Puritan Vs. Humanist Ideals

Has it ever seemed that some people are so religious that they are too strict? Has anybody been so deeply into the idea of having a part in the world and group work that they seem to be an extraordinary leader? These people would have fit in perfectly in the 1700’s, where these two extremes were quite common. The difference between Puritan and Humanist ideals is that Puritans believe in duty and heavy labor for the rewards of Heaven that a fierce and just God could provide, while the Humanist believe that performing acts of kindness is simply the nature of the human being, while receiving immediate rewards. The Puritans started in the 1600’s, when religious folk realized that religion was slowly dwindling in society, and ran until the 1750’s,
The hypothesis then states, if a person does good or works hard, then they are doing it to reap reward, despite religious ties. Next people receive a survey that would ask them to answer questions on their religious views; whether or not they consider themselves a good person, why they work hard, why they perform acts of good deeds, what job they have, whether they agree with the Puritan or Humanist ideals, etc. Their answers will separate them into one of two groups, Humanist or Puritans. The Humanist are the control group, the measurement being the differences in good acts, lack thereof, and whether or not they received, or would have received, an award. The experimenter will unobtrusively observe both groups and record and chart the results to show the minimal differences between the amount of good deeds and the reasons behind them. The majority of both groups will perform for immediate
While they may try and may love their God, they typically can’t continue something without seeing immediate reward. Even the Puritans only thought God was happy with them when God gave rewards such as flourishing crops. The fact is that the idea of an eternity in flames terrifies religious folk. Often they do many things to help prevent this: praying, attending church, liking that post on Instagram, sharing that post on Facebook, getting baptized. However, they do not think he cares about that, but rather sympathizes with them. Thus they won’t work hard at their job for their God. Still they see the rewards as if they are rewards of his grace. These rewards seem to be God telling them good work, and they will shout it out. However, when a child brings home a report card, the bad grades aren’t seen as a symbol of the child’s faith but rather the child’s effort. Just like how an employer’s wrath shows in a bad paycheck or reprimand, rather than God’s fury. Further on people hold their God in high esteem today, unlike the Puritans, their gods are not cruel and angry but kind and full of love. As a result, people think that once saved, always saved. Therefore people seek immediate reward, and do good in order to do so, even if a Bible taught that