Describe the Puritans. What were their beliefs? Why did they leave England for Massachusetts Bay? What did they hope to accomplish in the New World? How did the dynamics of their faith affect their New World existence?

These sites have a lot of information about the Puritans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan

http://www.nd.edu/~rbarger/www7/puritans.html

The Puritans were a religious group that emerged in the late 16th century as part of the Protestant Reformation in England. They sought to purify the Church of England from what they viewed as remnants of Roman Catholic practices. Here's how we can understand their beliefs, reasons for leaving England, goals in the New World, and the impact of their faith on their existence:

1. Beliefs: The Puritans held strict religious beliefs and emphasized the authority of scripture. They saw the Bible as the sole guide for faith and rejected traditional practices, such as the hierarchy of the Church. They sought to simplify religious worship and promote individual piety.

2. Reasons for Leaving England: The Puritans faced religious persecution in England. They believed that the Church of England had not gone far enough in its reforms and still retained elements that they found objectionable. Seeking religious freedom, they decided to establish a new colony in the New World.

3. Goals in the New World: The Puritans aimed to create a society based on their religious principles, where they could freely practice their beliefs without interference. They envisioned a "city upon a hill," a community that would serve as a model for others. They sought to establish a strong moral and religious foundation in order to build a harmonious society.

4. Impact on New World Existence: The Puritans' faith played a central role in all aspects of their existence in the New World. They established self-governing congregations and implemented strict religious principles in their daily lives. The community was tightly knit, and religious devotion influenced social, political, and economic affairs. The Puritans emphasized the importance of education, leading to the establishment of Harvard College in 1636. However, their religious orthodoxy also meant that dissenting viewpoints were not tolerated, resulting in instances of intolerance and persecution.

In summary, the Puritans were a religious group seeking religious freedom and purity of faith. They left England to establish their own colony in Massachusetts Bay, aiming to create a society reflecting their beliefs and serving as a model for others. Their faith influenced all aspects of their existence in the New World, shaping the community, society, and governance.