Religion - Who Were The Puritans?

Who were the Puritans?

The Puritans were members of a religious movement that began in England in the 1500s and lasted into the first half of the 1600s, when it spread to the American colonies. The teachings of religious reformers John Wycliffe (c. 1330–1384) and John Calvin (1509–1564), had influenced the Puritans, whose name came from their desire to "purify" the Anglican Church (also known as the Church of England). The Puritans believed too much power rested with priests, bishops, and cardinals, the highest officials in the church. Stressing Bible reading and individual prayer, they wanted congregation (religious community) members to be more directly involved in church affairs; they also demanded that worship services be simplified. Puritans defied the authority of church leaders, contending that each congregation should manage its own affairs under the guidance of a council (called a presbytery) composed of members who...

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