What drove th willingness for aggressive punishments for minor crimes in purtian society?

In Puritan society, the willingness for aggressive punishments for minor crimes was driven by a strict interpretation of religious doctrine and the desire to maintain social order. The Puritans believed in the concept of original sin and saw human nature as inherently flawed, necessitating harsh measures to deter wrongdoing and uphold community standards. Additionally, the emphasis on collective morality and the fear of moral decay led to a more punitive approach to minor offenses, as any deviation from societal norms was viewed as a threat to the entire community.