This is a free sample essay on the Puritans:
Throughout the writings on the Puritans there seem to be many different interpretations of who they were and how true they were to their religious beliefs. In the selection “Were the Puritans “Puritanical”?” it is interesting to see how Puritan beliefs are extremely two sided. For instance the article talks about how many believe that god created things for necessary use only but it states if that is so then why would there be a pleasurable aspect to things. There is an example that states, “The wine is from God but the Drunkard is from the Evil” (Degler, 101). which shows that in one sense the Puritans do believe that pleasure is allowed in life, one should enjoy wine without it being considered a sin.
What is not acceptable in the Puritan religion is excess, one is entitled to drink the wine from god but they must not abuse the privilege by drinking more than their share that is when they will be considered sinful. Another example is their beliefs about the manners of dance that were acceptable. One could dance so long as they were not dancing with the opposite sex in a sexual manner. The dress code of the Puritans was determined by ones status and they believed that the people should dress appropriately. Then there is the issue of leisure involving music and art. Basically what this article says is that the Puritans were not a people opposed to having enjoyment in life but they did believe that it had to be done at appropriate times in appropriate ways. There are myths that they did not like music which is not the case at all they just did not believe that church was the right place to enjoy music. It also talks about art and states that there has been evidence of nudity in their art. I find all this to be interesting because most information that is written on the Puritans makes them out to be very strict and religious people who live their life “trying to develop a strong relationship with god through Bible study, prayer, and introspection” as stated in (The American Promise, 80).
That is consistent with all the previous knowledge that I have of Puritans. By reading the article by Degler I have come to see a different side of Puritan life. I feel as though they are a people who do value their relationship with god and who also have a strong value for their studies but I now see them as a people who believe that it is okay to enjoy life as long as things are done in moderation and at appropriate times. They value their religion and education before all else but when they finish with their studies and practices it is okay for them to partake in leisurely events. Puritans are also made out to be non affectionate towards their loved ones but again the Degler article shows that if one were to research their poetry they may find that they are very sweet on their families. It is true that the Puritans were a holy people but I do not believe they were as pure as they appear to be. I feel that all religious groups look to have a strong religious and pure image but all humans have natural instincts that come out. These instincts may not be considered to be religiously correct but being human one will eventually act on these instincts no matter how religious they are.
In conclusion the Puritans were for the most part a very holy and educated people but I feel that they did have enjoyment in their life but it was not a focal point of their lives therefore many writers chose to leave it out of their writings. What person wants to point out the their imperfections they want to portray themselves as the perfect example of a holy people and that is why there are so many myths regarding their way of life.
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