The Puritans of the 1600's during the witch trials in Salem and the book, House of the Seven Gables, were very strict, pious, theocratic people. Although their way of life and ideals may seem extremely different from the life of current day Americans, the Puritans had a great effect on American culture.
The Puritans based their lifestyle on three key principals which came from religion and dedication to God, work and labor to ensure their "predestination," and education, in which religion and work was the dominant theme. Simply, religion was the one factor that summed up Puritan existence. These influences, especially education, are stressed in today's society. You work hard to earn a good education so then you can use that knowledge to achieve a better job where you continue to work through the remainder of your life.
Religion, once again, was the key part in the life of a Puritan. They were very small minded when confronted with the idea of religions other than Protestant. This closed mindedness results in religious exclusiveness which is a part of society that they develop.
Though it might not have always been a good addition, the Puritans have added many factors to the lifestyle and society we came come to be familiar with in present day America.
No comments:
Post a Comment