While reading about John Smith and John Winthrop, I was struck by the differences in their views on how to survive in early America. Smith was very corporate and money-focused while Winthrop was very focused on community and the idea of "one body" in Christ. We also discussed in class the different backgrounds of these two men, and I think it is very interesting to note that their views on survival definitely stemmed from how they lived before moving to America.
The struggle between corporate and moral living was very apparent then and it still is today. It can be seen in the conflict between church and state, as was mentioned in class today, and can be seen in nearly every social issue of today's age. Issues such as stem cell research bring up this conflict, because it is morally wrong to some people and should never occur, and yet to others it will benefit those who are sick and help medical corporations. This is just one example of the struggle that is seen in our country today and it is evident from the two men we were discussing that this struggle is not at all new. It has been occuring since the earliest days of our nation.
Your observation that Smith's and Winthrop's views of survival "stemmed from how they lived before moving to America" is both well put and spot-on. Winthrop's piece was about how the puritans were to survive together--with charity and love--and Smith's piece spoke of how he survived--weapons, threats, persuasion, etc. As a mercenary soldier Smith was probably used to taking what he needed to keep going, and one can make more money by ignoring morals every now and then. And Smith was out to make money.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy your comments on how conflicts between moral and corporate living are still around. As for stem cell research and America as a whole, I believe much of the conflict stems from different moral beliefs on both sides. At least Winthrop's puritans shared the same beliefs.