美國新教思想與個人主義－以殖民地時期為例

American Protestantism in the Colonial Era and Its Influence on Individualism

蘇煒(Wei Su)

《復興崗學報》 101期 (2011/12) Pp. 263-281

https://doi.org/10.29857/FHKAJ.201112.0013

摘要

個人主義的核心概念是個體性的發展，但發展之途為何則看法分歧，一派主張出世，不要沉溺於物質欲望，人應體會自然中的法則，如梭羅（Henry David Thoreau）。另一派主張建立競爭性的社會，競爭可幫助人們發現他們的潛能，持此種看法有胡佛（Herbert Hoover）。此兩種個人主義都可在殖民地時期的新教思想尋找到他們的根源，新教思想的追隨者相信上帝的拯救來自於個人的奮鬥，而不是教會或神職人員的賜予。他們也相信他們在塵世所累積的財富，代表他們努力的成績。其次，盟約論利用神的力量來鎮懾人心，人們與上帝訂約，進入社會生活。最後，宗教與科學在他們的心目中是並存的，彼此並不衝突，這些新教理念為美國的心靈埋下個人主義的種子，並為民主奠定基礎。

關鍵字

新教主義 ； 個人主義 ； 北美殖民地 ； 美國民主

並列摘要

The core idea of individualism is to develop one's individuality. However, how to accomplish this goal remains divergent. One school, exemplified by Henry David Thoreau, holds that people should not excessively involve themselves in temporal affairs, or indulge in material comforts, but explore and understand the laws of nature. Another school, embodied by Herbert Hoover, argues that people should endeavor to build up a competitive society, which encourages people to realize their potential. Both versions of the individualism can be traced to Protestantism in colonial America. Protestants believe people should fight for their salvation instead of having it being granted by the church or clergy. They followed the callings, and were happy to bear the work given to them by God. They also insisted the wealth they accumulated in the immortal world would be to their credit before God. Furthermore, under the awe-inspiring power of God, settlers established their holy covenant and had their communities in accordance with God's commandments. At last, the teaching of the God and science did not conflict with each other for Protestants but coexisted in harmony in their minds. These Protestantism ideas planted individualism in the American mind, and provided solid foundations for American Democracy.

並列關鍵字

Protestantism ； Individualism ； the North American Colonies ； American Democracy