Collegiants

Collegiants were a group of rationalist dissenters in 17th-century England, emerging from the broader context of religious reform and dissent. They sought a more personal, direct relationship with God and emphasized reason and morality over strict adherence to traditional doctrines and rituals. Unlike many Puritans of their time, Collegiants advocated for a more inclusive community, where believers could interpret scripture and faith individually. Their ideas contributed to discussions about religious freedom and the nature of belief, reflecting the diverse spiritual landscape of their era. The movement gradually faded but influenced later liberal religious thought.