Early American Religion

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Religion can be described as a belief or perception that follows a set of moral codes, and ethics from a certain cultural perspective. Early American Literature is marked by a deep sense of religion, which is prominent in many of the narratives of that time. Early American Literature can be seen as a reflection of the religious values followed by the early settlers and the colonists. The profound role of religion in Early America is best understood in the two earliest religions of this country. The puritans had one goal when crossing the Atlantic: “to spread their faith by writing to lay down expectations for their new life” (Literature). The puritans writing consisted mainly of sermons, hymns, poetry and journals. Their faith was enhanced…show more content…
“Puritan writing reflected the character and scope of the reading public, which was literate, and well-grounded in religion” (Literature). One of the most notable puritan authors, Anne Bradstreet contains all the essential aspects of puritan writing. Her poem, “Upon the Burning of our House: July 10th 1666” (1666) shows many things wanted by the public at this time. In this particular poem, Bradstreet’s house caught fire, and she is watching it burn to the ground; as she can no longer watch she turns her back and gives thanks to God. Who is the same God who has burned her house and her possessions; but her puritan beliefs are: things belong to Him, not the inhabitants of the world. Every citizen knows that God has the right to take away from people. Anne bids her house farewell, for “all’s vanity” (Bradstreet), and acknowledges she has better waiting for her in Heaven, built by the “Mighty Architect”, she leaves her belongings behind and bids farewell to the ruins, satisfied that her ‘hope and treasure lies above”…show more content…
She knows her time on earth may be short, and she has accepted that fact- knowing God will take care of her in Heaven. Bradstreet embodies a good puritan in “Before the Birth of One of Her Children,” while her faith falters in “Upon the Burning of Our House: July 10th 1666.” These poems show how important religion and tradition was for the Puritans. The puritans wanted to share their life with God, and they wanted him to know how devoted they were to him. The puritans shared many of their Beliefs with the Calvinists, which is again, is one of the most influential religions on Early American
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