Too Glad to Be True: Puritan Culture (my note: what they were REALLY like)

New Christendom Journal (from link by Presbyterian Layman Confessing Church site) ^ | 11/23/01 | David Henreckson

[rwfromkansas]

A little something for your consideration the day after Thanksgiving. This is not untimely to post though even though it is after Thanksgiving. We should be thankful ALWAYS and remember the roots that gave us this land.

[rwfromkansas]

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[rwfromkansas]

BTW, what did you think of my reply about Christian Recon/Christian Libertarianism? I know I answered without really knowing too much about the subject at hand, but I would like to know what you think.

I was surprised to find that it sounds like the Presbyterian Layman (PCUSA) might be a recon group...they had a link on their site to an article about the subject, anyway.

[rwfromkansas]

By the way, could you folks pray for me....I am feeling rather ill right now....and I just went through another sickness about a month ago. I feel really bad, stuffed up and all.

[waxhaw]

I appreciate your posting this. In a thread a couple of weeks ago concerning "economic models" and what theories should be followed I responded that it was the Puritans who laid the foundation for the overwhelming success of America's econmy... and that this, of course, had come about as a result of Martin Luther's Reformation. I have read several truthful, objective books on the Puritans - they are the "giants on whose shouders we stand", economy-wise. I would encourage anybody who is genuinely interested in WHY America was so, so different from all other nations and all other cultures in its early history to do an objective study on the Puritans. I believe we are still inheriting their blessings today.

[Khepera]

?

[rwfromkansas]

Because they supported economics to the glory of God and not to get rich, they cared about how teh economy affected everyone. This is part of why their views led to the American Republic. The influence of the power of the common man still continued to the Revolution time and while they were not selfish, they did not just want a few to hog all the cash...the founders wanted equal opportunity. It all goes back to Puritan hatred of both economic and political oppression.

[rwfromkansas]

What's the question mark about?

[Khepera]

too lazy to type bump

[RandyRep]

Excellent article - a keeper!!!

I have lots of Puritan ancestry, and am always trying to defend their way of life at the time they lived it. I see the absolute joy for life and belief in God/Jesus and their hope for life eternal in the 17th and 18th century wills I read and transcribe. Fascinating material.

You mentioned Christian Recon - what is that? I am a member of PCUSA, and read the Presby Layman religiously . It's a bit radical for the national church leadership - always quoting scripture, objecting to "tolerance" and "inclusivity," insisting on adherence to Reform principles, etc.

[Don Myers]

bttt

[rwfromkansas]

Recon is short for Reconstruction...the belief that Christians should fight for the reformation of society to Biblical principles.

[rwfromkansas]

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[rwfromkansas]

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[rwfromkansas]

The Layman had a great link to an article explaining Calvinism on their confessing church site not too long ago.

[rwfromkansas]

btw, here is an article I wrote on Predestination. I have passed it out to kids at school who have asked about why I believe this. "Why I Believe Predestination"

[Artist]

Bookmarked. Thanks, rwfromKansas.

[DeaconBenjamin]

Funny, I had heard that the Puritans were big fans of wage and price controls. I conclude that God blessed them anyway .

[Diamond]

...), no sane scholar can ignore the great impact that Calvinistic, Puritan theology and political theory had in the New World’s American revolt. In England, many epithets for the war - such as “The Presbyterian Rebellion” - reflected this influence.

When news of the Revolution of 1776 reached England, Prime Minister Horace Walpole said in Parliament, "Cousin America has run off with a Presbyterian parson" 8^]

Cordially,