I didn't mean to sound like an a$$hole. You know you are having a boring day at work when you'd rather 'grade' some kids' essay!
I figured the assignment had forced the thesis upon you. What can you do...
There were times when I'd turn in an essay in response to a silly question such as that by writing why the question was fallacious. Of course, I'd get an F.
More generally, though, you could do worse than to go to the library and read some of the writings of the Puritans themselves. (instead of books about them.)
That school of thought truly did attract/produce some of the greatest minds in the Western world -- even if you disagree with their theology.