Puritanism Flashcards
Jonathan Edwards
- God’s grace fixes human depravity
- Used imagination in his sermons. People would faint during his sermons because of theintellectual value of the sermons.
- Chef figure of the Great Awakening
- Founder of the New England School of Theology
Sinners in The Hands of an Angry God
Jonathan Edwards.
“That foot will slide down in due time” - we don’t know when. Terrifying words that are meant to scare the sinners and make them repent. Conversion is needed NOW, because we don’t know when we will need it.
American Schizophrenia
The way how Enlightenment and The Great Awakening both coexisted at the same time.
Great Awakening vs Enlightenment
One was the Swan Song of Puritanism, full of baroque emotionalism in religion. On the other side, Enlightenment symbolized the maturity of mankind; humans have finally grown up and started seeing world rationally rather than by relying on religion. Rationality, belief in progress, deism, humans would shape the history now.
Benjamin Franklin
- Influenced by Cotton Mather.
- Left Boston (town of Puritanism) and moved to Philadelphia (town of Enlightenment) where he became a self-made man
- Represents the New Generation that embraces the philosophy of Enlightenment
- Studies instead of praying; relied on himself.
- Spent his entire life working on self-improvement
13 Virtues
Franklin had a chart of 13 different virtues he wanted to improve. He kept his progress in a diary.
Poor Richard’s Almanac
Benjamin Franklin.
Extremely popular. Almanacs would include jokes, weather forecasts, household hints etc.
Thomas Jefferson
Notes on the State of Virginia, Declaration of Independence
Thomas Paine
Was actually born in England, but felt inspired by the Enlightenment movement.
Rights of Man
Thomas Paine, plea against monarchy. Returned to England after the American revolution started; advocated for the French Revolution. Protested against execution.
Common Sense
Thomas Paine; urged the American people to fight for their independence.
Hector St. John de Crevecoeur
Immigrated to America, where he became a farmer. Wrote “Letters From an American Farmer” which became a hit abroad, and helped shape the image of an American in the eyes of Europeans. Described the various aspects of living in America, such as the simple lifestyle or religious tolerance. Says one needs to abandon their European past to become American. Spoke of America as a melting pot nation.
Olaudah Equiano
The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Writen by Himself.
A slave who ended up in America. Writes about his life in slavery. After purchasing his freedom, he left for London where he published his work. Spoke of the enlightenment and the abuse of Africans.
Elizabeth Ashbridge
Some Account of the Fore-part of Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge.
Became an indentured servant. Was determined to go to America, but had no money. Befriended a woman who was supposed to help her, but ended up selling her off. Was abused for over 3 years before she made enough to buy her freedom. Example of early feministic literature; shows the story of an abused woman from the lower class.
Phillis Wheatley
Enslaved at the age of 7, the first published black woman writer. Was Americanized; feels grateful to her oppressors.
