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Explores how early colonial writings established the foundational values of American society and the concept of the 'City upon a Hill'.
Why does the United States often act like the world’s moral compass? The answer lies in a 400-year-old sermon delivered in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
To understand the American identity, one must understand the Covenant. For the Puritans, a covenant was a legal and spiritual contract between God and His people. This wasn't just individual; it was communal. If the community followed God’s laws, they would be blessed; if they failed, the entire group would suffer His wrath. This created a theocratic social structure where the line between 'sin' and 'crime' was non-existent. In their view, the success of the colony in was proof of God's favor, while any hardship was seen as a sign of a broken contract.
Quick Check
In the Puritan 'Covenant,' who were the two primary parties involved in the agreement?
Answer
The community as a whole and God.
Puritan writers like John Winthrop and Anne Bradstreet used Biblical Allusion—references to the Bible—to give their words ultimate authority. In his sermon, A Model of Christian Charity, Winthrop famously alluded to the Gospel of Matthew: 'For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.' By using this imagery, Winthrop wasn't just giving a pep talk; he was framing the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a New Israel, a sacred model for the rest of the world to watch and imitate.
1. Identify the Source: Winthrop quotes Matthew . 2. Analyze the Context: In the Bible, Jesus tells his followers they are the 'light of the world.' 3. Apply to the Text: Winthrop uses this to argue that if the Puritans fail, they shame God in front of the entire world.
Quick Check
What is the primary purpose of using a biblical allusion in a colonial sermon?
Answer
To lend divine authority and historical weight to the speaker's message.
Winthrop’s 'City upon a Hill' is the foundational text for American Exceptionalism. This is the belief that the United States is inherently different from—and perhaps superior to—other nations because of its unique mission to spread liberty and democracy. While originally a religious concept (being 'chosen' by God), it evolved over centuries into a secular political identity. It suggests that America does not just exist for itself, but as a beacon of hope or a 'policeman' for the global community.
Consider how the 'City upon a Hill' metaphor has been used by modern leaders: 1. **John F. Kennedy ()**: Used it to emphasize the global responsibility of the U.S. during the Cold War. 2. **Ronald Reagan ()**: Added the word 'shining' to the phrase, emphasizing America as a prosperous, optimistic beacon against communism.
Analyze the 'if-then' logic in Winthrop's rhetoric: 1. Premise: If we deal falsely with our God (), then we shall perish (). 2. Logic: . 3. Conclusion: Therefore, strict social conformity is not just a preference, but a survival requirement for the state.
Which term best describes a society where religious leaders hold political power and laws are based on religious doctrine?
In Winthrop's 'City upon a Hill' speech, what is the consequence of the Puritans failing their mission?
American Exceptionalism is the belief that the United States has a unique mission and is qualitatively different from other nations.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain the 'City upon a Hill' metaphor to someone else without looking at your notes.
Practice Activity
Find a recent presidential speech online and search for keywords like 'mission,' 'beacon,' or 'example' to see if you can find traces of Winthrop's rhetoric.