Cara, my dear friend,Could your characterization, that the Pilgrims lived under communism, be an indication of your desire to impose your own ideology in the place of historical fact (revisionism, if you will)?
The Mayflower Compact was signed on November 11, 1620 whilst aboard ship prior to entering America or New Canaanland as the Pilgrim Fathers referred to it then. Interesting to note, there are only two instances in history where a covenant was drawn-up prior to the inhabitants actually entering the land, 1) The Israelites under Joshua entering Canaan, and 2) The Pilgrims under William Bradford entering New Canaanland (America). What does the Mayflower Compact actually say?
Its opening passage says, "In the Name of God, Amen." This bold statement identifies the Authority to Whom all of the Pilgrims would submit to. They set up their society, and I quote "for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith". This bold statement describes the purpose of the compact. Its governing covenant was made between each other, and I quote again, "in the presence of God". In other words, the PRIMARY reason for setting-up their social order was not to better their earthly gains (as is the motive in communism, capitalism, or any of the other man-made "isms" even though they fail every time, lest I digress), but was to glorify God and promote the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. (Hardly a communist notion at all, wouldn't you agree?)
I can see Marx turning over in his grave at your absurd assertion.
As for their alleged laziness, again this is a bit over-the-top. They landed at Plymouth in November 1620 after a very difficult journey. Bradford's own logs tell us that the 103 people who disembarked were subjected to very cold weather and 51 of these people died during the first winter. Was this laziness? Remember, rifling had not been invented as of yet, so game could not be shot from afar. Remember, they were heading to a more temperate Virginia before they were blown off-course so they were not prepared for the cold. Remember, it is impossible to plant gardens and produce crops when the weather is already cold and the ground is frozen. (These reasons, rather than your alleged laziness, more accurately describe why nearly half of the people died, don't they?)
The legacy of the Pilgrims then comes a year later, when after hard work and a crying-out to the Lord, they were rewarded with a bountiful harvest. They interacted with the Native Americans and taught them the Gospel through as best of a communication as they could offer and through kind deeds. The first Thanksgiving Dinner was a thanksgiving not to honour their earthly gains, but to honour Almighty God Who provided all. God promises us, "this is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." (Isaiah 66). The Pilgrim Fathers certainly knew this to be a fact. That is why Thanksgiving is America's Christian Holiday even until today.
It is easy to sit in a warm room, with a full refrigerator of food close at hand, in front of a computer terminal and judge the actions of others some 370+ years ago, who had no conveniences, let alone basic survival needs. It does in fact make your argument most specious, since it bends its outcome to fit your ideology. It says more about you than it ever does about the Pilgrims.
I would recommend that rather than gravitating towards popularised versions (myths) about the Pilgrim Fathers that you read THEIR ACTUAL accounts, not someone else's version of their accounts. Let me suggest: 1) 1618 Leyden Agreement, which validates the Christian identity and purpose of the 1620 voyage, 2) The Mayflower Compact itself, 3) Of Plimoth Plantation (no spelling error here, this is how it was spelled in its day), and 4) William Bradford's own logs. If you would like a concise summary of this episode in American history I would recommend Chapter One, Part Two of Catherine Millard's excellent book "The Rewriting of America's History". This may cause you to study and to work for truth. Be warned too that it may even anger you, in that, you will feel cheated (even lied to) from your previous history lessons once you know the truth. However, it can also be a Blessing to you as you see it has indeed been to me as well.
Regardless of our disagreement on the Pilgrims, however, one thing is for certain here: That communism, capitalism or any of the other "isms" that dominate our thinking all too often pervert the truth. That is why they cannot be trusted. They originate with man's (flawed) thinking rather than God's perfect Word. It is also why these "isms" fail time, after time, after time again, and lead to the abuse of our fellow man. (See "The 'isms' that dominate our thinking" further down the chat page for some good specific examples.)
The bottom line is that "isms" don't get it. Only the saving blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ does.
May I pray for you? Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God and Saviour, thank you for the opportunity to converse with this dear one. Forgive me Father if I was too offensive in my retort. I beseech thee Oh Lord to take Cara into Your Eternal Kingdom. In the saving blood of Jesus Christ I pray this, Amen.
Well, my dear friend Cara. May the Lord Jesus Christ richly Bless you in all things.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
Robert M. Mitrocsak
