Colonial Rebel: Anne Hutchison Edited from presentation by: Dr. Stacey Robertson Bradley University

Women Rebels Challenged aspects of Puritan society Religious, economic, social disempowerment Punishment Religion offered opportunity for independence Equality before God Church membership

Women in Puritan Religion Church Membership Independent membership Could join without male relative Initial membership balance Overlap between religion, family, community Soon women dominate membership Cotton Mather says women are “more Godly” (due to childbirth) Secularization of men’s lives Cotton Mather

Anne Hutchinson Background Arrived in Boston in 1634 with 11 children, ages 1-22 43 years old Religious outspokenness in England Held meetings for religious discussion Well known and respected for her opinions Some considered her too outspoken Ship expedition she held meetings Infuriated minister Required to appear before a committee

Anne Hutchinson 1630s some Puritans of New England challenged political and religious leadership Grace vs. good works 1630s crisis inspired by Hutchinson Issue: How salvation was attained General belief: few are saved, they were the Elect, all the rest damned Born into your status Elect are informed by God of their status Hutchinson overemphasizes Grace Puritan leadership believe good works are a sign of salvation Hutchinson disagrees

Anne Hutchinson Teacher and leader Trouble Women’s gatherings after church; some men even join Trouble She openly questions a minister Called before a convocation of clergy, 1637 Parries with the men for days

Anne Hutchinson Challenges Authority Religion Gender Okay to pray with other women but not to expound “in a prophetical way” on questions of doctrine and scripture Becomes disorderly Banished to Rhode Island and jailed in the mean time