The Puritans' religious beliefs were characterized by a strict interpretation of the Bible and a desire to purify the Church of England from within. They emphasized predestination, the idea that God had already determined who would be saved or damned.
Related terms
Separatists: A group within the Puritan movement that wanted to completely separate from the Church of England and form their own congregations.
Predestination: The belief, central to Puritanism, that God has already determined each person's fate in regards to salvation or damnation.
Covenant theology: The idea that there is a sacred agreement between God and his people, where obedience leads to blessings and disobedience leads to punishment.