3.Nonconformist Churches

The Nonconformist churches are also called free churches.It is a collective name for all non-Anglican and non-Roman Catholic Christian churches in Britain.One characteristic of many noncon formist churches，like the Methodist，the Presbyterian，and especially the Quakers²，is best described by the old-fashioned word Puritanism.The Puritans were originally radical Protestants who determined to purify the Anglican Church of all the corruption and ceremonial pomp of the Roman Church of that time.However，they were not united，and the Stuart kings persecuted them，causing their migration to the New World.As an attitude of mind，Puritanism advocates stern simplicity and strict morality.Puritanical people are for instance very keen to protect the Sabbath，or the Lord’s Day（Sunday）against sacrilege like work，commerce，games and entertainment.They form temper-ant societies to combat the evils of strong drink，for they are strict teetotalers，and some even disapprove of smoking and dancing.All forms of gambling are forbidden，including football pools and national lotteries.They believe in plain food and plain clothing.They think women should not wear high-heeled shoes，or too much make-up，or clothes that expose their bodies.Puritans have a reputation for absolute honesty，but they are often condemned as kill-joys.Puritanism today is not a sect but a characteristic shown by some people.