"The Puritans considered the Bible as the true law of God that provided guidelines for church government. They wished to shape the Church of England to meet their ideals. They called for a less priestly church that emphasized preaching. Puritans believed that all Christian churches should be organized through councils called presbyteries or church courts rather than under bishops, as in the Church of England. Some Puritans believed that each congregation was a complete church in itself and should have total control of its own affairs.
The Puritans emphasized Bible reading, prayer, and preaching in worship services. They simplified the ritual of the sacraments. They also wanted more personal and fewer prescribed prayers. The Puritans stressed grace, devotion, prayer, and self-examination to achieve religious virtue."
So, the main emphasis in class has been that the Puritans live according the the Gospel. In their community, they believed that all laws and punishments should be guided by the Lord's Word. I think that is a good idea, but the fact that you could get 5 hours of Public Humiliation just for not going to church is over the top. I feel like, they had the right idea by using the Bible as a guide, but they took it too far. Back then, if you had a position of authority in the church that instantly meant you were high ranked as an advisor for the community.
I feel like it is pretty harsh to force everyone into the same exact beliefs. Back then if your mind strayed from what their Bible had taught you, it was a very large sin, which actually led to the Salem Witch Trials. The types of sermons that the Puritan Churches had were very blunt about how they felt about sinning and sinners. They would always tell you that you have already made God mad, there is nothing you can do about that, and that it is pure grrace that He hasnt just killed you on the spot and sent you to Hell. I think thats a little harsh.
Puritan Church
I feel like it is pretty harsh to force everyone into the same exact beliefs. Back then if your mind strayed from what their Bible had taught you, it was a very large sin, which actually led to the Salem Witch Trials. The types of sermons that the Puritan Churches had were very blunt about how they felt about sinning and sinners. They would always tell you that you have already made God mad, there is nothing you can do about that, and that it is pure grrace that He hasnt just killed you on the spot and sent you to Hell. I think thats a little harsh.
Puritan Church
Good reflection!
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