Freedom according to Winthrop and Paine The United States is often seen as the epitome of freedom, but there is much debate about what exactly we mean when we say we value to freedom. From the beginning, when the colonies were formed, many people explained their definition of freedom and, subsequently, their vision for this country. On the way to the New World, John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, delivered his famous “City Upon a Hill” speech (“A Model of Christian Charity”). In it, he details his hopes for the future of their new community, emphasizing love and cooperation. It is a highly religious text, which often refers to God and specific events in the Bible. Over one hundred years later, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Paine shared his thoughts on various aspects of the future nation. One of his works is “African Slavery in America”, in which he condemns slavery. In “Common Sense” he denounces the monarchy and explains why the United States should be free from it. Paine also has a religious basis for his ideas. While Paine and Winthrop both highlight their belief that all human beings are intrinsically equal and should treat each other justly to uphold the ideals of freedom, Winthrop embraces a clearly nonviolent position of loving the enemy and accepting suffering to build a free community , although Paine affirms the right of people to take charge of their own situation and to directly take their own freedom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay John Winthrop gives his speech on the ship Arabella to inspire his fellow pilgrims to form an exemplary community of love and cooperation when they reach their destination. His Puritan values ​​are clear, especially in his emphasis on compassion. He proclaims that every man “is commanded to love his neighbor as himself” and that “every man offers his help to another” (Winthrop 2). All human beings are created equal and should be treated as such. They will feel that their institution is successful if its members are kind and helpful. He wants their community to honor God by practicing the values ​​He values. Winthrop buttresses his argument with one of the fundamental tenets of not only Christianity but most major religions: the Golden Rule. He references Matthew 7:12, which states “in everything do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Winthrop's plan for American freedom centers on this simple rule of compassion. If they want to be free from the tyranny and persecution they experienced in Europe, they must extend kindness and respect to each other. They will contribute to the success of the community which is able to operate freely if there is a spirit of generosity and goodwill. Respecting the Golden Rule is one of Winthrop's main points, which he uses to illustrate his vision of freedom. Winthrop's emphasis on loving one another applies not only to those who act with compassion, but to everyone. Freedom is important, but according to him one way to achieve it is to prioritize unity. Quoting Matthew 5:44, it says “Love your enemies… do good to those who hate you.” It is a common theme in the Bible that people show kindness in the face of hatred and even violence; mercy and kindness are very important to Christianity. It is interesting to see how severe Winthrop is in his insistence on this point. For him the freedom to do exactly what he wants is not very important: what matters are his opinionsreligious. However, he believes that to be a “city on a hill,” a good example to all of how successful their feat of freedom has been, they must show love to all humanity. He doesn't want to recreate an environment that allows the same oppression they are fleeing from. All people deserve equally good treatment. Winthrop's opinion when it comes to interacting with others is to form a "labor of love"; doing things for others as “the party that loves, gathers love again” (Winthrop 5). He believes that it is important for people to do things to help each other, because this will foster a positive and helpful attitude. Winthrop hopes to create a peaceful environment full of people committed to the common good. Paine also discusses the inherent equality of all people. He agrees with Winthrop that everyone is equal and therefore deserves to be treated well. In “African Slavery in America,” he also references Matthew 7:12, commanding people to “do unto all men as they would have them do unto them” (Slavery 2). With this interpretation of the Golden Rule, he reminds Americans to not only treat others as they would like to be treated, but also to think about it from the perspective of those they are dehumanizing. Americans are fighting for their freedom and Paine is trying to convince them that all people deserve to be free. A better community will exist when everyone cares about the well-being of everyone around them and collectively helps the community. Both Winthrop and Paine point out that some degree of inequality will exist in terms of class and wealth, but that this does not mean that no one should be treated differently. More than encouraging people to treat each other well, Paine asks Americans to uphold Christian values ​​of compassion and justice by allowing all to be free. Paine differs from Winthrop in how he wants people to respond to unequal treatment; encourages anyone who is suffering to do what they can to free themselves. Paine's focus on liberty means liberty for all. It states that “the slave, who is the rightful owner of his freedom, has the right to claim it” (Slavery 2). Paine finds it despicable that people would try to justify slavery, the theft of freedom and equality from their fellow man, using the Bible. In “Common Sense,” Paine opposes monarchy, another unjust institution in his view, and quotes Judges 8:23, stating that no human being “shall rule over you…THE LORD SHALL RULER OVER YOU.” Paine believed that no man's life should be dictated by another, nor slaves by masters or Americans by an English monarch. Human beings have an inherent right to freedom, and regardless of what some people may believe, everyone deserves to be granted this right. In “Common Sense” he also talks about how monarchical governments are often guilty of choosing which parts of Scripture to uphold. Paine argues that this is wrong, and also refers to how people would support slavery by pointing out examples of slavery in the Bible, ignoring the parts that talk about love and equality, as well as ignoring the fact that the plight of African slaves at the time it was very different from that of the biblical slaves. In cases of independence from monarchy and slavery, Paine advocated for Americans to act and do the right thing. His firm belief in freedom shows his idea of ​​America: a place where all human beings are treated equally and have the ability to defend themselves. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get custom essay Although their general ideas about freedom.