ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Puritanism is based on a Calvinist belief in predestination – the notion that one is chosen by God before birth to be saved or to be damned.

Detailed explanation-2: -At the same time, the Puritans regarded death as God’s punishment for human sinfulness and on their deathbeds many New Englanders trembled with fear that they might suffer eternal damnation in Hell. From their earliest upbringing, Puritans were taught to fear death.

Detailed explanation-3: -You might tell them about the Puritan belief in predestination, which provides the wider context for understanding conversion. This doctrine was first elaborated by John Calvin and then adopted by Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and a variety of other religious groups.

Detailed explanation-4: -The doctrine of predestination kept all Puritans constantly working to do good in this life to be chosen for the next eternal one. God had already chosen who would be in heaven or hell, and each believer had no way of knowing which group they were in.