Amer. Pol. Thought: The Puritans and the Religious Tradition

Who was John Winthrop?

English Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, known for his sermon A Modell of Christian Charity (1630)

Context of a Modell of Christian Charity

Delivered as a sermon aboard the Arbella while en route to the New World

Purpose of A Modell of Christian Charity

The sermon outlined the vision for a Puritan society in the New World and the idea that the colony should serve as a moral example to the world. Emphasize unity, charity, and divine purpose in founding the colony. Establish a moral and social framework for governance and relationships.

What is the meaning of the phrase "a city upon a hill" in Winthrop's sermon?

Winthrop used this phrase to describe the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a model Christian community that the world would observe. Setting an example of righteousness and godliness

How did Winthrop emphasize social hierarchy in A Modell of Christian Charity?

He argued that God had created social divisions to foster interdependence and mutual care, with the wealthy responsible for aiding the poor and maintaining harmony in society. It allows the rich to show charity and the poor to practice patience. Social positions should reflect God's will.

What role did Christian love and charity play in Winthrop's vision?

The colony must function as a moral and spiritual community based on Christian love, cooperation, and charity. Biblical foundation: Love thy neighbor as thyself (Golden Rule). Charity is essential to maintaining unity and ensuring collective survival

How has Winthrop's sermon influenced American history?

The "city upon a hill" idea has been referenced by leaders like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, shaping the belief in American exceptionalism and moral leadership

Winthrop: The Covenant with God

The settlers have a covenant with God to build a holy community.

If they follow God's laws, they will be blessed; if they fail, they will be punished

Winthrop: Communal Responsibility and Unity

The survival of the colony depends on cooperation and mutual support.

Individuals must prioritize community welfare over personal gain.

Calls for justice, mercy, and generosity, especially towards the poor

American exceptionalism

Idea that America has a special mission as a moral and religious example

Who was Roger Williams?

Roger Williams was a Puritan minister, theologian, and founder of Rhode Island, known for advocating religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

What is the Bloudy Tenant of Persecution?

The Bloudy Tenant of Persecution (1644) is a book by Roger Williams arguing against religious persecution and for the separation of church and state.

Main argument in Bloudy Tenant of Persecution

Williams argued that civil authorities should not enforce religious beliefs and that individuals should be free to worship without government interference

How did Williams define religious authority?

He believed that true faith could not be forced and that every person had the right to follow their conscience in religious matters without fear of persecution

How did The Bloudy Tenant of Persecution challenge Puritan beliefs?

Williams rejected the idea that the government should enforce religious uniformity, directly opposing the Massachusetts Bay Colony's strict religious policies

What impact did The Bloudy Tenant of Persecution have on American religious/political thought?

Williams' ideas influenced the development of religious freedom in America and helped lay the foundation for the First Amendment's protections of religious liberty

How did Puritans view democracy?

Puritans had a limited view of democracy, favoring a theocratic government where only church members had political power, while still valuing some forms of self-governance

What type of government did Puritans establish in New England?

Puritans created a theocratic society where church leaders held significant influence, and only male church members could vote and participate in governance

Did Puritans believe in the separation of church and state?

No, Puritans believed that government should enforce religious morality. But they did not establish a direct church-run government like in Europe

How did Puritans justify their political system?

They believed government should uphold God's laws and ensure a moral society, as civil authority was seen as a tool for maintaining religious purity

How did Puritan ideas influence American democracy?

While Puritans limited political participation, their town meetings and emphasis on moral leadership influenced later democratic traditions in America

What does Matthew 5:14 say about believers?

Jesus describes His followers as "the light of the world". The light represents good deeds, moral integrity, and the influence of God's presence in their lives

What is the significance of the phrase "a city set on a hill" in Matthew 5:14?

A city on a hill and a lamp placed on a stand are both visible and can't be hidden. Symbolizes that Christians should live visibly righteous lives, serving as a moral and spiritual example for others. Not for self-glorification, but to glorify God

What does Matthew 5:14 teach about sharing faith/purpose of lamp on the hill?

This means faith should be openly shared, not hidden. Inspire others to see God's work in the world.

What is the main theme of Matthew 5:14-16?

The passage emphasizes being a light in the world, living in a way that reflects God's truth and goodness, and inspiring others to glorify God.

Matthew 5:14-16 and its relation to The Puritans

This meant that their community was to be a model of Christian virtue and moral living, visible to the world as an example of God's grace and law

What is the main message of Romans 13:1-7?

The passage asserts that all governing authorities are established by God, emphasizing that secular rulers and governments derive their authority from divine will.

Respecting civil authority is part of respecting God's order in the world.

According to Romans 13:1-7, what happens when someone resists authority?

Resisting authority is seen as resisting God's appointed order. Importance of submission to the laws and leaders that God has put in place

What does Romans 13:1 say about rulers and good behavior?

Rulers are depicted as "servants of God" who are responsible for maintaining order, promoting good conduct, and executing judgment on wrongdoers. Uphold justice, punish evil

Romans 13:1, why should people obey government?

Those who do good have no reason to fear the authorities because they will receive approval and protection. Those who do wrong should be afraid, as rulers have the authority to punish evil actions on God's behalf

What does Romans 13:1 say about paying taxes?

Taxes support government officials, who serve as God's ministers. Showing respect and honor to those in positions of power

Romans 13:1-7 and its relation to The Puritans?

The Puritans strongly believed that all authority, whether religious or civil, was ordained by God. Their obedience to both church and state was not just a social contract but a divine obligation.

Who is Jonathan Mayhew?

American preacher and theologian in colonial New England, advocate for religious and civil liberty, known for his sermons and writings on the relationship between government authority and Christian duty

Mayhew: Limited Authority of Govt

Government authority is not absolute and must be exercised justly. Tyranny and oppression violate the principles of justice and God's law

Mayhew: Christian Duty to Resist Unjust Authority

Christians are not obliged to submit to authorities when they command unjust or immoral actions. Obedience to God supersedes obedience to earthly rulers when their actions contradict God's moral order

Mayhew: Biblical Precedents for Resistance

Hebrew midwives in Exodus who defied Pharaoh's orders, early Christians resisted Roman authorities when they demanded acts contrary to Christian beliefs

Mayhew: The Role of Conscience in Political Obligation

Mayhew argued that each person must follow their conscience, which aligns with God's law, over the dictates of secular rulers. Importance of individual responsibility to uphold justice, even if it means resisting authority

Mayhew: Criticism of Absolutism

Criticized the notion of absolute submission to rulers, a viewpoint prevalent in the era of monarchies. Submission leads to tyranny and the abuse of power

Mayhew: Purpose of Govt. Authority

Purpose of government was to protect the rights and welfare of the people. Governments that fail to do so forfeit their legitimacy and lose the right to demand submission from their citizens

Impact of A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission to Higher Powers

Contributed to the ideological foundation for resistance to British authority, paving the way for the American Revolution