how biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies issue the historical details of the significance of religion in the colonial period
Religious influence dominated colonial writings. The format for the writings was hymns, theological studies, autobiographies, hymns, histories, and biographies. The scriptural hymns and studies relied on the religious perspective of the people. This paper sets out how biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies issue the historical details of the significance of religion in the colonial period.
Colonial writings were distinguished by plain speech. The style of writing used honored God by mentioning his ideas with clarity. The writings of William Bradford conferred his humility of God, and everything is done according to the ‘will of God.’ Despite his illustrative essays, Bradford gives out reasoning tied to his religious beliefs such as God favoring them with safety and good health while punishing those who go against God’s commands.
John Winthrop offers his directives for Puritan life in ‘A Model for Christian Charity’ through specific Biblical references and explicit language. Winthrop echoes Bible verses and makes finite interpretations to clarify God’s message to the people by presenting early pilgrim days in Plymouth with adequate details. Winthrop was a governor for 20 years, and his literature demonstrates his religious models of government, especially the ‘city upon the hill’ from the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’
The biographies, histories, and autobiographies of colonial times also set out details of colonial existence hinged from religious beliefs. Colonial literature was configured in simple style and expression, reflecting the supremacy of religion in the community.
Colonial literature was composed in a simple style and expression, manifesting the supremacy of religion in the community. Religion imparted all facets of life, and colonial writings give out evidence of the great religious beliefs of the period. The books of Bradford and Winthrop provide examples of religion throughout the colonial period. The puritan and pilgrim’s models of impressing God and disciplining those who defy God’s will are distinct in the writings of American colonial literature.