Puritans And The Massachusetts Bay

[Royden]

I'm having trouble with finding this answer in my APUSH summer homework. I was hoping you could help me

Any and all help is appreciated :)

How did the Puritans' distinctive religious outlook and church organization shape the politics, society, and culture of the Massachusetts Bay and most of the other New England colonies?

Thank you!

[darik2]

Hi Lucas,

The Puritans in England were part of a broader Protestant Reformation movement across Europe.  The Catholic Church had dominated Europe for more than 1000 years.  But many Christians had begun to question many Church practices and wanted to focus on the original teachings of Jesus and other early Christians as discussed in the Bible.

Great Britain had already broken with the Catholic Church to create the Anglican Church.  But that break was mostly over who ran the Church, and did not get to changing many practices within the Church.  The Puritans wanted to create a "pure" religion where they did away with many of the Catholic and Anglican trappings of religion.  Unfortunately, for them, there was no freedom of religion in Britain, so they were subject to intolerance and persecution for pursuing their religion.

To help avoid this religious conflict, the Puritans decided to create a colony in America where they could practice their religion.  This was not a colony where freedom of religion existed.  It was one where Puritanism would become the State religion.  All colonists would be required to follow its religious rules.  Rules were rather strict.  Most entertainment, such as theater, were banned.  Holidays such as Christmas were also very restricted or banned.  Dress was very conservative.  Showing too much skin was a criminal offense.

Religious leaders also held most top political posts as well.  Religious laws regarding dress, behavior, entertainment, etc. all followed strict Puritan rules.  Churches were the focal point of most towns.  People attended church every week for religious instruction.  They also usually met at the church to hold town meetings to discuss laws and other policies.

I hope this helps!

- Mike