The Puritans in American History

Dr. Samuel Smith and Dr. Carey Roberts join the Conversations That Matter Podcast to discuss the legacy of the Puritans in America, specifically their contribution to social and political dynamics. Dr. Smith recently appeared in the 1607 Project where he criticized the way American Puritans set up their society in New England while also praising their theology. What should Americans think of the Puritans? Most historical surveys credit them with founding the United States and in Christian circles they are deeply revered. Was their impact as significant as its portrayed today or is there another narrative in which Southern Anglicans and Presbyterians played a more significant role in contrast to the Puritans? Find out answers to these questions and more!

00:00:00 Who Are the Puritans?
00:11:04 Puritan Regions Today
00:24:00 Is America an Extension of the Puritans?
00:28:10 A Flattening Tendency
00:38:00 A Perfectionistic Tendency
00:48:27 Did the Puritan spirit die?
01:02:26 Questions
01:14:58 Closing Thoughts