“The Puritans are the Redwoods of the Christian world — deep-rooted, majestic, and full of grace.” – J.I. Packer
Puritan theology is a form of Reformed (Calvinist) theology focused on Scripture, holiness, and practical living. The Puritans aimed to cleanse the Church of England from Roman Catholic practices and create a church and society based on the Bible. Their religious experience was intense, and they believed that being in a covenant relationship with God was essential for redemption. They viewed preaching as the way God revealed salvation and saw the Holy Spirit as vital in this process. Influenced by Calvinist theology, the Puritans rejected many Anglican rituals, deeming them “popeish idolatry.” Instead, they emphasized preaching that used scriptural and everyday imagery and valued a well-educated ministry. Their strong moral and religious dedication, combined with the doctrine of predestination from Calvinism, fostered a “covenant theology,” making them feel like the elect chosen by God to live righteous lives individually and as a community. The movement found its origins during the mid to late 1500s and extended until the late 1700s. Some of the most famous puritans are men like John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, and John Owen.
Peter Lewis stated that Puritanism grew out of three needs: (1) the need for biblical preaching and the teaching of sound Reformed doctrine; (2 ) the need for biblical, personal piety that stresses the work of the Holy Spirit in the faith and life of the believer; and (3) the need to restore biblical simplicity in liturgy, vestments, and church government, SO that a well-ordered church life would promote the worship of the triune God as prescribed in His Word.
Origins
1558–1603
During the reign of Elizabeth I, the Puritan movement arose within the Church of England, pushing for further Protestant reform.
Growth
1603–1640
Under James I and Charles I, Puritans gained influence but faced increasing persecution.
Height
1640–1660
During the English Civil War and the Interregnum under Oliver Cromwell, Puritans had major political and religious power.
Decline in England
1660–1700
After the Restoration of the monarchy (Charles II), many Puritans became Nonconformists due to persecution.
Continuation in New England
1620s–1700s
Puritan ideals flourished in early American colonies, especially Massachusetts. By the late 1600s, they began to evolve into Congregationalists.
Region
Why It Mattered
England
Origin and theological center of the Puritan movement.
Netherlands
Refuge and theological development (esp. Ames, Pilgrims).
New England
Social and theological experiment in Reformed living.
Scotland
Allies in Reformed theology (but more Presbyterian).
Work
Author
Theme
The Mortification of Sin
John Owen
Sanctification
The Pilgrim’s Progress
John Bunyan
Allegory of Christian life
The Bruised Reed
Richard Sibbes
Christ’s mercy
Religious Affections
Jonathan Edwards
Spiritual experience
A Body of Divinity
Thomas Watson
Systematic theology
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Jeremiah Burroughs
Contentment
Precious Remedies…
Thomas Brooks
Spiritual warfare
The Existence and Attributes of God
Stephen Charnock
Doctrine of God
“By all means read the Puritans, for they are the men who can bring you into the depths of the Word of God.” – C.H. Spurgeon
