Deism And Puritanism: Shaping The American Narrative

Deism and Puritanism Shaping the American Narrative

Since 1776 the American narrative has been moulded by experiences, philosophies and religious traditions. Among such traditions, Deism and Puritanism have been particularly influential. Puritanism is a sect of Protestant Christianity renowned for its literal interpretation of the Bible and for its strict religious discipline. In contrast, Deism is the belief in the existence of a God however, it rejects supernatural revelation. Notwithstanding their doctrinal differences, deism and puritanism have greatly shaped the American narrative. The founding documents are predicated on natural law and espouse secularism, two concepts which originate from the traditions. Moreover, their influence on

Puritanism is predicated on tradition, faith and theocracy. Conversely, Deism stresses progress, reason and secularism. Gradually, the conflicting philosophies evolved into other opposing ideologies resulting in a great national divide. Geographically, the nation was divided between the North and the South. In the mid-19th century, the North had developed as a primarily industrial society while the South remained agrarian and dependant on slavery. In his speech Slavery a Positive Good, Vice President John C. Calhoun foresaw what this factionalism could lead to. “It is easy to see the end. By the necessary course of events, if left to themselves, we must become, finally, two people” (Calhoun). Calhoun’s prediction was accurate. Twenty-four years later the South seceded from the Union thus sparking the American Civil War. Religions were also geographically divided as evidenced by the schism between Evangelists, Baptists and Methodists along the Mason-Dixie line. Politically, the philosophies have evolved to liberal versus conservative, religious groups primarily backing the latter. Nowadays, the political landscape is so ideologically divided that in 2012 President Obama and Governor Romney battled in only 6 ‘swing states’ in their bid for the White House. That is 6 in a union of 50 states. Political and geographic factionalism finds its roots from the

Puritanism and to a lesser extent Deism, have established basic moral codes which the majority of Americans subject themselves to. Judeo-Christian philosophy encourages humility, charity and obedience to authority. These preachments have been used to keep American society content with their socioeconomic state by promising them ‘greater things’ in the next life. The scam is sold by Winthrop, “GOD ALMIGHTY in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission” (Winthrop). This was easy for John Winthrop to say, a wealthy Puritan lawyer who would go on to become the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The last thing the ruling elite wanted was a revolt of the working poor. This nightmare became a reality in August 1786 when Daniel Shays and his group of rebels rose up against Massachusetts’ courts that were foreclosing on poor farmers. Financed by private militias, the state crushed the revolt so as to deter future uprisings. A new invention, the myth of the American Dream would then be sold to generations of Americans to keep them hoping that one day they too could make it to the top. The reality is that the American Dream is almost unattainable for most Americans. It is through the social order they impose that the religious