Protestants, Puritans, and Pilgrims Who are they? And why do their names all start with P? Based on presentation by Ms. Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley HS Chappaqua, NY
What did Protestants Protest? In 1517, Martin Luther nailed an argument to the door, as was traditional before a formal debate. His 95 theses questioned the current practices of the Roman Catholic Church, which was both religious and political leader of the Western world. People who agreed with him and acted against the Catholic Church were eventually called “ protestants.”
Who was Martin Luther? What were the 95 theses? What effect did his posting of these have? What is a Protestant? Which King founded the Church of England? Why? Who were the Puritans? Who were the Separatists?
How many Separatists were on the Mayflower? How many pilgrims were on the Mayflower?
A little history: Before the pilgrims got “on board,” King Henry VIII proclaimed that his country would follow the Church of England, a.k.a. the Anglican Church, instead of the Roman Catholic Church based in Rome. (Actually, he did this so he could get divorced, but it resulted in a “protestant” church—a church against the Roman Catholic church.)
Church of England...not good enough for some Protestants!
Puritans (a subgroup of protestants) wanted: Pure Faith
Puritan Basics: Puritans Wanted to totally reform [ purify ] the Church of England. Felt the church was guilty of “idolatry” or “worshipping material possessions instead of God.” Felt Church services were too ritualistic and complicated. Wanted plain clothes, plain churches, and plain writing.
Puritan Basics, cont. Based on Calvinism Based on belief in Predestination: Predestination=belief that those who would go to heaven are chosen before their own birth. Good works could not save those predestined for hell. No one could be certain of their spiritual status. Grace would “save” the “elect” when the time was right, but not all would be saved. God would be justified in sending everyone to hell; humans were by nature sinful.
Puritans Chase Away Father Christmas [1652]
But why ban Christmas? (We’ve been good!) Christmas was a human invention, not in the Bible. It was too closely linked to old Pagan (Pre-Christian) beliefs The idea of a ‘mass’ for Christ just smelled of Catholicism! Banned in England in 1647!
How did they stop people? Soldiers patrolled the streets – they were even on the sniff for the smell of roast goose! What’s that I can smell? Hay! As if I eat roast goose! Hay, hay? Geddit?
Separatist were a subgroup of Puritans (remember, the subgroup of Protestants): Separatist believed only “visible saints” should be admitted to church membership. Because the Church of England enrolled all the king’s subjects, Separatists felt they had to share churches with the “damned.” Therefore, they believed in a total break from the Church of England. Puritan Separatists
The Separatists separated: First, many moved to Holland to practice their religion. Then, when Catholicism became dominant in Holland, they returned to England. Many left England on the Mayflower, and were called Pilgrims.
1620 a group of 102 people [half Separatists] sailed on the Mayflower. Finally--Pilgrims! The Mayflower
The Mayflower Compact November 11, 1620
Covenant Theology of Puritans “Covenant of Grace:” between Puritan communities and God. “Social Covenant:” Between members of Puritan communities with each other. Required mutual watchfulness. No toleration of deviance or disorder. No privacy.
New England Primer [1689]
What else was banned? Bear-baiting
and Cockfighting
and Horse-racing
and Wrestling
and Ale-houses (Pubs)
and Theatre
And even...
And if that makes you want to Even swearing was banned!
In fact...on Sundays it was worse!
And... Sewing.
And above all...not going to...Church.
It’s not as if Puritan churches were comfortable....
And the punishments? Usually fines
But often...
“T” is for transgression!
Or... The stocks.
Or.. The other stocks.
Or... Public whipping
Or even... Free ear piercing!
So....enjoy your Christmas holiday... For their sakes!