An Introduction to “Puritanism”

CALVINISM:

John Calvin’s famous Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536).  The essential doctrines of the system are frequently summed up in the famous FIVE POINTS:

1. Total Depravity = the natural inability of human beings to exercise free will, since they inherited corruption from Adam’s fall; all are tainted by “original sin” (Adam and Eve).
2. Unconditional Election (or Predestination) = which manifests itself through God’s election of those to be saved, despite their inability to perform saving works; God had predestined all events and had chosen the elect.
3. Prevenient and Irresistible Grace = made available in advance but only to the elect; salvation is given by God, it cannot be earned.
4. Perseverance of the Saints = the predetermined elect inevitable persevering in the path of holiness; those chosen by God will remain in a state of grace, among the elect, until death.
5. Limited Atonement = human corruption being partially atoned for by Christ, this atonement being provided the elect through the Holy Spirit, giving them the power to attempt to obey God’s will as it is revealed through the Bible; Jesus’ sacrifice gives grace to few, the elect.

This system developed both zeal and intolerance on the part of the elect. It fostered education, however, which in early New England was regarded as a religious duty, thereby profoundly affecting the development of American literature.

COVENANT THEOLOGY:

In New England, the Covenant Theology early softened and modified Calvinism.  Instead of election, covenant theology substitutes the idea of a contractual relationship between God and the human race.

• Covenant of Works -- people are to be obedient, to do good works.  God promised Adam and his posterity eternal life in exchange for absolute obedience.  When Adam committed the original sin, he broke the covenant of works.  All were now condemned to labor, misery, then death, then eternal damnation.
• God later relented.
• Covenant of Grace -- a special few were chosen to escape eternal damnation.  God made another covenant with Abraham, the covenant of grace.  This promised human beings the ability to struggle toward perfection. Puritans believed they were among that special few, the elect.

THE HALF-WAY COVENANT:

• Richard Mather
• ca. 1662
• A document that indicated a decline in the rigid dogmatism (of the Mather dynasty).
• The half-way covenant advocated the baptism of children of non-regenerate though baptized parents.
• Such parents were regarded by Mather as “half-way” members of the church.

In summary, two main points of theology, for the purposes of this course:

1. Absolute Sovereignty and constant Providential interventions of the Deity.
2. Natural Depravity and lack of deservingness of people.