1. Puritanism History and Theology

2. 2Puritanism: History and Theology The Historical Context Definitions Elizabethan Settlement: Solving the pendulum of Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary 1? The via media The prayer books

3. 3Puritanism: History and Theology Puritans: a working definition A type of religious belief rather than a religious sect Reformed/ Calvinist/ theology that gave birth to Presbyterian/ Baptist/ Congregationalist/non-conformist.

4. 4Puritanism: History and Theology History: 1559-1625 Puritanism rose out of discontent with the Elizabethan Settlement which was felt by radical protestants to be giving in to “popery” (the Roman Catholic church). Doctrine had been made subservient to politics. Refugees from Mary 1 st ’s England came into contact with Calvin (Geneva). These contacts shaped their theology.

5. 5Puritanism: History and Theology “What does the church look like?” Various answers, though all from a Calvinist perspective. “All churches corrupted by practice/ contact with pagan civilizations/ impositions of kings and popes.” “The church must be purified/ restructured through biblical supremacy and the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.”

6. 6Puritanism: History and Theology Puritanism as an opposition movement The model for Puritan reform was Calvin’s Geneva. Opposed ornamentation/ rituals/ organs/ vestments (“popish pomp and rags”) Opposed ecclesiastical courts Opposed Prayer Book legislation of liturgy.

7. 7Puritanism: History and Theology Under Elizabeth 1 st and James By the 1570s Puritans were arguing for a Presbyterian / Congregational model Outspoken criticism of a liturgy enforced by law. Bishops attempted to enforce uniformity of usage of the BCP. Target of grievance. The Martin Marprelate series lampooned the government and the church hierarchs

8. 8Puritanism: History and Theology Countering Opposition The issue of church hierarchy was problematic Richard Hooker wrote Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity to counter Presbyterian arguments Hooker’s system became the backbone of the Anglican church.

9. 9Puritanism: History and Theology James 1 st The Church of Scotland had a different history. It was reformed on a Presbyterian model. After Elizabeth’s death, many Puritans hoped that when James VI of Scotland became James 1 st of England/ Scotland, that England would become puritan. Despite an increase in influence, James was NOT puritan, and suspicious of their anti-royalist tendencies.

10. 10Puritanism: History and Theology Conclusion Each new round of religious/ political battles during this period created a new crisis. The question was whether they should continue in mock conformity or separate to practice their religion freely. Each controversy led to a new round of schisms, and as such, the groundwork was set for the eventual heirs of Puritanism from the low- church Protestant and evangelical wing of the Church of England to the various dissenting sects.