The semantic evolution of the word ‘puritan’ has not done justice to the influential group of Scottish and English Calvinists who, from the very beginning of the Restoration, considered themselves to be the purest brand of Protestantism. Today, as everybody knows, this term is quite pejorative if not insulting. This is obviously due to the fact that people (the speech community) refuse to accept those who think of themselves to be the best, the “chosen ones”, as the Puritans did. Historical memory, though, is much fairer and recognizes the enormous contribution of the Puritans in many important aspects. For Christopher Hill:
“The Puritans had high ideals of integrity, of service to the community. Their preachers taught a doctrine of spiritual equality: one good man was as good as another, and better than a bad peer or bishop or king.” (The Century of Revolution 1603-1714. London: Cardinal, 1975, p.78).
I like this historian! Thanks Luis for introducing him to us! I'd like to include this kind of articles in the black-culture in France magazine of my editorial!! I'll email u with this informationn. Aude
ReplyDeletePuritan had to become pejorative! It was asking for it! A group of people who believes themselves better than the rest of the society are meant to be hated.
ReplyDelete