The Influence Of Puritanism On American Values

As one of the three major religions in the world, Puritanism plays an important role in American social life. American values, such as individualism, pragmatism, democracy, sense of mission, covenant thought, business ethics and family values, owe very much to the Puritan beliefs, which came from Calvinism posed by French theologian, John Calvin.Puritanism makes a great effect on American values by means of the influence of parents, influences of the churches, public education, public service organized by religious organizations, and mass media, etc. The reasons that Puritanism has the chance to exist and be spread widely and rapidly in the new land, America, are as follows: first, the vast land rich in natural resources is a good haven for the Puritans to escape the religious and political persecution; second, as a integration of secular and religious culture, American culture is tolerant to other cultures, which makes it possible for Puritanism to coexist with other cultures in the land, and to have the great masses of the people to believe in it; third, the unique political and legal systems are beneficial to the development of Puritanism.As a whole, Puritanism played a significant role in the establishment and development of the state. American values advance the independence and development of the United States, which provides rich soil for Puritanism to be spread and exercise an influence on American values.