In order to find Puritanical ideals still existant in the United States, one need look in what is called "The Bible Belt." This area is composed of the south-eastern and south-central states where the Southern Baptist faith prevails, a faith that is fundamentalist in theology. Like the Puritans, many people in these regions share certain beliefs:
- They feel that there is a direct connection between their lives and God
- People read daily or very often from their Bibles.
- The blood family and "church family" are revered.
- Ministers and leaders employ the plain style of the Puritans, feeling that it is more effective in revealing truth.
- People believe that God has a "plan" for them and for the world (predestination as in Calvinistic Puritanism).
- People believe that once they are "saved," they are always saved.
- Like the Pilgrims, the journey of their lives is a journey to salvation for these Christians
- People that are conservative Christians believe in the original American constitutional democracy that was believed by the Puritans to be a spiritual compact between God and humanity.
- People believe in self-reliance
- Many conservative Christians believe in temperance (They do not drink alcoholic beverages).
- Churches have no hierarchies. The minister is appointed by the congregation. (Puritan notion of election)
- State governments such as that of Alabama are under the control of fundamentalist politicians; much as the governments of Puritans were theocracies.
Source: Fire and Ice: Puritan History and Biography.