Notes on Puritans

Introduction

• Definition: Puritans were a group of English Protestant Christians.
• Timeframe: Emerged during the 16th to 18th centuries.
• Motivation: Sought to purify the Anglican Church of lingering Catholic influences.
• Origin of Name: Originally a derogatory term used by Anglicans.

Beliefs and Influences

• Philosophical Foundation: Based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing strict adherence to the Bible.
• Criticism of Anglican Practices:
  • Discontent with the Book of Common Prayer.
  • Opposition to church hierarchy and certain rituals.
• Cultural Disapproval: Viewed popular entertainment (like theater) as morally corrupt.

Historical Context

• Queen Elizabeth's Reign: Tolerated Puritans but faced challenges under James I.
• Persecution and Migration:
  • Many Puritans fled to North America aboard the Mayflower in 1620, founding Plymouth Colony.
  • Others sought religious freedom as tensions simmered in England.

Political Influence

• Civil Wars: Puritans gained political power in England.
• Decline of Influence: Monarch restoration led to dwindling Puritan influence in England.
• Impact in America: Thrived in shaping the culture of the colonies.

Key Historical Figures and Events

• Martin Mellet: A Puritan author involved in the Mellet controversy against Anglican defenders.
• Hampton Court Conference (1604): James I attempted to mediate religious conflicts.
  • Ultimately sided against Puritans, commissioning the King James Bible.

Puritan Theology and Practices

• Covenant Theology: Emphasized obedience to scripture as a reciprocal relationship with God.
• Sabbatarianism: Strict observance of the Sabbath focused on worship.
• Education: Valued literacy for understanding the Bible; encouraged education for both genders.

Social Structure and Values

• Family Life: Valued marriage and mutual satisfaction despite viewing women as spiritually inferior.
• Prohibitions: Activities deemed frivolous or sinful (theater, gambling, excessive drinking) were banned.

Continued Opposition and Migration

• Separation from Anglican Church: Some Puritans formed clandestine congregations, leading to arrests.
• Relocation to the Netherlands: Sought refuge due to increased persecution.

Establishment of Colonies

• Plymouth Colony: Established in 1620 after the Mayflower voyage; faced hardships but survived.
• Massachusetts Bay Colony: Led by John Winthrop, aimed to create a model Christian community.

Religious Freedom and Intolerance

• Limited Liberty: Initially sought religious freedom, but imposed strict behavioral standards.
• Persecution of Others: Included Jews, Catholics, Anglicans, and Quakers.

Legacy

• Influence on Education: Founded Harvard University in 1636 for clergy training.
• Blue Laws: Restricted activities on Sundays.
• Participation in Slave Trade and Racism: Contributed to negative aspects of Puritan legacy.
• Cultural Impact: Their vision of a "city on a hill" symbolizes American aspiration despite their flaws.
• Enduring Legacy: The decline of Puritan influence by the mid-1700s but their impact on American exceptionalism remains.