How did Puritanism even manage to become a thing?

[Leucosticte]

Who thought it was a good idea to be a prude who deprives himself of any sexual enjoyment or sexual stimulation, and how did that catch on? I dunno about anyone else, but if it comes to a choice between believing what my genitals tell me is right, and believing some preacher, I know which one I'm going to go with.