名词Puritanism,清教主义.docVIP

PAGE PAGE 3 名词Puritanism 1. The beliefs and practices characteristic of Puritans (most of whom were Calvinists who wished to purify the Church of England of its Catholic aspects) 2. Strictness and austerity in conduct and religion 重要地位：American Puritanism was one of the most enduring shaping influences in American thought and American literature. It has become, to some extent, so much a state of mind, rather than a set of tenets, so much a part of the national cultural atmosphere that the Americans breathe. Without some understanding of Puritanism, there can be no real understanding of American culture and literature. 历史渊源 Puritans was the name given in the 16th century to the more extreme Protestants（新教徒，基督教徒） within the Church of England who thought the English Reformation （英国宗教改革）had not gone far enough in reforming the doctrines and structure of the church. They wanted to purify their national church by eliminating every shred of Catholic influence. In the 17th century many Puritans emigrated to the New World, where they sought to found a holy Commonwealth in New England. Puritanism remained the dominant cultural force in that area into the 19th century. Puritans believed that human beings were predestined by God before they were born. Some were Gods chosen people (Gods elect 上帝的选民)while others were predestined to be damned to hell. The success of ones work or the prosperity in his calling given by God was the sign of being Gods elect. Therefore, everyone must work hard, spend little and invest for more business. Working hard and living a moral life were their ethics. They regarded Bible to be the authority of their doctrine. To be able to read the Bible and understand Gods will, education was essential for Puritans. Puritanism in New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island) made a great influence on American culture. The Puritans hoped to build a city upon hill—an ideal community. New England also established anot