Student Essay on Puritanical Values

All people were created differently, but occasionally they tend to share the same outlook on certain beliefs and values. An example of a group that shares the same views would be the Puritans. The Puritans journeyed to the Americas from Europe in exploration of religious sovereignty and, "to return to the simple forms of worship and church organization as described in the New Testament." When they reached America, they were confronted by people who have extremely contradictory beliefs and values, these people were Native Americans. The Native Americans and the Puritans were two exceptionally different groups from two exceedingly dissimilar worlds. Most of the differences between the Puritans and Native Americans pertain to God and their worldviews.

One chief difference involving the Native Americans and the Puritans, are their religious beliefs. The Native Americans view on religion is tied generally to nature and ancestral spirits. They believe that there are many gods who serve different purposes. On the other hand the Puritans religion revolves around one God, who is omnipotent and omniscient. Religion for the Puritans is, "a personal, inner experience." "Thus his curses light on his own head, and it was an astonishment to all his fellows, for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him." William Bradford, 1620 (pg. 13)

The Puritans also have a different view on their purpose of existence. The Puritans believe their purpose in life is to fully devote themselves to god, glorify him, and prepare for the afterlife. ."..with their hearts filled with love to him who has loved them and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God." Jonathan Edwards 1741 (pg 40) Whereas, the Native Americans believe they should cultivate the land and conserve and proliferate happiness. The Native Americans were one with nature and believed in giving back what they take.

If the Native Americans and the Puritans have on thing in common this is it, they both have similar views on their relation to God and the cosmos. The Native Americans and the Puritans both believe that they are like children, and God(s) is there to guide them. The Puritans even go as far to say that they concentrate on human limitations and absolute dependence on God. "But I thank God, he had now given me power over it." Mary Rowlandson (pg 28)

Shown above are some of the dissimilarities between the Native Americans and the Puritans. Two exceptionally different groups from two exceedingly dissimilar worlds, collide.