Final answer:
Puritans believed worldly possessions might indicate God's favor but were not a means to earn salvation. They emphasized hard work, virtuous living, and saw wealth as a reflection of one's election by God. They practiced their calling diligently, contributing to the public good and viewing the land as a divine gift meant for the 'Saints.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans, followers of Calvinist theology, had a unique perspective on worldly possessions and land. They believed that while material wealth was not a means to earn salvation, which was predestined by God, it could be a reflection of one's salvation. According to Puritan beliefs, actions and a strong economy could be seen as indicators of God's favor. The Puritans considered the land to be a gift from God. Influential leaders like John Winthrop claimed that if the Natives’ basic needs were met, the rest of the land could be lawfully claimed by the colonists, whom they considered 'the Saints.' Moreover, the doctrine of predestination led them to rigorously examine their lives for signs of their 'election,' and they aspired to live orderly, hard-working lives. They emphasized the importance of contributing to the public good and the Puritan community worked diligently, believing hard work was necessary for individual and collective well-being. However, this did not imply a glorification of excess; rather, wealth was to be handled with the same prudence and virtue expected in every aspect of their lives.
In the 1980s, the resurgence of religious fervor in some quarters featured a protest against the decade's rampant materialism, while also celebrating it, indicating a shift from traditional Puritan restraint towards a more overt display of wealth, claiming it to be evidence of adherence to values such as hard work and prudence.