Explain how you think today’s America has lived up to this value (or point) or how it hasn’t.

Let’s start off with something fairly easy. I say fairly easy because I know some of the language Winthrop uses in his sermon are a bit “old school” and reek of an Olde Englishe style. However, it’s not that difficult, and you can pick up on his intent, his words of wisdom for the Puritans en route to settle in America. Yes, it’s got a heavy religious vibe, but there’s still some poignant values he’s trying to impress upon others that we can relate to.

So, in a paragraph of about 250 words, address one value, or point, Winthrop makes, as best you can figure it out – take a guess, if you need to, I’m not looking for perfection here, just an honest response – and explain how you think today’s America has lived up to this value (or point) or how it hasn’t. Start with a sentence to clarify what the value is – again, as you decipher it – and then explain how the country has failed or succeeded in living up to it. If it helps, you can focus on a specific situation that applies, something you saw in the news, or heard about from others, or even experienced yourself.

You’re also welcome to check out an overview of the Puritan idecixal that Winthrop is suggesting here.