A Model of Christian Charity

How does Winthrop connect the tenets of Christianity and charitable giving? Is his conclusion similar to your response from the Personal Connection Prompt? Why or why not? Would Winthrop agree with philanthropy in contemporary society?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to connect their understanding of charitable giving with Winthrop’s sermon, which sees charity as a form of love that binds Christians together. Winthrop’s sermon is not only spiritual advice but also a guide for Puritans as they create a new religious colony in an unfamiliar territory. Winthrop assumes the position of the governing leader, and this sermon functions as a rough outline for the colony’s rules and behavior. Such Puritan values are inherently disclosive, as they limit non-Christian faiths from participating in the project and promote the idea of “American exceptionalism.” To promote critical thinking and deepen analysis, it may be helpful to develop a common definition of philanthropy based on student contributions and to list modern examples as a class prior to having individuals respond to the prompt.

Differentiation Suggestion: To encourage participation among students, especially those who may not readily make verbal contributions, consider allowing individuals to select their own groups with shared interests. Students might first compare their Personal Connection Prompt responses with their peers, and then they could discuss their understanding of Winthrop’s conclusions and whether or not modern philanthropy aligns with those beliefs in small groups of their choice.