Final answer:
Separatists, like the Pilgrims of Plymouth, wanted to completely separate from the Church of England due to their belief that it was beyond reform. Puritans, like those in Massachusetts Bay, sought to reform and purify the Church of England from within. Both groups were part of the Calvinist movement, stressing different approaches to their shared religious convictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a Separtist and a Puritan is primarily based on their beliefs regarding the Church of England. A Separatist wanted to completely break away from the Church of England, while a Puritan wanted to reform the church from within. Specifically, the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay sought to purify the Church of England of its Catholic practices without breaking away. In contrast, the Pilgrims of Plymouth, who were Separatists, believed the Church of England was beyond reform and thus, they separated completely, establishing their own church.
When discussing the Puritans and Separatists, it is important to note that both groups were Calvinists who wished to carry John Calvin's theological ideas to their conclusions. However, they diverged on how to handle the perceived corruption within the Church of England. The Puritans aimed for reform, while the Separatist Pilgrims chose to establish an entirely new church. This culminated in the Pilgrims immigrating to Holland and eventually to America, where they founded the Plymouth Colony and signed the Mayflower Compact, thus emphasizing their commitment to a separate religious community.