Puritans vs Humanists
People possess the resources to achieve merit through good deeds. During the seventeenth and part of eighteenth century, the Puritans, a religious group, accepted predestination (the concept that God chooses who ends up in either Heaven or Hell) and endeavored to gain an eternity in Heaven. Humanists, established mostly during the eighteenth century, believed in humans ' free will to choose their own fates while also focusing on obtaining happiness during life rather than afterlife. While some people strive for kindness out of fear of consequences or want of rewards, humanity aspires for a magnanimous life through morals and free will.
According to Puritan beliefs, people’s drive for good stems from the need to please
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Recognizing “that it is only when people feel free to think for themselves, using reason as their guide”, humanists believe humanity is “best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying human needs and serving human interests” (Asimov). Humans believing God chose a path for them before they even graced the Earth never fully gain a sense of understanding of a person’s capability to satisfy personal as well as charitable interests. Free thinking is the opportunity to study how humans naturally act toward each other without religion looming threateningly over their heads. Overall, humans must “make no expense but to do good to others or yourself” (Franklin 70) to fully understand free will. Unlike Puritans, who only helped others to ensure God’s salvation, humanists relied on people’s willingness to live a simplistic lifestyle while also focusing on devoting time and money to any in dire need. Focusing on providing for the less fortunate, humans accept the challenge of securing a future for those desperately in need of assistance. Humanists, past and present, believe in the power to use their will to pass along