Religious+Conditions

**The Legacy of the Puritans** **Religious conditions**

The puritans were rigorously opposed to the state interfering with churchly affairs, which was the reason to
====begin the fire of puritanism. They believed that piety and spirituality would acquire exactly what the Apostle James stated, “good works.” When faith did not work, it was considered dead. Apostle James used the word “dead” to say, “You have no faith, no real faith, if you show no works.” ====

====Puritans believed that all men were born sinners; this was known as the idea of “original sin.” The only way to be saved and go to heaven was by the grace of God. They believed in predestination, the belief that certain people would be saved and were chosen at birth. Therefore, puritans saw sin as a challenge, because there was nothing one could do to be saved. The bible was the direct word of God. It was seen as an unquestionable guide to all life including, politically, socially, and economically. Only members of the church were allowed to make decisions for ====