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How Puritan Are You?
Take this quick quiz to see "how Puritan you are" and learn a little more about Puritan ways.
*Be sure to check your score when you finish*
Use the scale below to determine how closely you are aligned with Puritan beliefs.
33-40 points: Purely Puritan! You’re in church every Sunday and judging others who aren’t. In fact, you’re probably busy accusing others of witchcraft! Congratulations!!!
25-32 points: Partially Puritan! You’re not perfect, but you try your best. But still, you’re not good enough! #SorryNotSorry
17-24 points: Not pretty pure! People judge you for your sins, so you better watch your back when people start pointing fingers…
10-16 points: Ain’t nobody got time for Puritanism! You’re different from your community, and you’d probably be an accused witch. Good luck with that.
Now that you tested your level of Puritanism, complete the reflection
What does it mean to be Puritan?
Watch these few Edpuzzle videos to learn a little more....
Let's read more about Puritan Law and Character
Click here to read the article.
As we read, answer the questions along with the class.
Complete the assessment questions independently.
Key Points of Puritanism
Coming to America...
Coming to America...
Although the Puritans came to America for religious freedom (to practice religion as they wish), they did not pass this on to their colonists. They persecuted those who did not practice religion as they saw fit.
Doctrine of the Elect
Puritans believe that only the elected (those chosen by God) would be saved.
There was nothing man could do to change this (i.e. no amount of good deeds and/or living your life the right way would alter this). Being chosen gave people the strength to follow God.
There was no way of knowing whether you were among the Elect, so you must live a righteous life so you were prepared to be saved.
This concept is also known as Predestination.
The Devil
The Devil was a very real and active threat to the people.
Just as they believed that God would elect some people to do his work on Earth, they also believed the Devil could do the same.
Believed that the Devil was once one of God's angels that was thrown out of Heaven for betraying God.
Believed that after being sent from Heaven, the Devil's sole mission was to destroy the work of God and dismantle his plans.
Theocracy
Believed in a government that was totally controlled by the church.
Only members of the church could vote in elections or hold office.
The ministers were the main officers of the town.
As a result, if a person didn't attend church, they could ultimately lose their land, lose their rights or be kicked out of town.
You were expected to know the Bible thoroughly, and could receive punishment for not.
Sin
Once a man sinned, he must first openly confess his sin, then repent and then perform an act of penance. (i.e. acknowledge you sinned, ask for forgiveness, complete a task to "make up for" having sinned)
Without confession, you had no chance of ever being saved.
One of the worst sins for a man to commit is adultery (cheating on their spouse).
~Women could not dress prettily
~Children could not play games
~Theaters were forbidden
~Dancing was a sin
Click here to complete a review of Puritanism
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