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View of Deity
Puritans are known for their intense Christian faith based on the Bible. They believed that all humans inherited original sin from Adam and Eve and that sinful people would be damned to hell. They believed that God showed mercy, however, and choose faithful people for admittance into heaven.
View of People
People were viewed as being sinful and unable to attain salvation without God's choosing. People were to be responsible for leading a moral life; good behavior was seen as a sign of a person who was "chosen" for heaven.
View of Society
Puritans watched each other's behavior in their tightly-knit communities closely, expecting to find wickedness and sin. Life was harsh, survival was key; thus, rules were strict. No tolerance for drunkenness, swearing, theft, assault, and idleness. All were to work hard. Charters and joint-stock companies permitted independent government, yet still kept loyalty to the King of England.
View of Nature
Puritans saw nature as God's gift to man who conquered the "unlimited" resources. Pilgrims felt their survival, which was difficult due to hunger and disease, was a sign of God's grace.
View of Place in History
Colonists saw their position as one of responsibility in creating a commonwealth of believers, a place in which to better worship the Lord, the "new Jerusalem."
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