The role of Religion in Oliver Cromwell's life was much remarked upon by both his contemporaries and later observers. His belief in God was the guiding influence in everything that he did.

Born in a time when Religion was very important in all areas of life, Cromwell was converted in the 1630's to a Puritan form of religion. He, along with many, believed that certain people formed an elect, chosen by God and marked out for salvation. As one of the elect, Cromwell, along with those who shared his beliefs, dedicated his life to doing what he believed to be God's will.

Cromwell took his military victories as a sign of God's blessing. He is known to have agonised over political decisions for days until sure the course taken was that chosen for him by God. Once decisions had been made, as God's will it made it difficult for Cromwell to change his mind.

Cromwell was also active in the promotion of a more Godly form of life. He insisted a prayer meeting be held before any political assembly where a decision was to be made or before the meetings of Parliament. In the army he promoted the addition of a preacher to each unit of the New Model and the instigation of the Soldiers Bible. This small pocket sized document was designed to encourage soldiers to see the role they played in the Parliamentarian army as a duty to God. It contained appropriate verses about the armies of God from the Bible and a specially written Soldiers Catechism.

However the Puritan community has been seen in a bad light and as a member of this group, although not an extremist, Cromwell has suffered from this negative reputation. The laws instigated in his time as Lord Protector for the reform of morals led to the closing of inns, theatres and other places of entertainment. In
1652 even Christmas was banned when it was seen as being little more than a pagan festival.

The most grievous charge laid at Cromwell's door is that of iconoclasm. A fervent anti-Catholic Cromwell, like most Puritans, had no regard for images of popery. As
religious fervour spread through the army so it became responsible, encouraged by its leaders, for the destruction of Church architecture that was considered to be Popish. This included wall paintings, altar goods of great artistic design, monuments, carvings and statues of the saints and much else besides. Today we have lost much of the best in medieval art because of these extreme views

However Cromwell whilst supportive of these measure was not as extreme as some of his colleagues in the Puritan cause. Much of the blame for the laws reforming morals can be laid at the door of his advisors. The extremes of the iconoclasm movement are also largely attributable to the excesses of the army. By contrast, in his private life, Cromwell is said to have enjoyed music and dancing and to have had a sharp sense of humour.

"I can tell you Sirs what I would not have, though I can not tell you what I would." Cromwell on the Religious settlement.

Cromwell and the Devil