Saturday, May 8, 2010
John Winthrop "A Modell of Christian Charity"
I'm not a religious person by nature, but it seems to me that this sermon could have been delivered at just about any church on any Sunday. All the talk about brotherly love and love of Christ seems familiar. I've heard it at almost every church service I've ever attended. I guess it meant more to the Puritans than it does to me, because they were carrying those ideals with them from their teachings in England.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am totally with you. I think that this sermon is about doing well to others. Helping the community as a whole. I just don't like how they judge others that aren't doing their part. (see cotton mather)
ReplyDeleteJohn Winthrop had a few reasons for delivering his famous Arbella sermon. Yes, the Puritans were often reminded of their duty to be the best examples to the world, but why were they given that instruction so often? It was because they messed up. If they had been perfect people, they would not have needed the consistent reminders. Even aboard the ship the Puritans were struggling with charity, love, and compassion. Winthrop gave them a sermon to curb their immediate failings and to inspire them to remember their ultimate goal. Do I agree with all the doctrines of the Puritans? No, but I respect that they had a goal--a mission-- a reason to be better. Winthrop was not a perfect leader, but his speech was well-timed and well-received becasue his group already had a vision. They just needed a little reminder.
ReplyDelete