Puritans

Definition

Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to 'purify' the Church of England from Catholic practices and believed in strict religious discipline and moral living. Their movement was part of a broader wave of Protestant reform that aimed to create a more personal and direct relationship with God, emphasizing scripture and the importance of individual conscience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Puritan movement emerged in the late 16th century during the English Reformation, as reformers sought to rid the Church of England of remnants of Catholicism.
2. Puritans emphasized the importance of personal Bible reading and interpretation, which led to the creation of various congregational communities focused on moral discipline and religious adherence.
3. Many Puritans migrated to North America in the early 17th century, fleeing persecution in England and seeking to establish a 'city upon a hill' as an example of godly living.
4. The Puritan work ethic became a significant cultural influence, promoting values such as hard work, frugality, and community responsibility.
5. Puritan society was characterized by strict social norms and a focus on community governance, leading to tensions with those who disagreed with their religious views.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs influence social and political structures in New England?
  • Puritan beliefs had a profound impact on the social and political structures in New England by promoting a communal approach to governance rooted in their religious values. They established self-governing congregations that emphasized moral behavior and community oversight. This created a society where civic duties were closely tied to religious obligations, often resulting in strict enforcement of social norms and an intolerance for dissent.
• Analyze how the Puritan migration to America shaped early colonial society.
  • The Puritan migration to America significantly shaped early colonial society by introducing a distinct religious and cultural framework that prioritized community, morality, and education. The founding of colonies like Massachusetts Bay allowed Puritans to implement their ideals, creating towns governed by religious principles. This shaped not only social interactions but also political decisions, as Puritan leaders often intertwined church authority with civil governance, creating a legacy that would influence American identity.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Puritan ideologies on modern American values and culture.
  • The long-term effects of Puritan ideologies on modern American values and culture are evident in various aspects of society today, including the strong emphasis on individualism, hard work, and moral accountability. The Puritan work ethic contributed to America's reputation for diligence and prosperity. Additionally, their focus on education and literacy laid the groundwork for a society that values knowledge and civic responsibility. While contemporary views have evolved, many underlying principles can still be traced back to Puritan beliefs about community, governance, and personal conduct.

Related terms

Separatists: A subgroup of Puritans who sought to break away completely from the Church of England, advocating for the establishment of independent congregations.

Calvinism:

A branch of Protestantism that influenced Puritan beliefs, particularly the doctrines of predestination and the sovereignty of God.

Massachusetts Bay Colony: A settlement established by Puritans in 1630 that became a focal point for Puritan culture and governance in New England.