Study Questions
1. The Puritans believed in salvation through Christ’s grace. How did they attempt to bring themselves closer to Christ?
2. What kinds of thought and behavior did Puritans discourage? Give specific examples and explain the reasoning behind each.
3. What did Puritans mean when they said “wine is from God but drunkenness is from the devil”?
4. What are the chief characteristics of Puritan family life as exemplified by the Winthrops?
5. How did Thomasine’s behavior in childbirth and death reflect her Puritan piety?
6. In view of their emphasis on the life of the spirit, why did Puritans allow themselves to enjoy good meals and alcoholic beverages?
7. The Winthrop household was typical of preindustrial households in England and America. Describe the “economy” of the household (how products were produced, exchanged, and consumed), and describe the roles of husband and wife in the household.
1. The Puritans believed in salvation through Christ’s grace. How did they attempt to bring themselves closer to Christ?
2. What kinds of thought and behavior did Puritans discourage? Give specific examples and explain the reasoning behind each.
3. What did Puritans mean when they said “wine is from God but drunkenness is from the devil”?
4. What are the chief characteristics of Puritan family life as exemplified by the Winthrops?
5. How did Thomasine’s behavior in childbirth and death reflect her Puritan piety?
6. In view of their emphasis on the life of the spirit, why did Puritans allow themselves to enjoy good meals and alcoholic beverages?
7. The Winthrop household was typical of preindustrial households in England and America. Describe the “economy” of the household (how products were produced, exchanged, and consumed), and describe the roles of husband and wife in the household.