Lecture 5: Puritanism and Protestant Diversity in the Colonies

Theological Movement

Focuses on changing or developing religious beliefs and doctrines

Liturgical Movement

Aims to reform or revitalize the way worship is practiced, including rituals, prayers, and ceremonies to enhance congregational participation and spiritual experience.

Puritanism

A religious reform movement with English Protestantism aiming to purify the Church of England or Catholic influences; rooted in Calvinist theology and influential in shaping New England society

Separists

Radical Protestants who broke away entirely from the Church of England to form independent congregations; the Pilgrims were the most famous amongst them.

Covenant theology

A central Puritan belief that God forms binding agreements with humanity, especially the Covenant of Grace, which assures salvation for the elect through divine love and mercy.

Congregationalism

A central Puritan belief that God forms binding agreements with humanity, especially the Covenant of Grace, which assures salvation for the elect through divine love and mercy.

-Puritans are also all reformed Calvinists !!!!

-not controlled by bishops; each congregation governs itself independently.

-Rules by the congregation; not some larger government body

Anglicanism

Has a hierarchy with bishops and follows Book of Prayers

***Established, state-linked church (Church of England) with bishops, traditional liturgy (Book of Common Prayer), and a blend of Catholic/Protestant elements

Meetinghouse

The central building in New England towns used for both

worship and civic affairs; reflected the integration of religious, social, and

political life in Puritan communities

The “New England” Way

A term describing the Puritan model of church governance, education, and moral discipline that shaped colonial New England’s religious and civic culture.

Five Points of Calvinism

It teaches that God unconditionally elects specific individuals for salvation—the "elect"—due to total human depravity, a concept summarized by the TULIP acronym. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace, not human merit.

TULIP

T= total depravity

U= unconditional election

L= limited atonement

I= irresistible grace
P= perseverance of the saints