Puritans were a dissident Protestant sect in England, whose creed was a type of Calvinism. Puritans accused the Anglican church (the only nationally recognized church,and the sole religious authority in Britain) of being immoral. The church was immoral not for reasons we would say such a thing, but because it didn't demand moral purity from all Englishmen. Puritans condemned dancing (like strict Muslims, dancing was immoral), card playing or gambling of any kind, playing sports on Sundays (right up until the 1950 the British used to lock up playgrounds on Sundays), acting in plays (and theater performances of any kind), and immodest dress. No jewelry or bright colors, mind you, or cosmetics.
Most people thought they were a royal pain in the ***, and they challenged the authority of bishops, something that irritated the government. They managed to gain control of a few towns and got a few MPs elected, but they suffered some civil liabilities (which they called persecution).
As Calvinists, they firmly believed in predestination (you were saved or condemned before you were born), frugality (which can be called cheapness by the more generous), discipline, hard work and literacy. The emphasis on the latter mostly meant they wanted everyone to read the Bible, including women, so they did establish the first public schools and universities in the English colonies. They also believed that poor people were contemptible, because obviously they were being punished by God for their sins. Conversely, rich people were being rewarded by God, which is why they could engage in the slave trade with a clear conscience. They were not the most likable people.
They were amongst the most severe of the Protestant Reformers, being strong Calvinists. England rejected their expression of faith, with the Church of England being the "via media," or middle way between the Catholics, and the Reformers. So, many left for the New World, where they could practice Christianity as they saw it.
The USA is still influenced by them. Compare it to Canada: the Protestant Work Ethic is very strong in the USA, where work is good. The US is also far more individualistic, whereas Canada, formed more by Catholics, and Anglicans is more of a collective society, with people working together. The Puritans were also fairly repressive in things some might call "fun," like sexuality, drinking, dancing, music, etc. This also influenced the USA, especially in the early days, but, continuing in some forms to this day.
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Puritans were a dissident Protestant sect in England, whose creed was a type of Calvinism. Puritans accused the Anglican church (the only nationally recognized church,and the sole religious authority in Britain) of being immoral. The church was immoral not for reasons we would say such a thing, but because it didn't demand moral purity from all Englishmen. Puritans condemned dancing (like strict Muslims, dancing was immoral), card playing or gambling of any kind, playing sports on Sundays (right up until the 1950 the British used to lock up playgrounds on Sundays), acting in plays (and theater performances of any kind), and immodest dress. No jewelry or bright colors, mind you, or cosmetics.
Most people thought they were a royal pain in the ***, and they challenged the authority of bishops, something that irritated the government. They managed to gain control of a few towns and got a few MPs elected, but they suffered some civil liabilities (which they called persecution).
As Calvinists, they firmly believed in predestination (you were saved or condemned before you were born), frugality (which can be called cheapness by the more generous), discipline, hard work and literacy. The emphasis on the latter mostly meant they wanted everyone to read the Bible, including women, so they did establish the first public schools and universities in the English colonies. They also believed that poor people were contemptible, because obviously they were being punished by God for their sins. Conversely, rich people were being rewarded by God, which is why they could engage in the slave trade with a clear conscience. They were not the most likable people.
They were amongst the most severe of the Protestant Reformers, being strong Calvinists. England rejected their expression of faith, with the Church of England being the "via media," or middle way between the Catholics, and the Reformers. So, many left for the New World, where they could practice Christianity as they saw it.
The USA is still influenced by them. Compare it to Canada: the Protestant Work Ethic is very strong in the USA, where work is good. The US is also far more individualistic, whereas Canada, formed more by Catholics, and Anglicans is more of a collective society, with people working together. The Puritans were also fairly repressive in things some might call "fun," like sexuality, drinking, dancing, music, etc. This also influenced the USA, especially in the early days, but, continuing in some forms to this day.
They were Protestants who were so annoying that the British drive them out, but they did give us Thanksgiving.