The Puritans were a group of English Protestants who sought to reform the Church of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. They believed that the Church of England was too Catholic and that it needed to be purified of its “popish” practices. The Puritans also believed that the Bible was the sole authority for Christian faith and practice, and they sought to live their lives according to its teachings.
The Puritans’ chief goal was to create a “holy commonwealth” in England. They believed that a truly Christian society could be created only if the church and state were closely aligned. They sought to enforce strict moral laws and to create a society that was free of sin.
The Puritans’ goals were not always popular. They were often persecuted by the English government and by the Church of England. However, they eventually succeeded in reforming the Church of England and in creating a more Puritanical society in England.
The Puritans’ Beliefs
The Puritans believed that the Bible was the sole authority for Christian faith and practice. They rejected the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Church of England, and they sought to live their lives according to the teachings of the Bible.
The Puritans also believed in the doctrine of predestination. They believed that God had chosen some people to be saved and others to be damned. They believed that nothing they could do could change their fate, and they sought to live their lives in a way that was pleasing to God.
The Puritans’ Goals
The Puritans’ chief goal was to create a “holy commonwealth” in England. They believed that a truly Christian society could be created only if the church and state were closely aligned. They sought to enforce strict moral laws and to create a society that was free of sin.
The Puritans’ goals were not always popular. They were often persecuted by the English government and by the Church of England. However, they eventually succeeded in reforming the Church of England and in creating a more Puritanical society in England.
The Puritans’ Impact
The Puritans had a significant impact on English history and culture. They were instrumental in the English Civil War and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. They also played a major role in the development of American culture and institutions.
The Puritans’ legacy is still felt today. Their emphasis on education, hard work, and moral living has had a lasting impact on American society.
Table 1: Key Puritan Beliefs
| Belief | Description |
|---|---|
| Sola Scriptura | The Bible is the sole authority for Christian faith and practice. |
| Predestination | God has chosen some people to be saved and others to be damned. |
| Covenant Theology | God has made a covenant with his people to be their God and they to be his people. |
| Sanctification | Christians are called to live a holy life. |
| Church Discipline | The church has the authority to discipline its members for sin. |
Table 2: Puritan Goals
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| Create a “holy commonwealth” in England | A truly Christian society can be created only if the church and state are closely aligned. |
| Enforce strict moral laws | Create a society that is free of sin. |
| Reform the Church of England | The Church of England is too Catholic and needs to be purified of its “popish” practices. |
| Spread the Gospel | The Gospel should be preached to all people. |
Table 3: Puritan Impact
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| English Civil War | The Puritans played a major role in the English Civil War and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. |
| American Culture and Institutions | The Puritans’ emphasis on education, hard work, and moral living has had a lasting impact on American society. |
| Protestant Christianity | The Puritans’ beliefs and practices have had a significant impact on the development of Protestant Christianity. |
| Western Civilization | The Puritans have played a major role in the development of Western civilization. |
Table 4: Puritan Strategies
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Preaching | The Puritans used preaching to spread the Gospel and to reform the Church of England. |
| Writing | The Puritans wrote books, pamphlets, and tracts to spread their beliefs and to influence public opinion. |
| Education | The Puritans founded schools and colleges to educate their children and to prepare them for ministry. |
| Political Activism | The Puritans used political activism to promote their goals and to influence government policy. |
