To the Puritans death was a fearful and uncertain ordeal. They died hard, loaded with guilt, with doubts about salvation and certain only about the awful reality of the torments of Hell . Few cultures have been more afraid of death, and have provided fewer means of assuaging those fears.
Did Puritans believe eternal life?
In other words, the Puritans did not regard leading a godly, moral life as the CAUSE of a person’s salvation, but rather as an encouraging sign of the EFFECT of being chosen by God to enjoy eternal bliss in heaven .
How did Puritans feel about death?
At the same time, the Puritans regarded death as God’s punishment for human sinfulness and on their deathbeds many New Englanders trembled with fear that they might suffer eternal damnation in Hell. ... Puritans believed that even the youngest child was touched by original sin.
What were the main Puritan beliefs?
Puritanism, a strict Calvinist form of Protestant Christianity, distinguished itself from mainline Christianity through five principle beliefs. ... Basic Puritan beliefs are summarized by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints .
How did Puritans view life?
Puritans became noted in the 17th century for a spirit of moral and religious earnestness that informed their whole way of life, and they sought through church reform to make their lifestyle the pattern for the whole nation.
What did the Puritans believe about other religions?
preached that it was wrong to practice any religion other than Puritanism. Those who did would be helping the devil. They believed they followed the only true religion so everyone should be forced to worship as they did . “[Tolerance is] liberty ... to tell lies in the name of the Lord,” said John Cotton.
Did Puritans have clocks?
They relied on this tower clock to help them organize their daily lives in time. ... New England Puritans believed that time belonged to God . They diligently sought to “improve” every waking moment through worship or productive activity. Parishioners were summoned to hours-long services with conch shells, horns, or drums.
What religion are Puritans?
The Puritans were members of a religious reform movement known as Puritanism that arose within the Church of England in the late 16th century. They believed the Church of England was too similar to the Roman Catholic Church and should eliminate ceremonies and practices not rooted in the Bible.
Did Puritans believe in purgatory?
Puritans did not believe in Purgatory , or in the possibility that the prayers or rituals performed by the living could aid the dead.
What Bible did Puritans use?
The Geneva Bible was the Bible of William Shakespeare, John Bunyan, and Oliver Cromwell. This is the version that Pilgrims and Puritans brought with them to America. The Geneva version is often referred to as the “Breeches Bible” because of use of the word “breeches” in Gen.
How did the Puritans feel about witchcraft?
They believed that Satan would select the “weakest” individuals (women, children, and the elderly) to carry out his evil work . 12. Those who were believed to follow Satan were automatically assumed to be witches, which was a crime punishable by death.
Did the Puritans believe in the separation of church and state?
The Puritans in Massachusetts Bay believed in a separation of church and state, but not a separa- tion of the state from God . The Congregational Church had no for- mal authority in the government. Ministers were not permitted to hold any government office. ... Puritan lawmaking touched all aspects of life.
Who was the most influential person in the Puritan community?
John Cotton was arguably the most influential minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to which he immigrated in 1633 to escape the Church of England’s persecution of him for his Nonconformism. His influence on his fellow Puritans began even before any of them left England.
Why were the Puritans so strict?
The Puritans believed they were doing God’s work . Hence, there was little room for compromise. Harsh punishment was inflicted on those who were seen as straying from God’s work.
What did Puritans dress like?
Puritan dress
Puritans advocated a conservative form of fashionable attire , characterized by sadd colors and modest cuts. Gowns with low necklines were filled in with high-necked smocks and wide collars. Married women covered their hair with a linen cap, over which they might wear a tall black hat.
Who was the leader of the Puritans?
John Winthrop (1588–1649) was an early Puritan leader whose vision for a godly commonwealth created the basis for an established religion that remained in place in Massachusetts until well after adoption of the First Amendment.
