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The Puritans were persecuted by the established Church of England, so many fled to America to be free to worship as they pleased. On the other hand, they were never themselves in such a position of strength that they could demonstrate a tendency towards religious tolerance or persecution of others with whom they disagreed. The evidence does show that they dealt harshly with members of their own community who deviated from the rules laid down by Church elders.

Their interpretation of scriptures was a harsh one. In principle, they emphasised conversion and not repression. While repression was discouraged in principle, it is said that it was evident in their actions. God could forgive anything, but man could forgive only by seeing a change in behaviour. Actions spoke louder than words, so actions had to be constantly controlled. In Puritan communities, any deviations from the normal way of Puritan life met with strict disapproval and discipline. Since the church elders were also political leaders, any church infraction was also a social one, and there was no margin for error. Had the Puritans become established as the dominant religion, it would seem that their response to those who held different beliefs would be repression. The repression they had once suffered from members of the established Church of England taught them nothing.

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Why did the puritans want religious freedom but did not want to grant that freedom to others?

Its because the puritans were not able to accept anyone's beliefs but their own


What did the puritans try to do to the church?

Puritans were followers of the teachings of Calvin and believed, like the Separatists, that man was born in sin and they all bore the guilt of Adam and Eve. To become saved, they would have to prove they were worthy while here on earth. To be worthy one would prosper, be faithful, and lead a successful life. Instead of separating from the Church of England, they wanted to “purify” the Church. They believed there was too much influence of the Catholic Church within the Anglican Church, thus the name, Puritans.


What were puritans religious beliefs?

Believed that God would keep them safe if they obeyed his laws.


Why didnt the Jews just leave Germany?

A few did most could afford it or believe they would be killed


In New England the Puritans maintained a society government by what type of principles?

The Puritans developed a form of theocracy. They believed that the Church was all important and to follow the belief's of the Puritans, the Church and State (government) should operate as one. Puritans were followers of the teachings of Calvin and believed, like the Separatists, that man was born in sin and they all bore the guilt of Adam and Eve. To become saved, they would have to prove they were worthy while here on earth. To be worthy one would prosper, be faithful, and lead a successful life. Instead of separating from the Church of England, they wanted to “purify” the Church of the influence of the Catholic Church within the Anglican Church, thus the name, Puritans. Puritans wanted to remove themselves from non-Puritans. They originally wanted to leave Great Britain because they were not pleased with the way non-Puritans were worshipping without much interference.

Related Questions

What did the puritans think about black and white magic?

Puritans were people who didn't believe in all the ceremony in religious services and that is why they are called "Purtains". They wanted a pure church. In the 1600 and 1700's the society believed in witchcraft and had no doubt it existed, so the Purtains would have as well.


Did the Puritans know if they were destined to go to heaven or hell?

The Puritans were very strict Catholics. If they broke one of their uber-strict rule, then yes, they would have committed a sin, and they would presume they would go to Hell.Another Answer:The 16th Century Puritans were primarily English Protestants. One branch, Calvinist, believed in 'predestination' meaning one's final fate was pre-determined by God. Not all who are Protestant believe this to be the case.


What contributions did the Puritans make to American society?

The Puritans believed in the community, that individuals should support and help one another. They enforced a strict moral and religious code that can be seen in some of the evangelical groups today. They also believed in hard work and saw economic success as a sign of a good life. While not believing in equality and the freedom of religion as we define it today, the Puritans did believe in a well ordered society which would lead to a belief in a government that would guide and protect all citizens.


Why did the Puritans come to the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

To set up society that would accord with what they believed to be God's wishes.


What did puritans believe was the most reliable authority?

Puritans believed that the Bible was the most reliable authority in matters of faith and practice. They placed a strong emphasis on scripture as the ultimate source of guidance and truth.


How would one define the Puritan work ethic?

The Puritans believed simply that hard work was an honor to God and that it would lead to a prosperous reward. They were people who believed in actually working for a living.


Why did the puritans want religious freedom but did not want to grant that freedom to others?

Its because the puritans were not able to accept anyone's beliefs but their own


Do You Believe either Northerners or Southerners believed that secession would not lead to war?

well lets see, didnt your teachers tell you not to search for answers on wikianswers. Bad child. anyways i dont lose


What is the past tense form of 'believe'?

The past tense of to "believe" would be to have "believed".


Are Puritans pessimistic or optimistic?

Puritans were generally pessimistic in their worldview, believing in the concept of original sin and emphasizing the idea of predestination. They believed that humans were inherently sinful and that only a select few were chosen by God for salvation, leading to a focus on introspection, self-discipline, and living a morally upright life.


What did the puritans try to do to the church?

Puritans were followers of the teachings of Calvin and believed, like the Separatists, that man was born in sin and they all bore the guilt of Adam and Eve. To become saved, they would have to prove they were worthy while here on earth. To be worthy one would prosper, be faithful, and lead a successful life. Instead of separating from the Church of England, they wanted to “purify” the Church. They believed there was too much influence of the Catholic Church within the Anglican Church, thus the name, Puritans.


What did the egyptians believe would cure a toothache?

They believed fried rats would