John Winthrop wrote these famous words in 1630 on the expected example that the colony would be for the world.
Read Winthrop's City on a Hill and comment below on why you think that people throughout United States history have seen it as document to study and commemorate.
77 comments:
So many people study and commemorate this document because it is saying how "we are going to be the best" and those people who commemorate this want society to be as good as it is described in the document. It is describing the ideal society.
Jackson Dumanch
Hour: 9
People throughout United States history have seen Winthrop’s City on a Hill as a document to study and commemorate, because, I believe, it is similar to the Pledge of Allegiance that we do every single morning (or pretend to do every morning). Winthrop’s City on a Hill is also uniquely composed of one long sentence that has commas, semicolons, and colons (I’m not sure about the, “…Israell Deut. 30. Beloved…” if that’s a period after the 30 or not). Although the words are not very well spelled and the document is a long run-on sentence, there’s a strong message presented to the readers, which is to unite and follow God, which is understandable even through the misspelled words. I also think that this document is used to study and commemorate, because the “United” States has religious toleration, and one of the most popular religion is Christianity (a monotheism religion believing in God). Most people (those believing in God) would like to believe we are united under God and that we are following him, like it is said in the document.
Ia Moua
Hour 2
This document is a classic. The base of this society is their faith and belief system. The grammar isn't the best, but the message is clear. Follow God and do everything under his name. The United Sates was based on religion (just look at out money), and hasn't changed one bit. The is what a model society should be based on.
Jessica Jimenez
Hour 9
I believe that this document talks about the way of its society. It's not written well, has mistakes here and there, but the message that this document brings to us is very easy to unerstand. This document tells us that if you follow the word of god, if you have faith in him, if you do everything under his name, you will live a good christian life.
Jesus Acevedo Nunez
Hr. 6-7
anonymous said...
A lot of people study and commemorate this document because its message is clear which is follow god and do everything under his name. This document is not well written as of it's grammer and words, but it shows us what a good society should be like based on religion.
Raghda ahmad
Hour:6
I think John Winthrop is a very important document. It's a historical fact about that their society and also how our society are base on religion.Even though he misspelled alot of words he still prove his point. We see it every day In money ( In God We Trust), Pleg od Alligence, Delcaration of Independence,and even, apart of the Bill of Rights.Our society is apart of religion itself because most of our rules come from the Bible.
Kaeko Barnes
hour6-7
I believe this document explains the daily walk of a christian's life. If you believe in god you must do as he say. This document is explaining the society today. It also explains how it was used based on a different religion. If you believe in god you are united under him and his word. Based on religion and society.
Destinee Burrill
hour 6/7
I believe people think City On the Hill should be studied and commemorated because it shows what Christan religon is supposed to be. Most "Christians" who say their Christians don't act like it.City On the Hill states what every Christian is supposed to value and obey. The words are true but unforunately most of the settlers in America didn't follow Christian values either.
Tai-Anna Rogers
Hour 2
So many people study this document because it describes the aspirations of a man for his society to be the best, a beacon of light for all other communities to follow. It also implores readers to follow god above all else, and to be true to him. A powerful message, though it is delivered in a strange and haphazard way, seeming almost the crazy ramblings of an overly optimistic European, eager to make his mark on the New World.
Brad Mier, Hour 6/7
this document is intresting because it explins a plan to build a perfect city. I "enjoyed" decripting all the old english and I thought to myself "If I ended up back then, could I decipher the words?"
Alex Kostal
Hour 9
I think that the message itself is enough to inspire many people to follow its words. It wishes for a society where God is everything and that all will be well within that world. Who wouldn't want that? So its only right for so many great leaders and followers to honor this document.
Bettie Mattison
Hour 9
I think people studied and commemorated this because it shows what the US wants to be. It also represents the way of the bible and how many Christians saw the world and still see it today. This dcument describes the ideal world for Christians.
Britney Donald
Hr. 6-7
Winthrop's City on hill has to be considered a classic document for the mere fact that it represents the ideal society and how it should be based upon religious view. It is also encouraging how he says that all should be done together. Making it seem more as a team effort more then a one person movement.In my opinion this would seem like the ideal society and what all should strive for.
Natasha Velazquez
Hr 9
I think people throughout United States history have seen this as a document to study and commemorate because it basically portrays an ideal society with a strong reliance on Christianity. It also shows that religion and morals played a part in being the foundation for this country.
Monique Lofton
Hour 2
People study this document because of it’s utopian-like views on John Winthrop’s city on a hill society. It is (at first glance) a nice society. Everyone works together to promote the society’s well-being and all that good stuff. The people of America study it because we are, at heart, a religious group of people. Our pledge of allegiance has the words “Under God” in it, and we are, the majority of us, a bunch of Christians. This is a Christian article about a utopian society that this man wanted the New World to be. AFTER THIS IT’S NOT REALLY ABOUT THE QUESTION, JUST WHAT I THOUGHT WHILE READING: Once I looked at it again, after figuring out what the weird spellings meant, I realized it seemed kind of like a religious communism. With a single religious belief allowed instead of a single government party. Everyone was united under God. There were no choices of which God you believed in (good old puritans). There were also references to things like working, mourning, suffering, and rejoicing together, referencing “our Community as members of the same body” which sounds a tad bit like Communism. “Abridge our selves of our superfluities” is my personal favorite line, not only because superfluities is a fun word, but because it is basically saying lets all be mediocre… woohoo! It’s not very capitalist… I like capitalism (to an extent). While it is a nice idea (kind of), it would never work in modern society. America is religious at it’s very core… the pledge of allegiance has the words “Under God” in it, but now we (most of us) believe that it’s your choice of which god you believe in, it obviously wasn’t the case when this was written. While I do understand this was not supposed to be a political thing, it’s religious; it almost always comes back to government. This man is talking of ruling the people using religion. This is a very popular article; I know Ronald Reagan referenced it in his goodbye speech after his two terms in office. He was obviously against Communism and yet he quoted this because it was about one of the first “pilgrims” to America and his hopes for the new world. Maybe I’m thinking too far into this, but both Communism and Winthrop’s societies are both idealistic in nature but are taken to extreme degrees. Similarly extreme degrees. Maybe I’m wrong, BUT they do have some blaringly obvious similarities, they obviously have some contrasting points (like the fact that I think they had private property I’m not 100% but I think they did which is obviously not a communist trait. The whole thing was so “sharing is caring” Communism in my point of view), but I’m not announcing this as early communism. I’m just saying they share common ground.
Jennifer Donahoe
Hour: 9
I feel as if people study and commemorate John Winthrop's document because it identifies what a ideal society should be. Its main idea is that society should consist of God-fearing, loyal Christians and they will therefore be granted longevity and prosperity. The document also shows how religously based the societies of this time really were, not much different from the ones of today.
NaSasha Harrell
Hour 9
I believe that people study this document because, even though we are a United country, we allow religions toleration that separates us from each other in a different way. What Winthrop is saying is that if we all live by the basic principle of loving God, then in turn we will all love each other, and live in unity. This however, is the way it would be ideally, and not the way it works in actuality. There are many times in history that people who both love their God have not gotten along and ended up slaughtering each other. It was kind of hard reading the document with all the odd spellings and the lack of any sort of grammar.
Jordan Chevako
Hour 9
I find this section interesting i found the topic drawing me in
Alex Olavarria
Hr.2
People have seen Winthrop's "City on a Hill" as document to study because it sets the basic laws for Christian lives. It states, “shall wee keepe the unitie of the spirit in the bond of peace, the Lord will be our God and delight to dwell among us.” They are to live worshipping God, following his commandments and going against those that do not believe in him. Despite the many grammar errors, this document gets the point across. People are expected to please God by praising his name and to revolve their whole lives around religion.
Harpreet Kaur
Hour 6-7
Being one of the first documents written on the outset of the formation of the U.S. and having such a clear "prosperous" expectation for the future- saying they will be a "city on a hill" (metaphorically represents the power and influence that the U.S. has acquired nowadays) clearly has appealed to most people in the United States. This document (although being far from the "peaceful" living) still somehow represents the modern influnce of the U.S. and therefore is subject to study. In a religious point of view, however, the United states today is rather far (in my opinion) from what John Winthrop's ideal might have been, that is, following the Bible, for though we may have "In God we Trust" stamped on our coins today, one can clearly see how far society differs from what this document presents. Any which way, this document seems to unite utopian-like society & government with religous unity, something that might appeal to most people in the world, (though that will also lead us to repeat history, once again)
as for the spelling, that's how old english was written... right?
Giselle Remolina
Hour 6-7
I feel that this document is about which is very clear when stating you follow god and everything you do is under his name. This document basicly says that a good society should be ran on religion,
Lindsay Krueger
Hour 6-7
This document is commemorated because it tells how to live the Christian way. Winthrop's City On Hill is the ideal model of a Christian's life back then. Everyone needed each other to get along in New England.
Theresa Miranda
Hour: 6-7
I think it has been and is seen as a document to commemorate and study because this was basically what many parts of the colonies were based on. The people set out for a new life and to live by the way of their "Lord" or God. It has been true and still is true that people come to this country from others to start a "new life." Though, in that document the new life would be that of a Christian life.
Morgan Nager
Hour 9
I believe many people study and commemorate this document because it has become a perfect example of how religion can be used to unite everyone not taking into consideration whether they may relate to your different ways of living. Also, because we could all learn a little bit from this since our socities are supposely working together to succeed, then again we find one disagreement and it seems like the whole world is coming to an end.
Elizabeth Montes
Hour 6-7
This document describes that living a Christian life, doing things for God, will create the ideal society. I think this gave people something to look at on how to live their new lives in America.
Timothy Her
Hour 9
People study and commemorate this document because they believe that God is the creator of all things. Those that believe in God, will most likely follow what is being said because they don't want to be disobedient. This document is trying to state what an ideal society should be like,stay united and serve God.
Andrea M.
Hour: 6/7
In my opinon Winthorp uses religion to describe peoples way of living, and the righteous way of living as well.You can see the "City on a Hill" document gives a good explanation of christian values as well as his personal beliefs of an ideal religious society.
Erikka Strong
Hr.9-9
People everywhere study and commemorate this document because it shows what an ideal society should be like. Society should follow God and take him as their one and only lord. Religion still plays a huge role in society today and that is why people study and commemorate it.
Stephanie Senebouttarath
hour 9
From reading this document it displays greatly the depth and importance that religion had in society those days. It is studied and commemorated because shows one mans desperate wanting for the society around him to be the best. And to that man the sole way to be the best was to amidst in Christianity today. Although the document itself might not have been the foremost document at that time, it sheds a little light on the idiosyncratic thought process of those days.
Matthew N. DeBow. Hour 6-7
I think John Winthrop has the impression that if people give themselves fully to God; they will surely be able to devote themselves in a loving way to one another. My opinon is that this would be a great thing if the world thought like this. Unfortunatly our reality is a cold world of diverse and very bias individuals that find flaws in others who are not like they are. Therefore, we tend to not accept others in that are not like us. We all can hope and pray that oneday we will have a diffrent reality and things will be a diffrent way; but as long as everyone has there own mind, we'll always have the judgers and those who judge among us. The document was very sloppy but the message kinda came across in a somewhat clear way. My opinon is "Love yourself; if you don't who will." I got from the text Winthrop encouraging the idea of love yourself and those around you and find serenity in God. It was a nice document!
Breonna Stone
Hour (9-9)
This document is important because it shows us the basic ideoligies that formed our nation today. It would be ancestors of these people who would be the founders of the United Staes of America. It shows the pride and superiority felt by the new inhabbitants of North America. Finally, this document is a strong example of the religous foundation under which our country was formed. Religion, or God, was the center of the economy, culture, and lifestyle of these earliest immigrants. Even today in our pledge of allegiance, we repeat "one nation, under God."
Conor McMullen
Hour 6-7
I think that so many people commemorate this document because it exemplifies America's outlook on life. It says that through brotherhood, we are the best nation in the world and anyone that tries to challenge us must be defeated. In order to do this we need God's help which he will give us as long as we remain loyal to him and only him. Since we are the best and most powerful nation in the world, everyone else is inferior to our power so we are on "top of the hill" that is the world. Since Americans have been told this and believe it, they continue to study and commemorate it.
Sam Loveland
Hour 9
This document is probably studied and commemorated because even though there is a lot of grammar error the meaning is powerful. It states that if we love God then we love other, because if you love others then you love God. We also should show brotherly love and kindness towards one another. We should work together to bring unity because we are all members of the same body made in God’s image. It also said we should do what is right so God will dwell with us and we will not bring curses upon ourselves. His grammatical errors grab your attention and makes you really have to process his words to understand.
Ruth Salako
Hr. 2-2
After struggling to read this infamous speech, overall I have to say that it was mediocre. It's very redundant stating that to be a successful and memorable city, they're principles must be that of Christianity. This speech was made to be encouraging and to assure people that the future town will be remarkable as long as they follow God's word. By using the words "city on a hill", Winthrop was saying those surrounding will be most envious of the soon to be providence. In my opinion Winthrop sounds overly-confident and is getting too many gullible peoples' hopes up.
Tianna Sykes
Hour 9
I think this document makes perfect sense for the time. America was to be a Christian society and to spread the word of Christianity was the goal, so if you are to be spreading the word you must not be a hypocrite and do what your religion says that u must and mustn't do.
Cody Martin
Hr. 9
"City on a Hill" ia a document that people commemorate because it shows the foundation of what this country was built on, that was trusting and believing in God. It shows how to please and obey God according to his commandments.
Damaris Hurtado
Hour 6/7
John winthrop couldn't have said the words any better. A strong upstanding society is based on the teachings and the divine laws of God. So many people study and commenorate this document because Winthrop's words were strong, powerful, and true. He was an encouragement to settlers. He described an ideal society, a society in which we all want to live in, one where we all live together in harmony. His spelling and grammer was off but the world read his message clearly. A society built around faith is a true society. Sometimes these Christian values that we try to live by aren't always followed but the people return to thier faith as a backbone.
Shaunise Pierce
Hr. 2
This document has and will continued to be studied because of how it lays down the ways to shape a society around Christian ideals.
-Samuel Hutchins
Hour 9
It was really hard to read with all of the Old English, but what I got out of it was the foundation of this society was their beliefs system. If you had a life based on god, and do everything that is expected of you, then you would have a good christian life, according to the document.
-Victor Rose
hr 6-7
Sorry for being late. :(
i think that american people commemorate and study "A City on a Hill" because it describes the united states to be the land of oppurtunity and freedom
Ashley james
Hr.6/7
so many people study this because it describes the perfect society. It says that we need to all stick together, and with God watching over, we will make our society work. This is a very powerful messagethat is very true in most ways even today.
This document has been studied by manty because of it's strong message. It is saying that we can make our society work if we trust in god and work with eachother. This comment is very true even today,if we would work together and listen to one another we wouldn't have many of the problems we have today.
katie Tanner
hour 6-7
it is saying that we are the best.
Dale Curtis hr.2
this document says that we were founded upon religion.
Dennis Polzin
hour. 2
It's commemorated because they are words people live by. It gives a lot of insight about how they think the ideal city is supposed to be like.
Avery Johnson
Hour 6/7
Erika Moreno H:6-7 9/24/07
People throughout the United States have seen this as a document to study and commemorate because it pictures a perfect colony.People try to imagine how the world would be if everyone worked together.If everyone did what it is posted then the world will be peaceful.
Consuelo Moreno H:6-7 9-24-07
I believe that many people study and commemorate this document because it is very powerful. Although the prime topic of this document is Christianity the message status is to provoke unity .Once their is unity power is established.They are all in one mind and one acore therefore their goal will be accomplished.Why wouldn't people want to study this?Now a days it is all about power but first comes unity.
I believe that people study this document because its is a really good example of how religious toleration separates us. How religion can be used to either separate or unite us. Also, because we can all learn a bit more about how by workin together we are able to accomplish many things. What the winthrop is sayin is that the belief of God, and the if we base ur lifes in his principals then we will get great things in return. Even though this is not how things really work. Over all i enjoyed rading this document.
*:*Yuliana Garcia*:*
Back in the day many people were poor and they might have been going through some rough times. In my opinion this document gave people some hope that someday things will get better.
Many people have seen this document as one to study and commemorate on because it was one of the building blocks you could say that formed the United States. If we believe that there is one god and trust in him that he will help us, and if we work together, we will develop the ideal society. Even with the misspellings, it still sends a clear message that we should praise our one god who will get us through anything.
Bridgette Spiegel
Hour 9
SHOWIN YO PAGE LUV...:)
People commemorate and study this because it is an example of what the society should be like in order to succeed the roughest time; it also demonstrates the a human society, where love flows unevitably, peace rises and fall with the day and the night.
QUALANDRIA BROOKENS
HR.2
It says that as long as you stand as one people, strong keeping eachother bonded, and to struggle and fall with one another as Christians God will always look upon us graciously, because mans eyes are always upon us.. But it goes on to say that if we believe in other gods and/or entitys we shall have great suffering..Being a Christian these are my beliefs so I'am partially with him but because I don't want to enforce my religon on anyone I'm not fully there.
DeLon Thornton
6-7
Also people study it because with your religon the majority belive that if you don't believe in this than you will be damned..
DeLon Thornton
6-7
I think people studied this document because at the time they felt that they needed their faith in God to survive. Sadly, in this day and age many people have left religion behind and tried to live life on their own with no morals or strong beliefs. Winthrop used strong great words to get his point across that God is needed in order for a society to be successful
D. Bridgeman
Hour 2
Winthrop's City on a Hill is describing an ideal society that is united under God. Though there are many mispelled words, it is still undestandable that this document is showing a society under God that is working very well.
Isaac Wodajo 2-2
I'm really into this document. It really help me understand the ideal society of the City on the Hill.
youa xiong
hr 6-7
Its funny how one society always tries to become better than another society. The puritans believed that they were the "model" holy society for humankind. They are putting themselves above all other societies and saying they are the epitome. Im not saying its wrong to become better but it should be done to better themselves and not critize other cultlures.
Mwanje Thompson
Hour 9-9
This document is supposed to be what an ideal city is. Many people have probaly used this as a guideline for their own cities. If you do not worship God than you can't live a perfect life and you will parish? So if i do everything except for worship God than i will fail? That sucks.
The comment above is from Cameron Norton hour 2
I believe that people throughout United States history study and commemorate this document because it shows leadership. I also shows how you should act as a Christain and there are a set of rules. Bascially, it tells how man should follow and why.
Charmyse Tillman
Hr. 2
many people study this document to get ideas of the "perfect society". One of the messages that this document portrays is that religion plays a major role to create this so called "perfect society". And it is so, that religion does play a role in all societies. It stresses the importance of god almost every other sentence. Though the document is very rough to read, the message is there(besides, when is English ever an easy language to understand). Overall, the document depicts the "perfect society".
Jeremy Rubio
Hour - 9
This document is basically speaking on how this society was thought to be somewhat inferior to the others because they supposedly had this connection to GOD like no others. They thought of themselves as to be a living example on how to live life in the most godliest way where they were to be looked up to resembling to the city located on the hill. Which can also be meant to be closer to GOD. So this is how I basically interpreted this document. This is what was running through my mind as reading.
Sorry for being so late!
Londan Roohr
Hour 6/7
I believe that people study the commemorate document because of it power to run a society. To bring unity to a society and a strong will to the christian faith. It was kind of a system of control. It kept things from falling apart and kept the people loyal to one god.
THe coment above is by
Terry Anzueto
HOur 2
this document is commemorted becasue some still have hope that the wrold will flip and all bad peoplw will have some compasssin in their hearts. Just becuase some believe in God does not mean they are living under his word and loving their neighbors like Winthrop said in his document... but hipocrecy still exist and people will continue doing their evil although they durty God's name by saying they're Christian... this document hasd a very strong message..
Ester Lezama
hour 9
The world studies and commemorates this document only because, most of the world belives in some spirtitual, higher being, or a "God." I in fat, do NOT believe in a "god" but only the possibility that there MAY be some sort of spiritual being. However, point being, its a great thing that Winthrope anspoke on behalf and attempted to bring his community together to work as one. As well as that, if you obey this God, the message is that for the most part, everything will be just dandy.
On the other hand, it was a pain in the ass with all those horrible spelling mistakes, and awkward grammar usage. Although i did follow his message, and i think its important to stay together, and work together as one; in unity. Cumminities needed that aspect the most back then, but didnt use it, because ppl back then were jsut stupid. But hey, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is what 's all about. If they belived in God, and it worked them, then hey, God speed. Haha, but yea, im done wit this... interesting document though... ^_^
Juliana Nailen
hr. 2
I think this document can be studied because it shows America as having a strong Christian faith
Ryan Givens
Hour 2
Looking from my point of view I belive that Wintrop city on a hill tells us about christians every day life, and the way real christ like people should live. There are a lot of religious spirtual people that belive in so many thing but do live up to it,and wirtrop just telling us the way christian surpose to live like.
Isabella Gary
hr 2
The main point of this document is that, according to John Winthrop, a successful society has to be based on religion. He identifies the ideal society as one in which everyone behaves as a good Christian.
Emma Weiss, Hr. 2
I think that this document is good motivation for Christians, and, of course, Puritans. Though I disagree with the Puritan belief, I do agree with thier ideas about a harmony-surrounded society. They say that the people that live there should be equal to one another. I agree with that, but not the very basis of the Puritan belief, which is that "visible saints" should live in harmony, and a visible saint is considered higher than an ordinary person. Anyway, the reason people commemorate and give praise to this document is because it gives the standards of a good Christian life, which is under God. I somewhat agree with the document, but i don't agree with the Puritan belief of "visible saints."
Joseph Anderson
Hour 2
The City On a Hill is a statement of how the pilgrims came upon land, which was of comparison of figurative "heavens" overlooking the land. The land was fertile, wholesome, and pperfect for new settling.
it was a perfect society in which the pilgrims figured it to be.
Paul Donohoe-Klebar
Hour 2
This document basically shows the expected ways of christians. They wanted the society to obey God and do exactly as he says. This is used to study and commemortae because the most popular relgion is christianity which follows Gods ways and believe that they are united under God.
Adalis Rivera
hr.9
i think that people should study this document of John Winthrop's "city on a Hill" because it talks about the Christian culture and and to follow god under his laws. in this document there were a lot of misspelled words, but i think that that's how they are supposed to be spelled back then.
i think that people should study this document of John Winthrop's "city on a Hill" because it talks about the Christian culture and and to follow god under his laws. in this document there were a lot of misspelled words, but i think that that's how they are supposed to be spelled back then.
i think that people should commemorate and study this important document because it tells us how important this religion is and how to live lives and good Christians.
Winthrop sets up an ideal way of life, consisting of simply praising God and being greatly rewarded for this pain-free task. There were two choices for people, either live in the grace of God and become iconic or rebel against his word and perish. Despite the difficult and at times distracting spelling, the message is a clear and powerful one that some people study and build their lives after. And even if they don't choose the City on a Hill lifestyle they commemorate the ideas of John Winthrop.
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