The Rise of The New Puritans by Noah Rothman FTP: Thesis and American Progressivism

Progressivism in the transatlantic world arose from the ashes of the Puritan experiment. Throughout its history, progressive thought adhered to a theory of social organization that placed the perfection of the human condition above more quotidian affairs. It was as much a moral crusade as a political program. The pursuit of purity has found a home in many American political coalitions over the centuries because it is deeply ingrained. We are all heirs to that tradition -- aspiring social reformers more so than most.

This thesis (in bold) points to an American core truth I’ve not yet come across in my American decline series. That core truth: American culture was largely founded and directed by the Puritans. While America became a melting pot, the Puritans laid out early American values.

Rothman lays out the progressive worldview in the first half, that belief of man and society can be perfected. Then he ties it into the Puritan current that influences America. A current influencing diff…