Puritanism, puritans (Latin purus, meaning pure, clean)

Radical branch in the Reformation in England which advocated its cause for the Calvinist Church model and for a Church that is free from Catholic doctrines and liturgy (this is where their name originates from) in opposition to the Anglican Church which was ruled by the king and led by bishops. Followers of Puritanism were strictly prosecuted by the kings of England, the result of which was that many of them emigrated to North America in the 1620's. In politics, puritans formed an opposition party in Parliament against Charles I. king of England (1625-1649), which under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) in alliance with the Scottish, - lead to the breakout of the English Civil War in 1640. As a result of this, during the years of the Stuart restoration (1660-1688) puritans again suffered merciless prosecution. The most radical followers of Puritanism who fought for complete religious freedom are called the Independents. Puritanism appeared in Hungary from the 30's of the 17th century mainly within the Reformed Church of Transylvania, and its followers mostly became famous for their pedagogical work and school reforms (János Csere Apáczai). Especially influenced by the revolution in England, representatives of Hungarian Puritanism who arrived home from England and Holland - set up a movement with the intention of democratising Church organisation and making religious life more intimate. Their strict ideas were also reflected in their outlook (very simplistic, unadorned clothing, short haircuts). Their aspirations were far from those of the English independents', however, they did enthusiastically translate and popularise works written by English puritan authors (such as William Perkins, Lewis Bayly and William Ames) - since many of them had a good knowledge of English.

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