What is predestination and how did it affect New England settlements? How did religion play a crucial role in the lives of New England women?
http://www.shmoop.com/new-england-puritans-pilgrims/religion.html
I like the explanation given by a Calvinist friend about predestination. She said that whether she went to heaven or hell was God's business. Her business was to live a moral and ethical life on earth.
Predestination refers to the belief that God has already determined the fate of every individual, whether they will be saved or damned, even before they are born. This doctrine of predestination was a central tenet of the Puritan theology that influenced the New England settlements.
The concept of predestination affected the New England settlements in a few significant ways. Firstly, it shaped the Puritans' religious beliefs and practices. They believed that only a chosen few, known as the "elect," would be saved and receive eternal life with God. This belief fostered a strong sense of moral responsibility and religious intensity among the Puritans, as they sought to live according to God's will in the hopes of being among the elect.
Secondly, predestination influenced the social and governmental structure of the New England settlements. In their quest to create a "City upon a Hill," the Puritans established tightly-knit communities governed by a combination of religious and civil laws. They saw themselves as a chosen people and sought to create a society that reflected their religious ideals.
Religion played a significant role in the lives of New England women, as it did in the lives of all members of the Puritan society. However, women's experiences were shaped by the patriarchal nature of Puritan beliefs. Women were expected to be obedient to their husbands and fathers and to fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. They were also expected to actively participate in religious activities, such as attending church services and observing religious rituals.
Religious teachings and practices heavily influenced women's daily lives, as they were expected to adhere to a strict moral code. They were tasked with maintaining the household and raising children in accordance with religious principles. Women's roles in the community often revolved around caring for the sick, offering support to other women, and ensuring the moral well-being of the community.
In summary, predestination impacted New England settlements by shaping the religious beliefs and practices of the Puritans, as well as influencing the social and political structures of their communities. Religion played a crucial role in the lives of New England women, defining their roles within the family and community and guiding their daily activities.