Antinomian Controversy

The Antinomian Controversy was a religious debate in early 17th-century Massachusetts about whether once someone has experienced God's grace and been saved, they are free from following moral laws and church rules. Some believed that faith alone was enough for salvation, which could lead to ignoring moral conduct, while others insisted that genuine faith should be reflected in a moral life and obedience to church standards. This disagreement challenged the authority of church leaders and the moral order of the community, sparking tensions over religious liberty and communal discipline.