Observations/Reflections: On Affirming Truths that I Have Learnt from My Study of the Puritans
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 06/29/09
Written: 02/14/09
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

In my recent study of the Puritan pastors and their theology, I have noted a number of truths that resonate with my own practice. Some have spurred me to intensify what I am doing, some have encouraged me to do something new, but most have simply affirmed my direction.

I will list some of these randomly from memory, later I may go back and make a more exhaustive list.

1. The Puritans emphasized the Glory of God.
2. The Puritan leaders were pastors and thus pastoral in their approach to theology.
3. The Puritans viewed this life as a journey, and Christians as pilgrims in an alien land.
4. The Puritans stressed expository analysis, followed by intense applicatory preaching.
5. The Puritans accepted the fact that their movement had been distorted by their popular enemies.
6. The Puritans viewed salvation as both event and process.
7. The Puritans viewed the heart of a man as a court (this requires explanation and I will give that explanation later).
8. The Puritans saw the whole of life as sacred.