As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans are preparing to gather with loved ones and give thanks for all that they have. However, for some, this holiday is not just a time for turkey and pumpkin pie, but also a time to reflect on the origins of our nation. In a recent article published by the far-left Nation magazine, the Pilgrims and Puritans are portrayed as radical doomsday cultists, and the holiday itself is called into question. But is this really an accurate representation of our history?
According to the Nation, the Pilgrims and Puritans were not just religious groups seeking freedom from persecution, but rather, they were “radical Protestant doomsday groups” whose “cultish” ideology became the foundation of American culture. The article goes on to suggest that Americans should use Thanksgiving as a time to reckon with the country’s radical origins.
This portrayal of the Pilgrims and Puritans is not only inaccurate, but it also does a disservice to the true history of our nation. The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who fled religious persecution in their homeland and sought a new life in the New World. They were not seeking to establish a radical cult, but rather, they were seeking religious freedom and a better life for themselves and their families.
Similarly, the Puritans were a group of English Protestants who also faced persecution in their homeland. They too sought a new life in America, where they could freely practice their religion without fear of persecution. While their beliefs may have been strict and conservative, they were not a “doomsday cult” as the Nation suggests.
Furthermore, the idea that the Pilgrims and Puritans laid the foundation for American culture is a gross oversimplification. While their beliefs and values may have influenced the early colonies, they were not the sole contributors to the diverse and complex culture that we have today. To reduce the rich history of our nation to the actions of a few religious groups is not only inaccurate, but it also ignores the contributions of other cultures and groups throughout history.
The Nation’s article also suggests that Americans should use Thanksgiving as a time to reckon with our radical origins. However, Thanksgiving is not a time for self-flagellation or guilt over our nation’s past. It is a time to come together and give thanks for all that we have, and to celebrate the diversity and unity of our nation. It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done to create a more just and equitable society.
The Pilgrims and Puritans may have had their flaws, as all humans do, but they also played a significant role in shaping our nation. They were not perfect, but they were brave and resilient individuals who sought a better life for themselves and their families. They should be remembered and honored for their contributions, rather than vilified as radical cultists.
In conclusion, the far-left Nation’s article on Thanksgiving and the origins of our nation is not only inaccurate, but it also perpetuates a negative and divisive narrative. As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us remember the true history of our nation and give thanks for the progress we have made. Let us also use this holiday as a time to come together and celebrate the diversity and unity of our nation, rather than dwelling on a distorted version of our past. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
