Puritanism in England and North America

Elizabeth I created a form of Protestantism that emphasized its con- tinuity with the Christian past, retaining a remarkable amount of organization, custom, and tradition from the pre-Reformation era (3.4.3). Much to the irritation of more radical English Protestants, influenced by developments in Calvin’s Geneva (3.3.5), Elizabeth retained bishops and insisted on distinctive clergy dress. The traditional ecclesiastical structuring of dioceses with their bishops, and parishes with their parish priests continued to function. An ordered and uniform liturgy was prescribed by the Book of Common Prayer.

The term “Puritanism” now began to be used to refer to dissident Protestants within the Church of England, who wanted to implement Calvin’s vision of Protestantism within England. They objected to many aspects of the “Elizabethan Settlement,” and cam- paigned against what they regarded as unacceptable beliefs and practices. For a start, they wanted to get rid of bishops, who they considered to be a vestige of medieval Catholicism. They also objected to the practice of making the sign of the cross in baptism, the wearing of clerical robes, using a ring in the marriage service, and bowing at the name of Jesus. All these were unbiblical, they argued, and therefore could not be imposed on any minister of the church.

The impact of Puritanism on Elizabethan England was slight. However, Elizabeth’s death plunged England into religious uncertainty. When it was announced that Elizabeth would be succeeded by James VI of Scotland, English Puritans believed their moment had come. James had earlier supported the reforms of the Calvinist preacher and reformer John Knox (1514–72) who had created a Scottish reformed church modeled on Calvin’s Geneva. Surely he could be relied upon to do the same in England? The Puritans decided to seize the initiative, and steal a march on their Anglican opponents.