Which aspect of life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony did the Puritans largely emphasize?

The Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony emphasized religious conformity as a fundamental aspect of their society. Their primary goal was to create a community that reflected their strict interpretations of Christianity, and they sought to build a "City upon a Hill," which would serve as a model of piety and moral conduct for others. To achieve this, they implemented policies that enforced conformity to their religious beliefs and practices. This included laws that mandated attendance at church services and regulated behaviors based on their understanding of scripture. Those who deviated from Puritan beliefs often faced social ostracism, fines, or even expulsion from the colony.

In contrast, economic independence, while important, was secondary to their religious mission. The governance in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was heavily influenced by their religious principles, but it was not necessarily simplified; rather, it was designed to support and enforce religious conformity. Additionally, cultural diversity was not a hallmark of the Puritan society; in fact, it was quite the opposite, as the Puritans sought to create a homogenous society centered around their specific religious ideals.