

David D. Hall, "The Puritans: A Transatlantic History" (Princeton UP, 2019)
Aug 6, 2025
David D. Hall, Professor Emeritus of American Religious History at Harvard, dives deep into the fascinating world of Puritanism. He discusses the theological debates that fueled Elizabethan nonconformity and the rise of Presbyterianism in Scotland. Hall explores how Puritan practical divinity emphasized emotional piety and conversion narratives, while also addressing the tensions between strict divine laws and commitments to church participation. He highlights Puritan legacies in 19th-century moral reform and reflects on their lasting impact in America.
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Church Vision Drove Political Conflict
- Puritanism centered on a strong vision of the visible church as God's instrument in the world.
- That ecclesial vision generated inevitable political clashes over authority with monarchs and bishops.
Garments Sparked Nonconformity
- Elizabeth I enforced a hybrid Church of England and insisted ministers wear traditional garments.
- This seemingly small garment dispute sparked wider non-conformity and a drive to complete the Reformation.
Scotland's Reformation Was Political
- Scotland's Reformation was a rapid political takeover led by ministers like John Knox and supportive nobility.
- That produced a Presbyterian system (presbyteries and a General Assembly) asserting church autonomy from the crown.