Ep 2. A New Eden

In God in America season 1 episode 2, titled "A New Eden", the focus is on the Puritans who settled in America in the 17th century. The episode examines the religious beliefs and practices of these early settlers and the impact they had on American society.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of Puritanism in England and the reasons why many Puritans chose to leave for America. The Puritans believed that the Church of England was corrupt and that they needed to establish a "city upon a hill" that would serve as a shining example of God's kingdom on earth. They believed in the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and moral purity, and sought to establish a society that embodied these values.

Once they arrived in America, the Puritans faced a number of challenges. They had to build their own communities from scratch and adapt to a new environment. They also had to contend with hostility from Native American tribes and the difficult climate of New England.

Despite these challenges, the Puritans were determined to make their vision of a new Eden a reality. They established strict codes of behavior and enforced them rigorously, punishing those who violated their rules. They also believed in the importance of education and established schools to ensure that their children were exposed to the right ideas and values.

However, the Puritans were not always successful in implementing their vision. They struggled to maintain their moral purity in the face of temptation and sin, and some members of their community began to question the strict rules that governed their lives. This led to conflict and tension within the community.

The episode also explores the relationship between the Puritans and the Native Americans. The Puritans viewed the Native Americans as heathens who needed to be converted to Christianity, and they pursued this goal aggressively. However, their efforts often led to violence and conflict, and the relationship between the two groups remained fraught.

Overall, "A New Eden" offers a fascinating look at the early years of American history and the role that religion played in shaping the country's development. It highlights the challenges and achievements of the Puritans and provides insight into the complex relationships that existed between different groups in the early years of American society.