I have lots of Puritan ancestry, and am always trying to defend their way of life at the time they lived it. I see the absolute joy for life and belief in God/Jesus and their hope for life eternal in the 17th and 18th century wills I read and transcribe. Fascinating material.
You mentioned Christian Recon - what is that? I am a member of PCUSA, and read the Presby Layman religiously . It's a bit radical for the national church leadership - always quoting scripture, objecting to "tolerance" and "inclusivity," insisting on adherence to Reform principles, etc.