The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Meaning of "Presbyterian"

John,

Yes indeed, I was being grossly facetious by using the typical characterization of the Puritans by the majority of people. And yes, there is no doubt that there were some Puritans who would be worthy of that definition. But the majority were hardly worthy of it. I've read several books on the lives of the Puritans and Puritan era and they were not much different than true believers today. They sought to cast off the world from their own lives and not allow the world entrance into the church, which seems to be the current trend, even among those who profess to be Reformed. They did have times of recreation and wholesome fun too. But where they differed most, I think, is in the fact that they studied their Bibles far more intently and more often than most today. In fact, I would stick my neck out and say that the average Puritan believer was more theologically educated, biblically knowledgeable than most Pastors/Elders of today; yes, including those who have graduated with the coveted MDiv/ThM degrees.

You may find this article intriguing: Why Read the Puritans Today? by Don Kistler.

In His Grace,