The Puritans: A Group of English Protestants Who Sought to Purify the Church of England

The Puritans were a group of English Protestants who emerged in the late 16th century and sought to "purify" the Church of England from its remaining Catholic elements. They believed that the Church had become corrupt and that they needed to separate from it in order to establish a more pure and biblical form of Christianity.

The Puritans were known for their strict adherence to religious doctrine, their emphasis on personal piety and morality, and their desire to reform the Church of England. Many of them migrated to America in the 17th century, where they established colonies such as Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Some key characteristics of the Puritans include:

* A strong belief in the authority of the Bible and a desire to follow its teachings closely
* A commitment to personal piety and moral living
* A belief in the importance of religious discipline and order
* A desire to purify the Church of England from its remaining Catholic elements
* A willingness to challenge established authority and tradition in order to achieve their goals

The Puritans had a significant impact on American history and culture, particularly in the early colonial period. They brought with them many of their English customs and traditions, such as the language, literature, and music, which have continued to influence American society today. Additionally, their emphasis on education and literacy helped to establish a strong foundation for public education in America.