Please respond to five of the eight in the "comment" section of this post found at the bottom of these questions (and please sign you name!).
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
6. In what way(s) is the the sermon "an American institution?"
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to with influencing Puritan behavior?
8. Perhaps (according to Boorstin) the most distinctive of the sermon was what?
On pp. 14-15 please pay special attention to the description of the Puritan meeting house as well as the sacrifices individuals made to attend.
56 comments:
1. What is meant by the referenced City Upon a Hill?
- The “City upon a hill” reference has two different levels; firstly, it is a Biblical reference to the gospels of Matthew, where it is stated that a ‘city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.’ As well as this clever allusion, Winthrop also uses the phrase to accentuate how the world will be watching and examining the colonies of the Puritans in Massachusetts Bay to see if they succeed, and if so, how to follow suit in other areas. It was in retrospect a quite amazingly adept comparison, for decades after this was said, the later named US of A became the focal point of the world, as it succeeded in so many wars and endeavors that everyone attempted to mimic or recreate its infrastructure and methodologies.
2. According to Boorstins interpretation of Winthrop’s speech, what was America’s destiny?
- As shown by the “City upon a hill” speech, Winthrop appeared to believe that the destiny of the colonies in America were to lead the way for other colonial attempts- to succeed and be beneficial to Europe and the world in general, and to provide a gleaming centerpiece of colonial endeavors, which showed the world the advancement of Western peoples.
3. In what ways were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
- The puritans could be labeled as “theologians” for the simple, yet eloquent, reason of their attaching religious values and undertakings to all aspects of life. The Sermons undertaken in the Mass. Bay Colonies show this magnificently- Even though Sermons had been with the settlers leaving from England, it was morphed and made into a social event, the gathering place and meeting ground for all, and also became the keystone of many activities in which it seems almost unwarranted, such as at executions, legal processions, et. Cetera.
5. “The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength.” Please comment.
- The Puritans so called ‘failure’ at developing tolerance could be seen as being beneficial in several key ways. Firstly, it allowed communities to be built with more inter-connectedness, assuming that all were Puritans, then there was no need for segregation (before slaves came into the picture) and thus it was a marshalling ground for people of like beliefs to live in harmony. Similarly, it gave a feeling to the inhabitants of safety, as one always feels happiest or most secure when surrounded by those of like beliefs and lifestyles. However, it also can be seen as a negative thing- according to Boorstin, it caused a degradation in their writing styles, creating “quaint” and “crabbed” sound. Similarly, it can be conjectured that it would be negatively affecting trade and relations to other colonies or areas of different peoples, such as the Quakers, as they are used to and only tolerate people of like belief.
6. In what way(s) was the sermon “an American institution?”
- Though the first ‘automobile’ was the Benz Patent-MotorWagen, the Model-T is more famously remember as being the first “car for the people” and Ford is often being praised as being the “Father of the auto industry.” This is quite synonymous to the idea of Sermons being an American institution. Though sermons were used, and widespread, in England and Europe, in America it became commonplace, more highly fine-tuned, brought more often to the common man, and the main way of information exchange in the early days of the Colonies. Long before the Telegraph machine, people had to meet to exchange information readily, as communiqués in the form of letters were slow, and offered less of the Q&A form necessary to delve into deep discussion of a subject. However, with the “meeting-houses” of Puritan communities, the populous would all meet often, and be able to exchange information with one another as well as learning and being preached to by the Sermon. Similarly, even when Sermons were used for occasions in Europe, they “acquired new significance as a community ritual in New England.” (13)
Test comment-sorry, this is to ensure my account is functional.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
The “city upon a hill reference” is a take on the Biblical verse Matthew 5:14, which states “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Winthrop uses this quote to exemplify the way America will be a focal point in the ever changing global community. He means that the world will be watching the developing American colonies. They are the “guinea pigs,” per se, of the colonial world.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
Winthrop strongly felt that America was to be a shining example of the ability to create and sustain a thriving colonial power. Not only was he sure the colonists would succeed—he believed that America was going to set the standard for future endeavors of the type.
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
The Puritans were theologians because they not only practiced a religion devoutly but incorporated it into their entire life. A perfect example of this is Winthrop’s speech to the colonist, where he uses a Biblical quote to exemplify what America is going to strive for. By doing that, he incorporated religious beliefs into the whole of American colonial attempts.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
The Puritans avoided questions concerning theology by integrating everyone in the community into the same theological beliefs. They discouraged dissent so much that everyone unquestioningly believed the same. Because everyone was so ingrained in these beliefs, there was no open dialogue on these matters. As Boorstein says, this may have been a good thing. He justifies their singlemindedness, saying “Had they spent as much of their energy in debating with each other as did their English contemporaries, they might have lacked the singlemindedness needed to overcome the dark, unpredictable perils of a wilderness. They might have merited praise as precursors of modern liberalism, but they might never have helped found a nation.”
6. In what way(s) is the sermon "an American institution?"
Needless to say, the sermon was not invented in America. Public speech has been used for thousands of years as a way to spread messages and persuade people. However, the sermon became much more common and integral to society. The Puritan meeting houses were a central part of the community where information could be spread, disputed, and discussed.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
What is meant by a “City upon a Hill” is the notion that the New World civilization would be far more moral/religious than Old World/European civilizations had been, and for that reason people would look up to the New World civilization with honor/praise.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
America’s destiny was to establish a more ethical and more theologically based society than had previously existed in Europe, and that the entire world would be watching the development of said society.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
They did not wish to have open dialogue on the question of theology mainly because they had left England because of religious persecution and wished to worship the way they pleased without any external influences.
6. In what way(s) is the sermon "an American institution?"
The sermon is an “American institution” mainly because in Catholic dominated Europe, the ritual of religious gatherings was more important than the message. Since the Catholic Church primarily used Latin exclusively for their ceremonies (and since most people’s vernacular is not Latin) church services merely became a process of going through the motions. But what the sermon did was to, rather than simply do a ritual, was to give people a new, weekly message by which to live their lives.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to with influencing Puritan behavior?
Since the Puritans were completely cut off from England and thus cut off from everything that they had known, they were forced to adapt their beliefs/customs to fit the new, untamed surroundings of the New World.
1. "The city upon a hill" is referenced by John Winthrop on the Arabella to show that his followers in the Puritan colony in the New World would set an example of a model Protestant civilization to the rest of the world, who would all be watching. He believed all nations had established a religious covenant with God and the Anglican Church had violated its and fallen from grace, the reason the Puritans left England in the first place.
2. Boorstin interprets America's destiny as to lead by example the rest of the world.
3. As Boorstin says, "the Puritains were less concerned with perfecting their formulation of the Truth than with making their society in America embody the Truth they already knew." Therefore instead of trying to "elaborating a theology and disputing its fine points", the Puritans instead applied theology to everyday life to create an orthodox community. Therefore, instead of trying to control insitutions by way of religion like in England, they used their religion to determine the rights and wrongs of institutions and find a morally and religiously correct path.
4. The Puritans, at least the early generations, were a purely orthodox community, to the point where an order was passed where no one could enter the colony without a test of orthodoxy. Thus, the Puritans never developed the sense or need for tolerence of other religions and speculations of their own. Because of this, there was rarely questioning of what Truth was already known. By not permitting those who may shake the social and religious norm in the New World Puritan colony, they prevented much discussion and questioning of theology.
5."The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." --- Even though the strict orthodoxy of the Puritan community limited creativity and, as Boorstin noted, "made their literature less rich", the reason the sense of tolerence was unneccessary --- that there was no one in the community upon whom the word "tolerance" could apply --- allowed the colony to be uniformly sound was useful to both the establishment and maintenance of the colony. If everyone is pretty much a social conformity, the community is easier to govern.
6. The sermon is an American institution in that it created a situation where all participants share a common value or interest. It was particularly important in the Puritan community because the colony was a religious one, and thus religious sermons brought together many people for the same purpose: to hear the word of God. It was theology applied to the purpose of building a community.
7. Life in the wilderness was difficult, especially in a new and unexplored country, populated by wild animals and unfamiliar natives. The Puritans likened the colonization of the New World to the Exodus of the Children of Israel. Because of the similarities they found between their own situations and those in chapters of the Bible, they saw the Bible as a precendent and thus relied on it heavily for guidance. The Puritan way of life was thus extremely influenced by religion.
8. Boorstin names the "election-day sermons" as most distintive as on these occasions, they affected the results of the elections. Clergymen influenced the elections by citing the theological meanings for either choice, and described the characters of a good ruler and the role of both the people and their governer in a government.
*** I hope these make sense. I have issues with getting my thoughts across in a cohesive and coherent fashion.
By the way. I reposted everything I emailed you on the blog---sorry, Mr. Elder, apparently it works now.
1. John Winthrop is refering to the Puritan colony in Massachusetts as the City upon a hill. He does this because the follower of the Anglican Church are watchingthis colony, wondering if what the Puritans believe in is true or if it's not.
2. The America's destiny (according to Boorstin) Is illustrated In John Winthrop's serman and is expressed in what the people think is their destiny in America.
3. The Puritans are theologians because of some of the basic things that they believed in. For example, the Puritans pushed for studying the Bible, and they pushed for education so everyone could read the bible tp study it.
5. This quote shows that the Puritans weakness was that they did not aloow any outside opinions into they religion. There strength is that they were united under one belief.
7. Living in the "wilderness" made the Puritans abandon all false beliefs of christianity.
Alex Thomas
1. The reference “City Upon a Hill” is derived from Luke 12:48 of the Bible. Winthrop in saying this means that the Puritans in the New World will be seen and cannot be hidden from all the eyes watching them. He hopes that their community will be an example of true religion and devotion to God in their new environment.
2. According to Boorstin’s interpretation of Winthrop’s speech, America’s destiny was and is to show by its actions and not by its words the things its represents. He also comments that this is what prevented America into becoming fanatical and utopian.
4. The Puritans lacked discussion into theology due to the fact that there was no need. The Puritans focused their attention on applying in the New World, the theology that had been established in England. It was because of their new home and living conditions that the Puritans relied on practicality and application of their religion in this new “wilderness”.
6. The sermon is an “American institution” because it has remained through America’s development not only in religion but has become a part of other things. For example, the format of the original Puritan sermon- “opening” or “doctrine” then “reasons” followed by “uses” or “applications”, has remained a key practice to most churches to today, and has also been absorbed into political speeches, common discussions, etc. A specific example would be perhaps a discussion on global warming. The issue is addressed then it is further explained and then answers or solutions to this problem are sought. The sermon is an American Institution.
7. Puritan behavior was influenced by the wilderness and shown as a focus intensified on simplistic and practical adaptations of their religion. It became increasingly apparent that a strong, small, and orthodox community with consistent sermons was needed to benefit the inhabitants of a wild environment where most time was spent on surviving.
Taylor Oster 2009
1. What is meant by the referenced "City upon a hill?"
The reference to a city upon a hill, is a biblical reference. It simply means that the world has its eyes on America, and that it must be the example of colonial expansion the rest of the world needs to see before future expansion.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's Speech, what was America's destiny?
Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech is that America's destiny was to be a symbol which the rest of the world could use as an example of colonial success.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a sourceof weakness as well as a strength." Please Comment.
The Puritans failure to tolerate others was more of a weakness than a strength, also it might have been seen differently during the time period. The Puritans might have seen this refusal as a good thing, they were maintaining the image of a singularly Puritan colony, therfore encouraging others of like minds to join them in the colony. However, this disallowed the spread of other religions int he colonies, (except for the Quakers in Penn.). This also may have prevented tha spread of ideas throughout the colonies.
6. In what way is the sermon "an American institution?"
The sermon can be seen as an American Institution because it was used in the Puritan meeting halls as a way of spreading the word of god, and discouraging the people from asking questions about theology.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to do with influenceing Puritan behavior.?
The Puritans would have been greatly affected by living in such an isolated part of the world. Having limited external trade with the rest of the world, they would have had to adapt to their new environment both physically and mentally.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
The phrase “City upon a hill” was used by John Winthrop, the leader of the Puritans, during a sermon before the start of their colonization, and meant that the community of the Puritans was to be an example to others, and a means of teaching the misguided world about the proper way to live. Francis Higginson’s remarks are quoted on page 5, and discuss the Puritans having “the true Religion and holy Ordinances ... thus we doubt not but God will be with us.” This shows that the Puritans believed themselves to be in the right, and therefore a good example for others.
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
Although the Puritans avoided philosophical and theological debates over doctrine, they still practiced theology in their daily life, a conspicuous example of this being the sermon. The Puritan sermon is described as a means of taking a reading from the Bible, defending it through reason, and then applying it to everyday life. Boorstin also mentions that much of the Bible is not a fixed set of commands, but rather a narrative, and that the Puritans were equally likely to draw from narrated sections of it than from set rules. The sermon was not only limited to expanding biblical passages, but also was used to comment on daily events, such as elections and political happenings, and connect them to Puritan orthodoxy and religiousness. This derivation of meaning from a narrative or from current events, as well as backing it with other religious concepts and then applying it to daily life, requires a thorough understanding of the Bible and Puritan doctrine. Rhetorical and analytical skills would be needed to obtain a valid interpretation of religious passages, and to draw connections between public events and Puritan doctrine. This need of an understanding of Puritan religion and doctrine, as well as all the reasoning demanded to create a sermon that connected to daily life, all show that the Puritans indeed were theologians.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
A large portion of Puritan religious social life centered on the sermon, which took place in meeting-houses and at which attendance was mandatory. These widespread sermons constituted of one person preaching to everyone else, rather than encouraging two-sided conversation or the introduction of other viewpoints or new ideas. Also, Boorstin describes that New England Puritans were very intent on having a society in which there was as little dissent as possible. This was supported by the 1637 general court order that stated that nobody was allowed to settle in the colony until their orthodoxy had been approved. The large amount of space available to the Puritans also allowed any disagreeing parties to be excommunicated and leave to start their own society, as was the case with Anne Hutchinson. This active effort to keep religious thought homogenous, as well as the tendency to cut off any groups that dissented, and the preaching nature of the sermon, led the Puritans to have little debate over theology.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
Boorstin contrasts the views on tolerance of Puritan New England and British Puritans. The British had begun to form theories of tolerance, whereas if there were dissenting groups in Puritan New England, they were excommunicated, and they went to start their own society, as is the case with Anne Hutchinson. This difference in ideas regarding tolerance is partially due to the large amount of space available to the Puritans in New England, whereas opposing groups in Britain had no room in which they could distance themselves from each other. This lack of toleration in Puritan New England was a weakness, in that there was no possibility for diversity in thought, but could also be seen as a strength, in that this lack of religious difference allowed for no energy be used in religious debates. The Puritan’s energy and resources could instead be used in community-building and overcoming the wilderness. Boorstin claims that without the Puritan’s efforts in community building, the later forming of a nation might not have been possible.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to with influencing Puritan behavior?
The threat and novelty of the American wilderness might have caused the Puritans to want to band together more than if they were in familiar territory. This could account for their planned lack of religious diversity and debate, because division within their society would have caused them to be more vulnerable to any possible outside opponents.
The Americans: The Colonial Experience
1. In part one of the Colonial Experience, A City upon a Hill is a reference to the Sermon on the Mount in the Bible in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. This is a sermon Jesus Christ gave about accepting others and being “the Salt of the earth” and “the Light of the world.” In the Colonial Experience John Winthrop told his fellow-passengers, “Wee shall be, as a Citty upon a Hill, the eies of all people are upon us.” John Winthrop is telling his fellow people that since they are one of the first cities in America that they have to set the example and be a city that follows Christ and follows his Sermon on the Mount which will be accomplished by being a “City upon a Hill.”
2. Boorstin interpretation of Winthrop’s speech was that the Puritan’s destiny was to be a community. The American’s destiny according to Boorstin was to teach the men of the world about being a community and being a country and to teach men to not just talk but to put words into action.
3. The Puritans could be considered theologians simply because they were so concerned with their religion and all the different aspects that their religion entails. The Puritans had great religious discipline and were committed to their religion more than anything.
5. “The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as strength.” This quote is saying that it was a problem for the Puritans to not tolerate because it denied them many opportunities and resources but at the same time, it was strength because it allowed the Puritans to stay strong with their traditions and their beliefs and to not put too much trust in those they did not know.
7. Living in the wilderness would greatly change how the Puritans lived because they would have to compensate for a lack of certain facilities they were used to from the old world. Also Puritans would have to prepare for wild life that could attack them and create many problems for the Puritans if they were not prepared to deal with attacking animals. Also the Puritans would have to adapt and maybe use different woods for building their houses and different tools and many other obstacles that stood in the Puritans way. Libing in the wilderness would greatly change almost all of the aspects of the Puritan's lives.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
To me, it basically means that the whole world was looking on the puritans to succeed to fail. In this case they succeeded tremendously.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
Not only was America's destiny to thrive and establish a colonial power in North America, it was also to make a more Theologically based society then in England and Europe.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
They were devoutly Puritans and it almost seemed as if asking questions was heretical. You couldn't even get into their society without a test of faith.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
Thats a huge weakness seeing as they only let certain people in and didn't tolerate other groups. They didn't think "outside-the-box" aswell as didn't use any ideas coming from the outside world.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to with influencing Puritan behavior?
They could almost "rise" to a higher level of Christianity or faith by living by themselves and in the wild. They could grow closer together as a people.
1. I believe that the city upon the hill not only references the bible but also is supposed to be used as an example. Boorstin says that the Puritans were positive that they were on the right track and that god was on their side, and who can lose when god is on your side. Also a city on a hill can be seen from all surrounding areas and thus used as an example for the other people to follow. So because the puritans are the best everyone needs to follow them. And if one is watching the city on the hill so diligently then it will also watch for the fall of said city like a hawk. Kind of like how Europe did once the colonies broke off.
2. Boorstin's interpretation is that America will be watched constantly by the old world. The old world was waiting for it to make a false step so that they could take it down or for it to prosper so that more colonies could arise in the areas surrounding it which then in turn would make the country owning the colony more wealthy.
5. The inability of the Puritans to tolerate others was a weakness because they did not innovate they didn’t even question, and if anyone did question they kicked them out. This made their literature very bland because they were repeating the same ideas again and again. It made the strong because their orthodoxy made them a closer knit community and practical. They never thought of or worried about theology and questioning what they already knew or why. They were set at the task at hand to live in a new place and overcome the obstacle as a single minded group.
6. The sermon is an American institution because it was used so greatly by the Puritans and other sects. It also became a point of power for who ever was speaking. The spoken word was prominent over the written yet both were “plain.” The sermon also because it is directed to the people the speaker is talking to grew a greater sense of community and also comment on the happenings of the community and confronts problems. It also rallied the people together to make America the Christian ideal using the application theology to support the Christian ideal for America. Sermons were also a central social event for the puritans.
7. Living in the “wilderness” for Puritan’s was also “plain.” It also helped along the sense community because there were such small factions of groups living in a secluded area, because they were in such isolation they did not learned away from the great universities and had to go through hardships that the people in England did not. They also did not elaborate on theology because of the “wilderness” because it was hard to write, but they tested it through the pureness of their seclusion.
~Rebecca Harkness
Caroline Rynn
1. I think the "City upon a Hill" reference could be well aimed toward a "lighthouse" type of reference. This would point towards the Puritans as believing themselves to be the God's Shining Light. This is shown on page 5 of Boorstins book with the quote "we have here the true Religion". i also think there is slight hints at racism in this phrase, pointing towards that the Puritans brought civilization to the American natives.
3. I think the puritans showed their theological way of thinking in their dedication to their religion. Also, in fact that they in a way felt superior to the natives and tried to convert them.
5. The fact that the Puritans had a lack of toleration was both a strength and a weakness because it unified its followers behind one thought and way of life, but alienated those who already had their own culture and religion.
6.The Sermon in the New England society became a form of practice that commonly took place and was indeed, expected. Even in such places as the gallows of a hanging, sermons were read to unify such a small society.
7. Living in the wilderness provides less distraction than a busy town or market place. this could "bring the Puritans closer to God" and closer together as a community. Also, a wilderness setting is free from outside influence and the Puritans could then govern themselves.
1. What is meant by the referenced "City upon a hill?"
The "City upon a hill" reference means that the Puritans are setting the example for everyone else. The figurative "hill" that they are on exposes them to the whole world so that everyone can see them.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
According to Boorstin's interpretation, America's destiny was to create a perfect model of good society for the rest of the world. It was destined to be an actual example rather than, as he says, a book or an idea.
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
The Puritans were Theologians in that they focused all of their lives on living according to their religion. The sermons they heard every Sunday connected ideas in the Bible with things that were happening in their community, which helped them to apply their religion to their everyday lives.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
The fact that the Puritans did not develop a sense of toleration helped them in some ways because it resulted in their community becoming quite homogeneous. This was a good thing, considering that they were such a small community. It was much better, in terms of them making progress on colonizing America, for them to share one set of beliefs so that they would not have such a small group of people dividing into even smaller groups. It was also a weakness for them because, obviously, any society that is intolerant is going to have problems with anything they don't agree with.
7. What might living in the "wilderness" have to do with influencing Puritan behavior?
Living in the wilderness helped the Puritans to form a community that might not have been possible if there had been easy connections to all other sorts of people as there would have been in England. The community was so small and secluded that it was easy for them to form an orthodox community with strong ties to their religion. The people would also have had to depend on each other to survive, which helped their community to become much tighter.
-Mira Schlosberg
1. I believe that the reference to a city upon a hill is perfectly explained by the quote on pg. 1 where Winthrop es explaining how all eyes will be upon them/looking up to them and how a story will be made out of it.
2. Borstin's interpretation of this speech was that America was to be the shining colonial power for the rest of the world to look to as an example.]
3. It clearly states on pg. 6 that the puritans in the new world "made the calvanist theology their point of departure." Their whole life was based upon their religion, not only their government.
5. I can see this as being a weekness because who knows what and/or who could have gotten involved with them, advancing them much furhter than they allready were. From a posotive perspective though it did keep them all a close knit group of people and like shane pointed out there was no need for segregation because they were all followers of the same religion.
7. Living in the wilderness would have effected the Puritan behaviors in many aspects. 1...They are living in wilderness with a whole new way of life very different from that civilized world of Europe. 2...They are invloved with completly new people, mainly the Native Americans and only other Puritans. 3... They are living in a whole new continentant, with a different climate, that could lead to changes in behaviour.
1. I think that the "city upon a hill" reference could possibly mean that the Puritans thought of themselves as a metaphorical lighthouse to people who were misguided.
2. He interpreted as America being a colonial example for all other nations.
5. I think that the Puritans gained strength from this because it means they developed a sense of individualism as a group. It was a weakness because other people didn't like to associate with them.
7. The Puritans were able to be more independent as a group because no one else was around to govern them by living in the wilderness.
3. The Puritans were theologians because of their beliefs and how they applied it to how they lived.
1.What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
Is talked about as new community that needs to be tested for its values and ideas. It’s a city that is seen by the world, and is a community that cannot be hidden from the eyes that are watching them. He hopes that there community will be a true valued community in there new world.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
Americas destiny is to be a more valued, more ethical version of Europe.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
Puritans lacked open dialogue into theology mainly because they left England to escape their religious persecution and they wished to think, act, and worship how they wanted to.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
This shows how they do not allow outside ideas and outside comments, and as a strength they could all be united as one.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to with influencing Puritan behavior?
The “wilderness” changed their religious beliefs to a more simple way of religious activity , it became a mainly a small orthodox community that could make it benefit their own by simple life.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
~This reference was from the bible saying a house on a hill can’t be hidden, which Winthrop then used as an example for the Puritan colonies which the whole would be watching develop to see if the American colonies would succeed.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
~America’s destiny was to lead way for other colonies since Winthrop believed it would succeed and then set the standards for other colonies.
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
~Puritans could be considered theologians by the way they used religion to determine the aspects of their life and how that was their main focus, for leaving England, and for the decisions they made in society.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
~Everyone in the colonies had the same theological ideals and beliefs so there was no reason to bring up issues or discuss other ideals than what they had so they had no open dialogue on it.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
~I agree. It was a weakness since I think we should all have tolerance, but if they had not been so intolerant they might not have left to create their own colony and then there is no need to discretion within the colonies on the subjects of belief.
1)John Winthrop used the phrase "City upon a Hill" to describe the new settlement, with "the eies of all people" upon them. By Being "upon a hill" the Puritans are exposed to the eyes of the
Anglican church and the rest of England. therefore, the newly founded Puritan colonies of Massachusetts, 1630, set an example for onlookers.
2)As Boorstin interprets John Wimthrop's sermon,America's destiny was to become the Puritan Beacon: a community where the Puritan faith had been perfected without becoming fanatical or utopian. This community was where Puritans were allowed to freely perfect their faith without criticism from England.
3)The Puritans were more prominently focused with actively employing their theology in their community than with just the theology itself. the Puritans were more concerned with practicing the faith they already knew rather than improving their faith. This is evident during this period because no new religious writings were synthesized out of the New "World colonies. Instead the Puritans studied the bible.
1. What is meant by the referenced "City Upon A Hill?"
~ In John Winthrop's mentioning of a 'city upon a hill' he primarily gives focus to the scripture of Matthew 5:14, which claims that "You are the light of the world. A city upon a hill can not be hidden." Secondarily, and in step with the previous scripture, Winthrop uses this quote in saying that America will become a beacon, a city (upon a hill) which the world will look up to and idolize. America will be a leading, lasting example.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
~ In cohort with question 1, Winthrop's speech gave America a new and improved destiny. This destiny was that America would become an example of history in the making, and a place to be looked up to, that sets an example for surrounding colonies and nations, as well as countries across the Atlantic.
3. In what ways were Puritans theologians?
~ From the start, Puritans have been known to be strident with their religious views, and yet practical. In their building of society in Massachusetts Bay, they built a community based on Puritan religious views. Puritans were theologians because of how they based society off of religion and morals built by said religion. However, the Puritans were a more practical people, and found lesser use of religion in government, explaining why the government of Puritan America was not also religiously based.
5. "The failure of Puritans to develop a sense of toleration was both a source of weakness as well as a strength." Please comment.
~ In their weakness and in their strength, Puritans leaned on the same stick. In their intolerance of looser religious views and separate denominations, the Puritans were strong because it kept a 'sterile' community in which conflict was beaten down and consistency was kept clear in the community. Puritan weakness, however, lay in their views of tolerance because it kept a tight leash on Puritan society. People could not expand and new ideas were not being made. This weakness prevented Puritan society from growing, and could have kept it from succeeding.
6. In what ways is the sermon "an American institution?"
~ The sermon may not have been adapted or created in America, but it certainly created a separate impact rather than it did in the older European world. In America, the sermon became a method of confrontation. It gave present-time concepts that were relevant to the time and area new Americans had to live in, rather than a book providing outdated information that did not pertain to the place or habitat. The sermon became a social gathering, in which colonials were encouraged based off of colonial views. In becoming an American institution, the sermon also became a colonial-American way of tutelage that may have been known in Europe, but was no where near as relevant as it had become in America.
7. What might living in a "wilderness" have to do with influenecing Puritan behavior?
~ Based on Boorstin's explanation, the prospect of living in the wild gave Puritans a sense of simplicity, which fit well with their society of practicality. The simplicity of life in the wilderness gave Puritans a sense of cleanness; a new start in which Puritan's build the base, and the tower to be built on top of it. Living in the wilderness influence Puritans in giving simplicity in it's rawest natural form, which influenced the Puritans in purer and more simplistic ideals.
8.Perhaps (according to Boorstin) the most distinctive of the sermon was what?
~ Of all the aspects of the sermon that Puritans had brought from England, and adapted to the culture of the colony, the most distinct aspect of the sermon was it's ability to connect a community. People would flock to discussions and sermons, meeting each other and joining in a like service which displayed the same message to every person, which in turn connected to people to people, in their connection to attending the sermon.
1. A "city upon a hill" could be a reference to how a new colony would rest in a high place, to show the rest of the world a newer "light of the world" or country, in a sense.
2.According to Boorstin, they were not looking for a utopia, but a place to run a safe community with out harm.
3.The Puritans were what Boorstin practical in what they did in theology. they didnt improve upon their ability to seek the truth, they instead focused on what they knew what was true and used it to help build a new society, not a base of the one they came from.
4.They lacked in who was going to be in charge as well as how the social structure would turn out, and the clarification of who is in what doctrine
5.This could mean that they are strict or "strong" with their policy of intolerance, but made themselves a weakness by causing outbursts and bickering amongst those who the rules were against.
6. All they had for the community to come together were these sermons. So, these became the only form of community meetings and therefore it could then develop and turn to an "American Institution" for meetings and forms of events.
7.The Puritans living in the wilderness empowered their need to stay together and protect each other.
8. Perhaps it was how remarkable it was that the sermon became such an institution for the community. It really reflected the strength of their orthodoxy in such a small community and showed how determined these people were to meet together and have these sermons.
6) "The sermon is perhaps the characteristic institution of Puritanism in colonial America. It was the ritual application of theology to community-building and to the tasks and trials of everyday life." (12). Furthermore the sermon was appealing for lack of anything else to do. The sermon not only preached orthodox faith but was one of few forms of entertainment.
8) From Boorstin's perspective,the Puritans developed a distinctive style of sermon among many.
Especially during the age of great English sermons, such as those by high Anglicans John Donne and Jeremy Taylor, the Puritans developed a "plain" style of sermon. This style of sermon was distinguished by its plainness, but also was known for its focus on practical consequences of a doctrine than to the elaboration of the theory itself
1. Winthrop was focusing on scripture when he mentioned a city upon a hill.
""You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
He means in that as a city on a hill, as a beacon in the distance, America will develop to be a sign of a hope, an all powerful and everlasting example of faith and light.
2. America's destiny was to become a country of power and one coming out on top. A sign of life, success, freedom and the benefits of a final frontier.
3. The Puritans retained extensive knowledge in the religion and relationship they sustained with Christ as an example. They built their society around their religion, and strove to live by it, only to find that their practicality would cause mild difficulties later on in development.
5. The Puritans used tolerance as both a strength and weakness. Intolerance to other religions of differing views of strictness or overall teaching would prove a weakness as it closed their minds to a potential relationship that may have benefitted them in the new world. However, this was also their strength in that it closed off their community from outside influence, allowing strict survival of both themselves and their religious views.
6. The sermon developed into a source of American teachings. Rather, in Europe, it didn't apply much, but in this new and foreign world, any source of home for these colonials crossing the sea. It would provide a familiarity yet that would come to apply to America solely, becoming an American institution.
7. Living in the wilderness would prevent their communicating with other Christian societies, thus losing their touch on their own religion since over time, their society began to crumble.
8. The sermon provided a root hold of Puritan ideals as the whole of the community would come to listen and thus achieve the same information and be on the same page as everyone else. This allowed their ideals to last as well as new ideas to spread quickly and be accepted just as rapidly.
Oops I think I posted this in the wrong spot... I'll just post it here too.
1. What is meant by the referenced, "City upon a hill?"
Boorstin’s name for the first part of his book is taken from his quote of John Winthrop, the leader of a new American colony in Massachusetts Bay. Winthrop predicted that the colony would be “A citty upon a hill,” which he means figuratively as an experiment of a new colony, “on a hill” because it is high enough to be in the sight of all who look. If they do wrong and “deale falsely” with their god, the world will be watching, and they will be made a story of.
2. According to Boorstin's interpretation of Winthrop's speech, what was America's destiny?
America’s destiny was to be a community formed like no other had been previously. People who came to America had before them infinite possibilities—they were no longer in the confines of their previous societies and could live as their new one sought fit. In this way they made an example of their form of life—a form of life so new that as Boorstin says, it forced the question “What of it?” and broadened the global idea of what a society could be.
3. In what way(s) were Puritans theologians (in society and not necessarily in terms of government)?
Puritans were not theologians in the sense of pondering previous great thinkers to form their own ideas as much as the type of theologians that accepted what they found to be right, and put all their effort into applying it to the new society they had before them. In their minds, they were perfecting it to apply to the truth that they had already dug up from past theories. In this way their society was not the creators of their theology, but a test of it’s use as a basis for life.
4. In what way(s) did Puritans lack open dialogue into theological questions?
As Boorstin says on page 6, “There was not a single important dispute which was primarily theological.” The Puritans did argue about fixed decisions such as who should rule, the number of representatives, and such institutional drama, but on the whole, Puritan ideas were so widely accepted that no theological arguments were necessary. It wasn’t the ideology itself that contradicted speculative outlooks, as we can see from Puritans from England who openly debated it. But while English Puritans pondered the small philosophical points of their ideas, the Massachusetts Colony Puritans sat back and conformed. “For Massachusetts Bay possessed an orthodoxy. During the classic age of the first generation, at least, it was a community of self-selected conformists… The Puritans in New England were surprisingly successful for some years at keeping their community orthodox. In doing so, they also made it sterile of speculative thought.”-pgs 7-8
8. Perhaps (according to Boorstin) the most distinctive of the sermon was what?
Perhaps the most distinctive quality of Puritan sermons was their frequency and versatility. They preached on Thursdays, twice on Saturdays, on Fast Days, on Thanksgiving Days, and even before executions. Boorstin’s pick is the election-day sermon, which he calls “most distinctive, perhaps” because they had an influence in the voter’s choices, using orthodox theology to characterize the duties of the rulers and the voters.
-Bethany Kolody
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