Puritans, Pilgrims, and Religion

In Friday's readings, I noticed a common theme of Christianity.  When these groups of people came to America, they really put all of their faith and trust in God.  Their religion was almost the factor that tied everything together and helped them stay united.


Both the Pilgrims and Puritans were so devoted to their God.  In today's society, it's hard to believe that religion could ever be that prevalent and thriving- especially in a "government document" such as the Mayflower Compact!  The Mayflower Compact and the Model of Christian Charity both begin with strong statements stating their loyalty to God.  The first line of the Mayflower Compact: "In the name of God, Amen." The first line of A Model of Christian Charity: "GOD ALMIGHTY in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission."


Statements such as these would be so extreme nowadays.  I wonder if the Pilgrims and Puritans were considered to be extremists of their time?

Perhaps this is what the Pilgrims had in mind all along?

PS- This was a LOT of information to read through and I had a very hard time choosing what to write about.  I hope that my interpretation was in some sort of correlation to what I should be gathering mentally after reading these articles. - Liza