Puritan John Winthrop's famous sermon about being a 'city on a hill' has been a guiding principle for American history, but its meaning and significance are often misunderstood. Historians argue that Christians played a pivotal role in advancing liberty and equality in America, and that a balanced understanding of the past is essential to appreciating the true miracle of the United States. [... more]

The story of America's early settlers from England, who established colonies in the New World, is a tale of entrepreneurship, individual initiative, and the creation of a unique civil society. The Pilgrims, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, drafted the Mayflower Compact, a secular agreement that left room for freedoms of religion and mirrored the self-governing nature of New England's congregational churches. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, led by John Winthrop, was established with a similar goal of creating a community based on Christian charity and mutual support. [... more]

The Puritans were a group of people who sought to reform all of life under the supreme authority of the Bible, valuing it as the most valuable thing in the world. They were a diverse bunch, with some being quite glum, but they shared a passionate love for the Bible and a desire to apply reformation to everything, including themselves, the church, and the country. [... more]

Queen Elizabeth's reign marked a significant chapter in the English Reformation, as she established the Church of England with a unique Protestantism that was neither Lutheran nor Calvinist. However, this compromise was not enough for the Puritans, who sought further reform and eventually found themselves at odds with the government, leading to a crackdown on their movement. [... more]

Jonathan Edwards saw that glorifying God and enjoying God are not at odds with each other, and he believed that the chief end of human life is to glorify and enjoy God forever. He expressed this idea in his writings and sermons, and it became a central theme throughout his life and work. [... more]

The New England Puritans formed a government and carved a society in the howling wilderness of New England, establishing Harvard University and a classical education system. However, their reputation was marred by the Salem Witch Trials, where 200 people were arrested and 20 were executed for alleged witchcraft. Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the complexities of Puritanism and the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting the importance of understanding the historical context and the role of figures like Increase Mather and Samuel Sewell in bringing an end to the trials. [... more]

John MacArthur explores the concept of true worship, distinguishing it from external practices and emphasizing the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth. He draws from Philippians 3 and Matthew Mead's work to highlight the characteristics of a true Christian, including worshiping in the Spirit of God and glorifying Christ. [... more]

The Puritans' confidence in the church's future and their postmillennial expectations are explored in the context of the Great Awakening and the American Revolution, highlighting the shift from clergy-dominated to layperson-focused religion and the end of imperial Christianity in America. [... more]

The New England Puritans, a group of people who settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, have been misunderstood by many Americans. Their reputation has been shaped by works such as Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Arthur Miller's The Crucible, which portray them as hypocritical and mean-spirited. However, Dr. Stephen Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College, argues that this is not an accurate representation of the Puritans. He explains that the Puritans were a group of people who valued learning, industry, and community, and that their experiences, including the Salem Witch Trials, should be understood in the context of European history and the Reformation. [... more]

The Salem witch trials of 1692-1693 were a dark chapter in American history, where hysteria and false accusations led to the execution of 20 people, mostly women, accused of witchcraft. Historian Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the context of the trials, the role of the New England Puritans, and the legacy of this event in American culture. [... more]

John Owen's life was marked by depression and loss, yet he remained a Christ-centered theologian, preaching and writing extensively on the importance of faith in Christ for spiritual transformation and true knowledge of God. [... more]

The 1650s were a golden age for Puritan activity in England, but the execution of King Charles I led to a period of unprecedented opportunity for the Puritans, which was followed by a reaction against Puritanism under Charles II's reign, resulting in the persecution of Puritan ministers and the outlawing of their assemblies. [... more]

Thomas Goodwin, a renowned Puritan theologian, emphasizes the love and compassion of Christ in heaven towards sinners on earth. He argues that Christ's heart is not aloof, but rather beats with tender compassion towards his people, even in glory. Goodwin's teachings highlight the importance of looking to Christ, rather than one's own feelings or performance, for assurance of salvation. [... more]

The reign of King James I saw a growing number of Puritans leave England, some sailing to Holland and others to the New World aboard the Mayflower. Meanwhile, the king's son Charles I continued his father's high church policies, appointing Archbishop William Laud, who enforced strict liturgical practices and further divided the Puritans. As tensions escalated, the country teetered on the brink of civil war. [... more]

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree has its roots in ancient civilizations, with evergreen plants representing life over death. The modern tradition is believed to have originated in 16th century Germany, where it was associated with Protestantism. The tradition was later popularized in the United States by German immigrants and the royal family, with the first White House Christmas tree placed in 1889. Today, Christmas trees are a staple of American life, with millions of artificial and natural trees sold each year. [... more]

The English culture and institutions, such as common law and the idea of precedent, played a significant role in shaping the development of America. The Mayflower Compact, signed by the Pilgrims, was a secular agreement that created a civil society and left room for freedoms of religion. This unique event in human history was connected to the age of exploration, where people from highly developed societies came to places where they had a free hand in creating the institutions they wanted. [... more]

The Puritans were a group of people who sought to reform all of life under the supreme authority of the Bible, valuing it as the most valuable thing in the world. They wanted to apply the Reformation to everything, including themselves, the church, and the country, and were passionate about Bible study and listening to sermons. [... more]

Queen Elizabeth's reign marked a significant shift in the English Reformation, with the establishment of the Church of England as a Protestant nation. However, the Puritans, who sought a more radical reform, were met with resistance and eventually suppression by the government. This led to a backlash against the Puritans, who were seen as a threat to the established order. [... more]

The American Puritans, a group often misunderstood, were a complex and industrious people who established the first college in the New World, Harvard. Their legacy is marred by the Salem Witch Trials, a series of events that saw 20 people executed for alleged witchcraft. Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the historical context of the trials, shedding light on the European witch trials that preceded them and the consequences of the Salem Witch Trials on the Puritan community. [... more]

The decline of Puritanism in America is marked by the Salem Witch Trials, the halfway covenant, and the influence of materialism, leading to a decline in devotion to God and a lack of commitment to the church. This sets the stage for the Great Awakening, which begins with the preaching of Jonathan Edwards and other evangelicals. [... more]