Adultery in the Eyes of Seventeenth-Century Puritans

In the context of early American history, the Puritans played a significant role in defining and interpreting numerous legal and moral codes. One of the most critical topics was the definition and handling of adultery. Borrowing heavily from Hebrew law, seventeenth-century Puritans adhered to a strict interpretation of adultery, viewing it as a heinous sin and a severe moral transgression. This essay explores the Puritan understanding of adultery and the legal and social implications of their strict definition.

Definition and Scope of Adultery

According to the Hebrew law as understood by the Puritans, adultery was narrowly defined as any form of sexual intercourse between a married or betrothed woman and a man who was not her husband. This encompassed a broad range of behaviors, from premarital or extra-marital affairs to intimate interactions between the aforementioned individuals even if these were not overt acts of sexual intercourse. For the Puritans, the key factor was the violation of marital fidelity and the potential for harm to the family unit.

Moral and Religious Implications

The Puritans viewed adultery through a purely moral and religious lens. They considered it an abominable act that not only violated the sanctity of marriage but also threatened the harmony and stability of society. The Puritans adhered to the belief that marriage was a divine institution, and any act that disturbed this union was a direct affront to God. One of the most influential Puritan texts, The Witchcraft Troubles (1692), reveals that the Puritans believed in the existence of witchcraft and sorcery, which they saw as resulting from unchaste behavior and violations of marital and societal taboos.

Legal Consequences and Social Pressure

The legal implications of adultery were severe and multifaceted. According to Puritan law, an individual found guilty of adultery faced formidable penalties. h? Women convicted of adultery could be subjected to public shaming, fines, or even execution (though the latter was rare and only occurred in extreme cases). For men, the consequences were less severe but still significant, often involving public humiliation, fines, and penalties that affected their standing in the community. These harsh legal measures were designed to deter such acts and to reinforce the strict moral values upheld by the Puritans.

Socially, the repercussions of adultery were even more profound. Adultery was a stain on one's reputation that could affect not only the individual involved but also their entire family. Families of adulterers were often ostracized, and the social stigma could result in long-lasting consequences. The community looked to uphold the moral standards set by the Puritans, and those who flouted these standards faced severe social pressure to repent and be reintegrated into the community.

Societal Norms and Family Dynamics

Puritan society deeply valued marital fidelity and stability. This was reflective of their broader approach to maintaining social order. Marriage was not only a union between two individuals but also a contract between families, and any breach of this contract was viewed as a form of rebellion against the societal norms of the time. The definition of adultery served as a foundational principle in ensuring that family units remained intact and that the moral fabric of Puritan society was maintained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the seventeenth-century Puritans defined and handled adultery with a moral and legal rigor drawn from Hebrew law. Adultery was more than a legal violation; it was a profound sin that challenged the very foundations of family and society. The strict interpretation and harsh consequences reflected the Puritans' deep-seated belief in the sanctity of marriage and their unwavering commitment to upholding societal norms.