Which of the following is not a principle of puritanism?
The Puritans, a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries, were known for their strict religious beliefs and their efforts to reform the Church of England. Over the years, various principles have been associated with Puritanism, but not all of them hold true. This article aims to identify which of the following options does not align with the core principles of Puritanism. Let’s delve into the details.
The first principle associated with Puritanism is the belief in predestination. Puritans strongly believed that God had already predetermined who would be saved and who would be damned. This belief was central to their religious life and influenced their approach to ethics and morality. Therefore, predestination is indeed a principle of Puritanism.
The second principle is the concept of the “elect.” Puritans believed that only the elect, those chosen by God, would be saved. This belief led to a sense of exclusivity among Puritan communities, as they felt they were part of the chosen group. Thus, the concept of the elect is also a principle of Puritanism.
The third principle is the emphasis on personal piety and self-discipline. Puritans believed that individuals had a personal responsibility to live a virtuous life and adhere to strict moral standards. This included avoiding worldly pleasures and focusing on spiritual growth. Therefore, the emphasis on personal piety and self-discipline is another principle of Puritanism.
The fourth principle is the belief in the “city upon a hill,” which was a metaphorical expression used by Puritan leader John Winthrop. This principle suggested that the New England colonies were a model society, meant to serve as an example to the world. This belief in the “city upon a hill” is indeed a principle of Puritanism.
Now, let’s consider the fifth principle: the belief in the sanctity of human life. While Puritans did emphasize the importance of living a virtuous life, they also believed in the concept of “divine justice,” which allowed for capital punishment and sometimes even execution for certain crimes. Therefore, the belief in the sanctity of human life is not a principle of Puritanism.
In conclusion, out of the five principles discussed, the belief in the sanctity of human life is not a principle of Puritanism. The other principles, including predestination, the concept of the elect, personal piety and self-discipline, and the belief in the “city upon a hill,” are all central to the core beliefs of the Puritan movement.
