Reading response - Essay Example

Reading Response John Winthrops upon a Hill is particularly valuable due to the fact that it introduces the features of the religious faith of the Puritans who were among the English colonists in America. John Winthrops mission is to create a new Christian church, which is able to unite a large number of people for the glory of God. This church can provide prosperity and peaceful coexistence between people in the New World, which will be created in America. In this regard, the main importance is given to not only religious faith, but also deeds and actions of people based on their religious faith.

People should base their actions on the desire to promote the happiness and welfare of others. The new society must be based on brotherly love between people. According to Winthrop, the coexistence of people suggests a sincere belief in God and adherence to ethical principles, which are given by Christianity. Love, kindness, mercy, justice, and mutual aid are considered as the basic ethical principles that will enable people to live a happy and peaceful life. The new society is intended to conform to Gods ideal.

Only God can justify the existence of the ideals of the new society in the Americas. People should do everything possible so that their life was based on respect for God and desire to follow the path, which is consistent with the plan of God to people.This path involves strict adherence to ethical principles, which should help people to create heaven on earth. Thus, Winthrops speech can be viewed as a project of an ideal society, which the author proudly calls the City upon a Hill. This project is optimistic as to what future awaits the people.

Winthrop is confident that in the New World, people will be able to find what they have been looking for so long, namely prosperity, well-being and peace. On the other hand, people need to be proactive in creating a new godly society where all of them are brothers and sisters to each other. The project assumes that people consciously and voluntarily entrust their lives to God who enters their hearts and minds as an integral part of their nature. Winthrop encourages people to open their souls and hearts to God.

This spiritual union promises prosperity and happiness both for the people and for God. In general, this speech bears the imprint of a kind of religious fanaticism. I am surprised how Winthrop encourages people to purify their hearts and minds from bad thoughts and follow the path that God prepared for them. The new Christian society is seen as the successor of the mission of God in spreading goodness, light and peace around the world. Familiarity with Winthrops speech raises questions about the meaning of faith in God in human life.

Despite the fact that today many people call themselves atheists, the project proposed by Winthrop is of particular interest. It gives people the opportunity to find peace and prosperity if they follow the commandments of God and demonstrate a sincere belief in Him.