Analysis Of John Winthrop's A Model Of Christian Charity

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John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity” provided a powerful and workable founding vision by everyone having the same views. I believe the reason for their departure from England played a large role in the formation of this vision. Because the Puritans felt their lives were being dictated by selfish leaders, everyone on the trip to the new land were all conscious not to become greedy and selfish. I Believe majorly Winthrop’s Sermon carried appropriate values for his Puritan community. He reckoned a society focused on the word of God would unify the community. This would ensure all individuals actions would be acts of seeking God. I believe the reason for minimal turmoil in this community was because they felt excessive wealth took away …show more content…

In a community dedicated to God, it only makes sense that Winthrop felt violations be determined by God himself. His lecture taught the Puritans if they did not follow Winthrop’s sermon, God’s anger would fall upon them quickly. Winthrop placed fear into his community in order to have stability. He manipulated the Puritans to believe they held the same sin of selfish disobedience; the only way to overcome this transgression was to exhibit the same spirit of Adam and Eve. While I do not agree with this form of leadership, his community did function extremely well, which respectively deserves credit. At the time, Winthrop’s sermon was appropriate. Today however it would not be seen this way.
Winthrop has reached American exceptionalism in many ways. His phrase, “We shall be as a city upon a hill” is a quote many of us use today. To be a “city upon a hill” means it’s something everyone can view. Hence, meaning Winthrop felt his religious society should be standard for all societies. While his manipulative leadership should not be the standard, his views of wealth, love, and sacrifice should be mirrored throughout society. His society functioned caringly and without turmoil. This is more that can be said about our society

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