Puritanism in America?

Puritanism is one of the founding principles of America. When the first citizens of America set foot on this land, their goal was to create a strong sense of Christianity and spread it throughout the country. Today, some Puritan ideals still exist; however, the citizens hardly ever connect these ideals to Christianity.

Hard work and determination have always been part of the American dream. If anyone fights hard enough, they will make it to the top. I completely agree with that. In Matthew Hutson's article in the New York Times, "Still Puritan After All These Years", he argues that the Puritan ideas are still alive in America today. He argues that, "In one study, they investigated whether the work habits of today’s Americans reflected the so-called Protestant work ethic...This led to belief in success as a path to salvation: hard work and good deeds would bring rewards, in life and after." This idea of hard work obviously stems from the good deeds of the first inhabitants of America. As much as I agree with this point, I have to argue on the basis of this point. For America today, religion is not at the center of majority of lives. Americans understand the idea of heaven, but they do not work hard to go to heaven. They work hard to help themselves become richer and provide for their family. The basis of this country isn't to live for Jesus Christ, who died for us, but to live a great life on this earth.

It is clear that most people don't believe that by working hard they will rise to heaven. The most important thing in many citizen's minds is getting money and power. That doesn't mean working hard to achieve the fruits of the spirit but developing the best way to help themselves. I throughly believe that the intentions of the new generation is not to dabble in religion. Many people argue they can help themselves enough without any need for a higher power. They help themselves by working hard to get to the top, which they believe will bring happiness. For a large majority of people, it is not about building a closer relationship with God at all.

Overall, it is very obvious that although Puritanism is one of the founding principles of America, the idea of hard work to achieve spiritual happiness has been replaced to see who can get the most money and power. The ideals of Puritanism still exist, but they are no longer linked to Christianity.

McFarland High School

Entering the doors once again feels like a chore
The roaring "it's a beautiful day for learning" echoes throughout the halls
It's the outrageous Dr. Hickey welcoming me to a new school day

As I fly by the science halls
I still hear A-Rod muttering, "Mommy!"
I hear a thunderous Doc screaming at a student

As I enter the second floor
I hear Mr. Fischer announcing the God-given gift of a brain
I listen and find Mr. Kunkle declaring the Spartans' fight to write

As I climb the stairs to the third floor
I see the famous murals decorated along the walls
I hear the distant, meaningless small talk of those around me

As I enter the atrium of the third floor
I hear Mr. Genova's infamous Spanish playlist
I listen to Ms. Pfohl's nerdy, sassy remarks

Three years of these repeating sounds
I only have one year left
How long will these comfortable melodies remain ingrained in my brain?
They will soon be replaced with the thunderous boom of a new beginning