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This week in Christian history: Jerry Falwell Sr. resigns, Church council, Puritans

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Puritans pass law banning disbelief in the Bible – November 4, 1646

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This week marks the anniversary of when Puritans in Massachusetts passed a law making it a crime for someone to deny the divine inspiration of the Bible.

The measure was enacted partly in response to theological differences within the colony and it carried a capital punishment if violated.

“For the Puritans, it was unthinkable that the teachings of the Bible were meant to deal only with a narrow religious sphere. They believed the Scriptures provided the rule and guidance for all of life — government, economics, education, church, family, and morals,” noted Christianity.com.

“The penalty for persistence in this error was death. The same act also set a fine of five shillings for failing to attend church on Sunday.”

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