Why Should We Care About the Puritans?

In this episode, James and Jonathan engage in a thought-provoking discussion about Puritanism with Steven Yuille, the director of Puritan Publishing at Reformation Heritage Books and a professor of church history. Today, many people consider the Puritans to be a serious, joyless, dutiful group of people. In fact, it has been said that “a Puritan is mortified by the thought that someone, somewhere, is enjoying themselves.” What is Stephen’s response to this caricature?

I just encourage people to lay all that aside, forget everything they think they know and have ever heard and all the little quips and sounds bites, here, there and floating everywhere, and just go back and read the Puritans, and recognize that when it comes to their approach to the Christian life, the starting point… is this: Theology is the science of living blessedly forever. It might surprise people to discover that the Puritans end up being the opposite of what they are often perceived to be. – Stephen Yuille

Tune in and reconsider your own views as we explore the rise of Puritanism in England, its theological significance, and its implications for personal piety today. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of John Owen’s Freedom from Sin’s Dominion to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

 

Show Notes:

Stephen Yuille recommended the Puritan Treasures for Today for listeners. Specifically, these would be great books to start with.

A Perfect Redeemer by William Perkins

The Fountain of Life by John Flavel

The Blessed and Boundless God by George Swinnock (Stephen’s personal favorite)