What do Puritans and The Tea Party have in common? More than you think.

 Puritanism still influences our country today. Recently, Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann said during a campaign speech in Florida “I don’t know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We’ve had an earthquake; we’ve had a hurricane. He said, ‘Are you going to start listening to me here?’” (From St. Petersburg Times)  This resonates the words of Jonathan Edwards, a puritan preacher from 18th century America.  Jonathan Edwards said in a sermon “The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is it’s course, when once it is let loose.” (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Jonathan Edwards) Puritan beliefs can still be found in America today among those who are on the religious far right. 

Puritans built their religion and society on fear of an angry God. “This is the case of every one of you that are out of Christ. That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone, is extended abroad under you. There is a dreadful pit of glowing flames of the wrath of God; there is Hell’s wide gaping mouth open; and you have nothing to stand upon, nor anything to take hold of; there is nothing between you and Hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.” (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Jonathan Edwards) Puritans ran their society on the fear of the wrath of an angry God. They were taught to believe that with one mistake, they would be forever condemned. Therefore their society remained obedient, in fear of the burning brimstone.

Puritan beliefs still run deep today in American politics. American politics has always been a battle between whose beliefs are correct, and who’s beliefs make them “Morally Bankrupt.” This practice in American politics goes all the way back to when the Puritans were prevalent.  Today, you can find the Puritans beliefs being fought for by The Republican’s and Conservatives in America. Take Rick Perry for instance, He’s the front running Republican Presidential Candidate. In June, he suggests during an interview: “We’re going through those difficult economic times for a purpose, to bring us back to those Biblical principles.” (Think Progress.org) Rick Perry, a major voice in the Republican Party, reflects the views of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards said “Those that are gone from being in the like circumstances with you, see that it was so with them; destruction came suddenly upon most of them; when they expected nothing of it, and while they were saying, peace and safety: now they see, that those things on which they depended for peace and safety, were nothing but thin air and empty shadows.” (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Jonathan Edwards) Rick Perry believes that America needs to get back to the Puritan ways, and he wants Americans to remember money won’t keep you safe, God will. This sounds very much like Jonathan Edward’s belief.

Puritans believe that if you’re willing to give sin up for God, he will be righteous. “And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners; a day wherein many are flocking to him, and pressing into the kingdom of God.” (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Jonathan Edwards) This belief is also still prevalent today in America. An entire industry of television preachers, advertisements, billboards, end of the world prophesies, books, music, and websites are calling for Americans to surrender their lives to God, or they will forever burn in Hell.

Although you may not see Puritans in their classic attire, giving their fiery sermons, Puritanism is still influencing America today. Puritanism is reflected in political views, religions, books, television and much more. America will always be in battle over what is morally right, and wrong. Puritanism will always be a lingering ideology in American society.