The Puritans

Who Were the Puritans? A group who wanted to reform the Anglican church. They wanted no separation from church and state.

Puritan Society Theocracy – A government that is controlled by the church, or run by religion. Patriarchy – A society in which men hold all the power.

Who Were the Puritans? Had spiritual vision to build a "city upon a hill" as a sign for God’s will for all. They wanted to create a “New Jerusalem.”

Problems with the Puritans They did not believe in religious tolerance. Could not tolerate those who disagreed.

How the Puritans Dealt with Problems Roger Williams believed they stole the land from Indians – They banished him. Anne Hutchinson believed that you could know God without the help of ministers or the Bible – They banished her. They would not tolerate people who disagreed with them.

What is the difference between Puritans and Pilgrims? "Puritans" wanted to remain as part of the England, working for biblical reform from within. As they moved to New England, they affirmed their "Englishness" and saw the main purpose of their new colony as being that of a biblical witness, a "city on a hill" which would set an example of biblical righteousness in church and state for Old England and the entire world to see. They strongly emphasized the corporate righteousness of their entire community before God.

What is the difference between Puritans and Pilgrims? "Pilgrims" wanted to achieve church reform even if it meant separating from their church and their nation. While they continued to think of themselves as English, their emphasis was on their new political identity and spiritual identity. Because of their passionate commitment to the necessity of reformation immediate and without compromise, they emphasized especially strongly individual righteousness before God.

Salem Witch Trials Unlike the Pilgrims, the Puritans did not make peace with the Native Americans. They were very superstitious. The believed the Devil walked among them.

Salem Witch Trials Cotton Mather's Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions (1689), helped generate an unbalanced fascination with witchcraft. The Puritans believed in witches and spirits.

Salem Witch Trials It was easy for the Puritans to believe what was happening during the Salem Witch Trials was logical and real. However, after the initial trials it became apparent to many that the justice system was being perverted for others’ gain.