Early America was settled and inhabited by a religious group known as the Puritans who left their homeland of Great Britain for a fresh start in a new country . A man named John Winthrop, a prominent Puritan and governor, delivered a sermon that expressed the ideals of a perfect Christian community in a new land. His goal of a utopian, selfless community raises two very different questions. Were these Puritans idealistic spiritual people whose only goal was to please God? Or were they simply materialistic proto-capitalists who sought wealth by relying on their religious beliefs to support their cause? Winthrop's sermon and other writings of the Puritans of this era show that they placed extreme importance on material wealth, excused by their strict religious beliefs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIt is very clear from the beginning of Winthrop's sermon that God determined those who were worthy of his love by determining who was rich and who was poor. Winthrop said that God, in His infinite wisdom, showed that “some should be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity, others wicked and submissive” (Winthrop 147). This statement shows an important ideological belief of the Puritans: predetermination, the idea that God determines who is successful or powerful, and who is poor and of low social status. Winthrop states that because of their beliefs, God can manifest Himself in their daily lives by moderating and restraining people, "so that the rich and powerful may not devour the poor, nor the poor and despised rise up." against their superiors and do not get rid of their rights. yoke” (Winthrop 148). He clearly states that the poor are looked down upon and inferior to those who possess wealth and that the subtle inclusion of the word "yoke" makes them appear like servants or slaves to those who are successful. Divine providence not only shapes how Puritans live their lives, through hard work and spirituality to prove they have God's grace, but also how they view one another. Winthrop proves this by saying, “All men being thus (by divine providence) classified into two kinds, rich and poor” (Winthrop 148). The rationale for achieving the "higher" status of rich is hidden behind a multitude of biblical quotes and utopian ideals that convince his followers that being rich and successful is God's desire. Stating that the reason for wealth is to help one another in times of need and not to expect reward on this earth, he also goes on to say that he will always be rewarded, but in heaven, "we know what benefit he There will be the day of reckoning, when many witnesses will come forward for us to testify to the improvement of our talent” (Winthrop 150). In other words, being rich gives the person the ability to lend and be merciful, which upon reaching heaven, those who received this generosity will see the talent of the lender improve in the afterlife . Although this may sound like Christian charity that prompts them to lend and be generous, Winthrop clearly states that there is another reason: "you regard it not as an act of mercy, but as a means of commerce." (Winthrop 151) and, “This love is always rewarded…love and affection are reciprocated in a most egalitarian and gentle commerce” (Winthrop 155). Thus, the loan is not an act of mercy but an agreement.