In what ways are some of the Puritan ideals (whether religious or secular) still evident in our 21st century lives?

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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.