Early Nonconformists
During the Commonwealth, these radical ideas found expression in sects such as the Ranters and Diggers, who favoured an approach to worship more akin to modern street preachers. Services were no longer reliant on the symbolism of the building in which it was held, which meant any secular space was available - the congregation could be as large as the room in which it met. They even met outdoors, if necessary.
'... the period did pave the way ... for preaching- and gospel-based religions...'
Consequently Nonconformist chapels were built along functional rather than symbolic lines, resembling secular meeting rooms rather than churches. Classical styles of architecture, which did not have the strong connotations of popery associated with Gothic, were particularly favoured. Galleries were provided so that as many people as possible could be accommodated, and towers were rarely, if ever, used, as bell ringing was not a part of Puritan worship.
The very extreme Protestants such as the Ranters and Diggers eventually proved unpalatable to the post-Civil War regime because of their implied rejection of state control. But the period did pave the way, later in the 17th and 18th centuries for preaching- and gospel-based religions, such as the Society of Friends (Quakers), Plymouth Brethren and Unitarians. In effect, they were the pioneers of secular religion, using non-ecclesiastical places to conduct worship.
Published: 2005-02-07
