1. Definition: Crucible = severe test Puritans Never formally left the Church of England (wanted to return and purify the church). Never formally left the Church of England (wanted to return and purify the church). They believed God ruled first, followed by the church which should have power over the gov ernment. (The purpose of gov ernment was to ensure that people obeyed God s commandments.) They believed God ruled first, followed by the church which should have power over the gov ernment. (The purpose of gov ernment was to ensure that people obeyed God s commandments.) THIS MEANT… THIS MEANT… Puritans had control over most colonial activity until trade, industry and political changes forced them to relinquish it at the end of the 17th century. Puritans had control over most colonial activity until trade, industry and political changes forced them to relinquish it at the end of the 17th century.

2. Church of England and the Puritans Corruption Corruption - Puritans believed the Church of England was becoming corrupted. -Too many similarities to Roman Catholic Church (example: elaborate churches) Puritan Solution? Puritan Solution? -Leave England and purify the Church elsewhere (Massachusetts Bay Colony ). -Planned to return later to England and restore the Church.

3. Puritan Principles God is an absolute ruler who is merciless, angry, and vengeful. God is an absolute ruler who is merciless, angry, and vengeful. Mankind is evil and helpless. Mankind is evil and helpless. Humans are born sinful (original sin) and they deserve the damnation of Hellfire. Humans are born sinful (original sin) and they deserve the damnation of Hellfire. Humans can only be saved from damnation through God s grace. Humans can only be saved from damnation through God s grace. God intervenes in one s daily life (Providence). God intervenes in one s daily life (Providence). Predestination - salvation is predetermined before birth. God "saves" those he wishes - only a few are selected for salvation. Predestination - salvation is predetermined before birth. God "saves" those he wishes - only a few are selected for salvation. How do you know that you are saved? How do you know that you are saved? 1. Puritan Ministers preached that leading a Godly life was an outward sign of salvation. 2. Those elected by God have full power to interpret God s will.

4. Puritan Beliefs Bible should be taken literally Bible should be taken literally Believed churches should be simple Believed churches should be simple Believed in meeting in congregations Believed in meeting in congregations Belief in: Belief in: 1. hard work 1. hard work 2. morality 2. morality 3. independence 3. independence 4. commitment 4. commitment **Valued education (founded Harvard & Yale)

5. Key Concepts of Puritanism Puritans believed their way of life was right, and all other ways were wrong. Puritans believed their way of life was right, and all other ways were wrong. Puritan views about sin were strict; they believed every man could be tempted by the devil. Puritan views about sin were strict; they believed every man could be tempted by the devil. Puritans believed that once a man sinned that he must openly confess his sin, repent, and perform an act of penance. Puritans believed that once a man sinned that he must openly confess his sin, repent, and perform an act of penance. One of the worst sins a Puritan could commit was adultery. One of the worst sins a Puritan could commit was adultery. For Puritans, the Devil was an active member of mankind. For Puritans, the Devil was an active member of mankind.