Puritan

Member of a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries

Puritans

The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to "purify" the Church of England from its "Catholic" practices, maintaining that the church was only partially reformed. The Puritans were part of a broader movement within Protestantism that arose in the wake of the Reformation.

Origins

The Puritan movement began in the late 16th century during the reign of Elizabeth I. They were influenced by the teachings of John Calvin and other Reformation leaders. The Puritans believed in the authority of the Bible and sought to align the practices of the Church of England with their interpretation of the scriptures.

Beliefs

Puritans held a variety of beliefs that distinguished them from other groups within the Church of England. They emphasized the importance of personal religious experience and the need for a "pure" church free from the remnants of Catholic ritual and hierarchy. Key beliefs included:

• The sovereignty of God
• The authority of the Bible
• Predestination
• The importance of a moral and pious life

Impact and Legacy

The Puritans had a significant impact on the religious, political, and social life of England and its colonies. In England, their efforts to reform the church led to conflicts with the monarchy and other religious groups, culminating in the English Civil War. Many Puritans emigrated to the New World, where they established colonies such as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Puritan legacy can be seen in various aspects of modern Protestantism, particularly in the emphasis on personal piety and the authority of the Bible. Their influence is also evident in the political and social development of the United States, where their ideas about governance and community life had a lasting impact.

Related Pages

• Protestant Reformation
• Calvinism
• Church of England
• English Civil War
• Massachusetts Bay Colony
• John Calvin
• Elizabeth I of England