Roger Williams Religion In The 1600s

In the 1600’s, when separating one’s self from the established church was a crime worthy of death, a single man dared to challenge centuries worth of beliefs. This man, born in 1603, was known as Roger Williams. Not only is he remembered as being America’s very first rebel, but he is also believed to be responsible for some of our countries founding elements that are still substantial in our current society. As a boy, Williams witnessed the brutality which stemmed from the religious war in Europe. It is believed that it was his witnessing of King James I’s persecution of the Protestants that may have birthed his spirit of religious rebellion. Although he was raised under the influences of the Anglican church by his mother, and even took Anglican

It was here that he founded a colony that we have come to know as Providence, Rhode Island. Here, Williams was able to freely pursue all his goals. To show his intended peace towards the neighboring natives, he bought the land from them rather than simply declaring it as his. Although he would later return to Europe to receive a charter to avoid any disputes with neighboring colonies. He learned native languages in the hopes of communicating with them and forming better relationships with the native peoples. Besides trying to form bonds with the natives, Williams also focused on promoting religious freedom within the colony, and as a result it became a religious sanctuary for those looking to freely practice in peace. Every religion from Baptist, Quakers, Jews, and every other religious minority lived peacefully in Rhode Island. Even other religious rebels such as the well-known Anne Hutchinson sought out sanctuary in his colony. Many saw this as a threat to the old ways, but that didn’t stop Williams from continuing to promote his beliefs. He was a born rebel, and no one could stop him from promoting his