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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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