Puritans and Puritanism Essay -- American History

Puritans and PuritanismThis essay addresses the questions What is Puritanism. What is the marrow of puritanism in the Statesn history? What is the Covenant as Puritans still it. How were their ideas about the Covenant applied to their experience in America?Puritanism is one of the most important aspects of the American culture. Many of this countrys article of beliefs come from puritanism background. What is Puritanism and the meaning of it in American history?Puritanism is a term that originates from the religious group called the Puritans. They were a denomination formed by the great Protestant Reformation in Europe. They were known as nonconformists and dissenders because of their refusal to submit to the Church of England. Because of this, the Puritans and their theology soon died out in Europe. However, the puritan ideas and beliefs flourished in the New World. Puritanism starts with the theology of the Puritans. First they believed in the sovereignty of God. That is, only God had the highest power or rank. This meant that a man did not have the power to hold authority over other men. In essence, this belief coincides with the concept of the divine nature of kings. The English monarchy wanted its people to believe that the king was appointed by God Himself. Therefore, the king was responsible only to God. The head start concept of Puritanism states that all Christian men are responsible only to God. Another concept of puritanism and probably the most important is the idea of Salvation by Grace. In Puritan theology, God created mankind and cosmos. He gave mankind a beautiful garden to live, the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, mankind committed sin and was banished. However God, sent His grace to mankind. He gave His... ... was to give African slaves their freedom. Then, there was the westward movement to expand land. During the 20th century, the United States fought to protect the world from the Axis, the Communists, and the Iraqis. In each case, Amer ica has always had this special mission which they fulfilled sometimes using question fitting methods. We can put one over how puritanism relates to the beliefs of America by studying the history of America. And we can see the prominent role puritanism has played to American society. Just look at the remnants of the Indian culture. Using the name of God, the Americans stole their land, wiped out their people, and destroyed their culture. Perhaps the sovereignty of God isnt such a good idea after all. It seems as though with no authority to answer to except God, America was able to do almost anything and state that it was for the greater good.