1. Opposition:
a. Rejection of Rituals: Puritans believed that Anglican rituals and ceremonies, such as the use of vestments, complex liturgy, and hierarchy, were unnecessary and overly ritualistic. They saw these practices as remnants of Catholicism and a departure from the simplicity of the early Christian church.
b. Clerical Authority: Puritans were critical of the authority and power of the Anglican clergy. They believed that the hierarchy, including bishops, archbishops, and other church officials, had become corrupt and distant from the needs of ordinary believers.
c. Scripture as Authority: Puritans prioritized the Bible as the sole authority for doctrine and practice in the church. They rejected the idea that the Anglican Church's traditions, rituals, or clerical hierarchy held the same level of authority.
d. Emphasis on Personal Piety: Puritans emphasized the importance of individual piety and a personal relationship with God. They believed that true worship came from the heart rather than from external rituals or ceremonies.
2. Desire for Reform:
a. Reform within the Church: While some Puritans sought to completely separate from the Church of England, others aimed to reform it from within. They wanted to remove rituals, hierarchies, and practices they deemed unbiblical and promote a simpler, more spiritual form of worship.
b. Covenant Theology: Puritans embraced covenant theology, which emphasized a covenantal relationship between God and His people. They believed that the church should reflect this covenant and be a community of committed believers, united in their faith and love for God.
c. Congregationalism: Many Puritans advocated for a congregational form of church governance, where each local congregation would be self-governing and independent from central ecclesiastical authorities.
d. Influence of Calvinism: Puritan theology was heavily influenced by the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination, salvation through grace, and the pursuit of holiness in daily life.
In summary, Puritans opposed certain rituals and practices of the Anglican Church, believing them to be unbiblical and corrupt. However, some sought reform within the church, while others eventually pursued complete separation, giving rise to various Puritan denominations.