What is the Puritan view on pursuing careers according to Cotter Maher?

The Puritan view on pursuing careers, as described by Cotter Maher, emphasizes the idea of being a Christian at one's calling. This perspective reflects the belief that every individual has a divinely ordained purpose in their work, and that fulfilling this purpose is a way to serve God. The Puritans believed that all types of work, whether a vocation in business, agriculture, or other fields, could be a means of glorifying God when approached with the right mindset and ethics.

This view integrates faith with daily activities, suggesting that one’s professional life is not separate from their spiritual life. The sanctification of earthly work supports the broader Puritan ethos, which holds that diligence and moral integrity in vocational pursuits lead to not only personal fulfillment but also societal good. Thus, in this context, the career is seen as a form of ministry, furthering the individual's relationship with God while contributing positively to the community.

In contrast, the other options suggest views inconsistent with the Puritan ethos. Wealth accumulation and personal ambition could lead to selfishness, which Puritans typically frowned upon, while the idea of discouraging earthly work altogether does not align with the Puritan inclination to find God’s purpose in daily labor.