Which religious group relied only on the Bible for directions and not from dreams or voices sent by “God”?
A Catholics.
B Anglicans.
C Puritans
D Quakers.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Puritans.
The Puritans were a religious group that emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England. They sought to purify the Church of England of what they viewed as remnants of Roman Catholicism. The Puritans held the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice, rejecting any spiritual direction or guidance that came through subjective means such as dreams or voices believed to be from “God.” Instead, they focused solely on the teachings of the Bible and emphasized personal interpretation of Scripture. This theological stance was part of their broader desire to create a more disciplined and pious community based on what they believed to be the true Christian teachings.
The Puritans rejected practices that seemed to rely on personal, mystical experiences, which they believed could lead people away from the clarity and reliability of the Bible. For them, any experience that did not align with biblical teachings was suspect. They viewed personal revelations, such as dreams or mystical voices, as distractions from the true Word of God. The Bible was central to their religious life, and they believed it provided clear and sufficient guidance for all aspects of living.
Puritans also saw themselves as a “chosen people,” tasked with building a godly society. Their belief in the primacy of Scripture was reflected in their strict moral codes and the way they governed their communities, often using biblical passages to justify laws and societal norms. This focus on the Bible as the sole source of divine direction set them apart from other religious groups, including the Quakers, who placed a greater emphasis on personal revelation through the “inner light” or the direct experience of God.