John Winthrop A Model Of Christian Charity

John Winthrop, a devout Puritian, is a governor, not a minister. However, while sailing on the Atlantic with others seeking refuge, Winthrop wrote a Sermon called “A Model of Christian Charity,” that uses key concepts of philanthropy to hold the community to a high standard of Christian behavior. As a politician, Winthrop wants a community that will thrive and sustain, to get this, he explains that these citizens must act together as one bond. A thriving community is a concern for Winthrop because he and hundreds of other Puritans are fleeing England as a result of curroption in the Church which led to a state of both emotional and economic depression. In transitioning from England to the New World, Winthrop wanted to change peoples’ mindsets to insure the new community is unique and will not relapse to the ways of the English. Winthrop uses religion in order to convince citizens to work together and care for each other to insure the betterment of their community.
Winthrop instructs that the people act in the way Christ did and demonstrate mercy towards one another. In quoting the book of Matthew “whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,” Winthrop expresses the importance of charity. He informs people that they do not need an excessive amount of material possessions, rather they will be blessed in heaven if they are insuring the needs of the people around them are being met. To prevent an economic depression, people must help one another through donations. This brings a communal sense to money and will make the community stronger, because its citizens are assisting each other. The concept that “every man have need of another,” creates a pact that members of the community will form a strong bond and go through necessary means to support one