ENGL 201
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ISCUSSION TUDYINGMERICANITERATURE FROM A
ORLDVIEWSSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HRISTIAN
You will participate in Discussion: Studying American Literature from a Christian Worldview
to begin our course. Discussions are designed to foster community and learning within the class
as students interact and engage in valuable interaction to achieve wisdom and understanding on
the topic. The lecture notes and assigned readings have provided introductory material and an
overview of American literature from the early Colonial period through the American
Renaissance/Romantic period.
For Discussion: Studying American Literature from a Christian Worldview, the student will
post one thread of 250–300 words. Provide reasons why it is important to study these periods of
American literature, especially from a Christian world view perspective.
Studying American literature from a Christian perspective is valuable. Through literature, we can
develop a deeper understanding of things we don't always encounter or see, especially in the
factors Christianity played in shaping America.
“The colonies were less a single, unified entity than a group of diverse, loosely associated
provinces under the general dominion of the king of Great Britain. Moreover, those colonies
together constituted only part of the rich and complex tapestry formed by the colonial experience
in North America.” (Belasco & Johnson, 2008. pg.22)
The era of colonization was characterized by the desire for discovery and the potential to gain
wealth. Along with the flood of immigrants from England and Europe that held these desires
came strong religious beliefs. As religion affected all aspects of life during this time, it is often
used in literature to show how religion and life in early America were linked. We can grow our
faith and broaden our moral understanding by exploring this literature.
“In addition to commercial interests and the nationalistic desire to dispossess the Spanish,
English colonization was driven by religious forces unleashed by the Protestant Reformation.”
(Belasco & Johnson, pg.14)
As exploration and settlement continued, literature started to become a strong hold on culture in
New England, where early history of American Literature was developed. The power of print
allowed colonies to expand and solidify their hold on territory.
“The emphasis on and pervasive influence of print culture in New England helps account for the
central place Puritanism has assumed in the early history of American literature.” (Belasco &
Johnson, 2008. pg.20)
Through the study of American Literature, Christians can better understand how society has
evolved over time by exploring time periods from long ago. Throughout the early Colonial and
Romantic periods of American literature, you get a glimpse into the lives of many people who fled
religious persecution. In addition to empowering your faith, this should shed light on the
sacrifices made for religious freedom throughout history.
ENGL 201
Word Count (389)
References:
Belasco, S., & Johnson, L. (2019). The Bedford Anthology American Literature, Volume 1,
Second Edition, Liberty University (2nd ed.). Macmillan Higher Education.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781319324414
