Kai T. Erikson's "Wayward Puritans"

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"This study will examine Kai T. Erikson's "Wayward Puritans". The examination of major ideas in the book, subtitled "A Study in the Sociology of Deviance," focuses on the Puritan moral philosophy in relation to American culture today; the relationship between Puritan "crime waves" and deviancy; witchcraft; and the role religion played in the Puritan response to deviancy.

To Erikson, the Puritan ethos was based on a simpler and more direct way of seeing and experiencing one's relationship with God. This world view "suggested revival more than reform" (46), although there were elements of reform involved. The Puritan ethos saw the Church as an institution which was an obstacle to be changed if the individual ever hoped to have a direct experience of God. According to this ethos, the Puritan ... "

More papers on Kai T. Erikson's "Wayward Puritans":

• Book Review # 127461 : "Wayward Puritans"
• Analytical Essay # 56348 : "Wayward Puritans"

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