Puritanism: The Puritan Age

Puritanism was a religious movement that emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries in England. Puritans sought to “purify” the Church of England from what they saw as remnants of Catholicism, such as rituals and practices they believed were not supported by the Bible. They emphasized a strict interpretation of the Bible and emphasized the importance of personal piety and individual responsibility for one’s salvation.

Puritans were known for their strict moral code, which included abstaining from worldly pleasures such as drinking, dancing, and gambling. They also placed a strong emphasis on education, founding numerous schools and universities, including Harvard and Yale.

Puritanism was influential in the development of American society, particularly in New England, where the Puritans settled in the 17th century.

Who founded Puritanism?

Puritanism was not founded by a single individual, but rather emerged as a movement within the Church of England during the 16th and 17th centuries. The origins of Puritanism can be traced back to the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century, when theologians such as Martin Luther and John Calvin called for reform within the Catholic Church.

In England, the Puritan movement was initially led by figures such as William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English, and Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury who helped draft the Book of Common Prayer. However, the movement gained momentum under the leadership of non-conformist clergymen such as John Hooper, John Knox, and John Bradford, who advocated for further reforms within the Church of England.

Beliefs of Puritans

Here are some of the key beliefs of the Puritans:

The Bible is the sole source of religious authority: Puritans believed that the Bible was the inspired word of God and that it contained all that was necessary for salvation. They rejected the authority of the Church of England and other religious institutions, believing that only the Bible could provide guidance for Christian living.

This belief led Puritans to emphasize the importance of Bible study and to translate the Bible into English so that it could be read by ordinary people. It also led them to be suspicious of religious authority that was not based on the Bible.

Predestination: Puritans believed in predestination, the doctrine that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned. This belief led to a great deal of anxiety among Puritans, as they never knew for sure if they were among the elect.

To help them determine if they were among the elect, Puritans looked for signs of God’s favor in their lives. These signs could include things like a strong faith, a willingness to obey God’s commandments, and a successful life.

Sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura: These three Latin phrases summarize the core beliefs of Puritanism:

Sola fide means “by faith alone.” Puritans believed that salvation was not earned by good works, but was a gift from God that was received by faith alone.

This belief led Puritans to emphasize the importance of faith and to downplay the importance of good works. They believed that good works were a sign of salvation, but that they could not earn salvation on their own.

* Sola gratia means “by grace alone.” Puritans believed that salvation was not a result of anything that humans could do, but was a gift of God’s grace.

This belief led Puritans to emphasize the importance of God’s grace and to downplay the importance of human effort. They believed that salvation was a gift from God that could not be earned by human works.

* Sola scriptura means “by scripture alone.” Puritans believed that the Bible was the sole source of religious authority and that it contained all that was necessary for salvation.

This belief led Puritans to emphasize the importance of Bible study and to downplay the importance of religious tradition. They believed that the Bible was the only source of true religious knowledge.

The importance of education: Puritans believed that education was essential for both spiritual and civic life. They established schools and colleges in New England, and they encouraged all children to learn to read and write.

They believed that education would help people to understand the Bible and to live a godly life. They also believed that education would help people to become good citizens and to contribute to the development of society.

The importance of hard work: Puritans believed that hard work was a sign of godliness. They worked hard to build a new life in the New World, and they believed that their success was a sign of God’s blessing.

They believed that hard work was a way to glorify God and to serve others. They also believed that hard work was a way to improve their own lives and the lives of their families.

The importance of family: Puritans believed that the family was the foundation of society. They emphasized the importance of obedience to parents, and they taught their children to respect authority.

They believed that the family was the place where children learned the values that they needed to live a godly life. They also believed that the family was the place where children learned the skills that they needed to be successful in life.

The importance of morality: Puritans believed that morality was essential for a godly society. They condemned sin and vice, and they worked to create a society that was based on Christian values.

They believed that morality was a way to glorify God and to serve others. They also believed that morality was a way to improve the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

Puritanism in England

Puritanism had a significant impact on English society and culture. They were a major force in the English Civil War, and they played a key role in the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. Puritanism also had a lasting impact on the English language, as they introduced many new words and phrases into the language.

Here are some of the key practices of Puritanism

Bible study: Puritans believed that the Bible was the sole source of religious authority, and they spent a great deal of time studying the Bible. They believed that the Bible could be understood by ordinary people, and they encouraged everyone to read and study the Bible.

Prayer: Puritans believed that prayer was essential for a godly life, and they prayed often. They prayed for themselves, for their families, for their community, and for the world.

Sermons: Puritans believed that sermons were an important way to teach the Bible and to encourage people to live a godly life. Puritan ministers preached long and often, and their sermons were often very detailed and analytical.

Fasting: Puritans believed that fasting was a way to show their devotion to God and to atone for their sins. They would often fast on certain days of the week, or for special occasions.

Sabbath observance: Puritans believed that the Sabbath was a day to rest and worship God. They would not work on the Sabbath, and they would attend church services.

Education: Puritans believed that education was essential for both spiritual and civic life. They established schools and colleges, and they encouraged all children to learn to read and write.

Work: Puritans believed that hard work was a sign of godliness. They worked hard to provide for their families and to contribute to the community.

Family: Puritans believed that the family was the foundation of society. They emphasized the importance of obedience to parents, and they taught their children to respect authority.

Morality: Puritans believed that morality was essential for a godly society. They condemned sin and vice, and they worked to create a society that was based on Christian values.

Here are some of the impacts of Puritanism in England

The English Civil War: Puritans were a major force in the English Civil War, which was fought between the Royalists, who supported the king, and the Parliamentarians, who supported the Parliament. The Puritans were victorious in the war, and they established the Commonwealth of England, which was a republic.

The establishment of the Church of England: The Puritans were unsuccessful in their attempt to create a new church based on the Bible. However, they did succeed in reforming the Church of England, and they helped to make it a more Protestant church.

The development of the English language: Puritans introduced many new words and phrases into the English language. Some of these words include “congregation,” “covenant,” and “self-examination.”

The development of American culture: Puritans played a key role in the founding of the United States. Many of the early settlers in New England were Puritans, and they brought their religious beliefs and values with them to the New World. Puritanism had a significant impact on the development of American culture, and it continues to influence American society today.

Puritanism in literature

Puritanism had a significant influence on English and American literature, particularly during the 17th century. Puritan writers sought to use literature as a means of promoting their religious and moral values, as well as expressing their beliefs and experiences.

Here are some of the key characteristics of Puritan literature:

Religious themes: Puritan literature is often characterized by its religious themes. Puritans believed that God was directly involved in their daily lives, and they sought to live in accordance with His will. This belief is reflected in Puritan literature, which often deals with themes of sin, redemption, and salvation.

One of the most famous Puritan writers was John Bunyan, who wrote the allegory “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which tells the story of a man named Christian and his journey to salvation. The work became immensely popular and remains a classic of English literature.

Plain style: Puritans believed that writing should be clear and concise, and they avoided flowery language or elaborate metaphors. This plain style is evident in Puritan literature, which is often written in simple, straightforward language.

Moralistic tone: Puritan literature is often moralistic in tone. Puritans believed that it was important to teach moral lessons, and they often used their writing to do so. This moralistic tone is evident in Puritan literature, which often deals with themes of good and evil, right and wrong.

Puritanism had a significant impact on the development of American literature. Puritan literature is an important part of American literature. It provides a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers in New England, and it reflects the religious beliefs and values that shaped the culture of the new nation.

Many of the early settlers in New England were Puritans, and their beliefs and values helped to shape the culture of the new nation. For example, Puritans emphasized the importance of education and literacy, and they helped to establish schools and colleges in New England. They also believed in the importance of hard work and self-reliance, and these values helped to shape the American work ethic.

Other notable Puritan writers include Anne Bradstreet, whose poetry explored themes of family, faith, and mortality; Edward Taylor, who wrote religious poetry in the style of the metaphysical poets; and Jonathan Edwards, a theologian and preacher who wrote sermons and theological treatises on topics such as sin, salvation, and the nature of God.