Puritans Religious Beliefs

1. Puritans Religious Beliefs Kyle , Preston & Thomas 1st Period Power Point

2. Beginning of the Puritans Puritans were members of a religious & social movement of the 1500’s & the 1600’s. The movement began in England & Spread to America where it greatly influenced social, political, & religious institutions.

3. Definition The term “Puritan” first began as taught or insult applied by traditional Anglicans to those who criticized or wished to “Purify” the church of England. Although, the word is often applied loosely, “Puritans” refers to two distinct groups

4. Beliefs In Colonists • Plymouth Colonists believed that the Church of England was corrupt & that true Christians must separate themselves from it. • Colonists that settled the Massachusetts Bay Colony, believed in reform but not seperation.

6. Things considered illegal “against God” • Idleness or not being active • Long hair • Swearing • Sleeping in church • Skipping church • Gossiping

7. Punishments

8. The Dunking Stool This punishment was usually used against women who gossiped or scolded their husbands. The person was put in a chair suspended over a body of water and dunked as many times as the judges decided.

9. Public Humiliation Public humiliation was used for crimes like adultery, public drunkenness, and thievery. The person was forced to wear a letter on their clothing that symbolized what they did like “A” for adultery, “D” for public drunkenness, “T” for thievery, etc.

10. Whipping Whipping was done in public and the sentences were usually between 20-40 lashes. One case recalls a man being whipped 117 times.

11. Reference Page • www.springfield.mntm.org • http://public.wsu.edu/~campelled/almit/purdef/.htm • Campbell, Donna M.