorists)Homosexuals, Terrorists)

Some truth in each.Some truth in each.

A loss of something ever felt I-A loss of something ever felt I-The first that I could recollectThe first that I could recollectBereft I was - of what I knew notBereft I was - of what I knew notToo young that any should suspectToo young that any should suspect

A Mourner walked among the children A Mourner walked among the children I notwithstanding went aboutI notwithstanding went aboutAs one bemoaning a DominionAs one bemoaning a DominionItself the only Prince cast out -Itself the only Prince cast out -

Elder, Today, A session wiserElder, Today, A session wiserAnd fainter, too, as Wiseness is -And fainter, too, as Wiseness is -I find myself still softly searchingI find myself still softly searchingFor my Delinquent Palaces -For my Delinquent Palaces -

And a Suspicion, like a FingerAnd a Suspicion, like a FingerTouches my Forehead now and thenTouches my Forehead now and thenThat I am looking oppositelyThat I am looking oppositelyFor the site of the Kingdom of Heaven.For the site of the Kingdom of Heaven.

ca. 1864 Emily Dickinsonca. 1864 Emily Dickinson