A Model of Christian Charity

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1838

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Summary

Sermon Analysis

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Is Winthrop’s demand for charity purely a religious sentiment, or does it have pragmatic goals as well? Detail Winthrop’s argument surrounding charity and include examples.

Winthrop’s concept of charity is radical by today’s standards. Do you think this level of charity would make the world a better place, as Winthrop claims? Explain your reasoning with examples of Winthrop’s arguments. What would a present-day example of Winthrop’s charity concept look like?

Read Ronald Reagan’s farewell address to the Nation, from 1989. Do you think his quotation of Winthrop’s sermon properly represents Winthrop’s goals for New England? Why or why not? Use examples from the text.

What is the significance of the concept of covenant in Winthrop’s sermon? Explain with references from the text.

Do you think John Winthrop would be happy with American society today? Based on his sermon, what issues do you think he might raise with American life and/or American government?

What is the relationship of Adam and Jesus Christ in Winthrop’s sermon? Explain with references from the text.

Winthrop’s sermon specifically targets a Christian audience. Do you think this is necessary? Do you think members of other religious faiths could take lessons from this sermon too? Could they take away as much a Christians? Explain with examples from the text.