Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation
For decades in the United States groups of ego-centered religionists have been demanding that their brand of religion be jammed into the mechanism of national government. None of those holy howlers seem to be aware that the call for church/state separation was originally championed by a truth-seeking religionist. That man was Roger Williams who fled England in 1631 to put down roots in the “new world” where he hoped to worship God in his chosen way (Calvinist-Puritan). Earlier, in 1630, one thousand persons under the leadership of John Winthrop had established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in an effort to distance themselves from the tyranny of the crown, which they regarded as practicing corruption through supervision of the Church of England. Williams, with his family in tow, arrived in Boston in February of 1631.
The form of faith which Williams hoped to find available in the Massachusetts Bay Colony did not measure up to his idea of proper spiritual conduct. He was appalled that the people of the Boston congregation had never publicly declared their repentance for their former communion with the Church of England. He therefore took his spiritual opinions to Salem where he had obtained a pastorate position. But there, too, Williams soon alienated the civil authorities by daring to accuse them of exceeding their proper jurisdiction in their inflicting of punishment on those who broke the rules for observing the Sabbath. Such conduct, Williams declared, was a violation of ecclesiastical authority. The civil authorities were not amused, and promptly expelled Williams, and he sought refuge in Plymouth. Christian charity and forgiveness struggled to assert itself in Salem, however, and Williams was grudgingly permitted to return to Salem in 1633.
Ah, but Williams’ spiritual conviction (or maybe it was ego) had not softened. To his credit Williams acknowledged the equality of spirit before God which is within everyone, and that democratic perspective of fairness toward others led to serious conflict with the Massachusetts Bay government. William dared to question the validity of the Massachusetts Bay charter under which the colonial authorities had taken possession of the land of the Indians without giving any form of compensation. Williams also noted that the colonists had an authoritarian practice of faith imposed upon them that was much like the tyrannical imposition from which the colonists had fled England. This assessment caused the government piety to hit the fan in 1635 and Williams was banished from Massachusetts by the order of the General Court and warned that he would be deported to England if he continued his disruptive behavior.
Williams apparently said to himself the Puritan equivalent of WTF, and with a few devoted friends took off in midwinter for Narragansett Bay where, in 1636, he purchased land from the local Indian chiefs, and founded Providence, Rhode Island. The government that he then established was founded on complete religious toleration. Along this spiritual journey, Williams had embraced the belief in submersion baptism, and in 1639 was himself baptized and then baptized others. Thus was founded the first Baptist church in the colonies. But Williams continued to be spiritually frustrated, and doubt crept upon him over the validity of his own baptism, which agitated him to the point that he withdrew from the church that he had founded! He did not, however, waver in his basic Christian principles.
Through the following years Williams would journey twice to England; first in 1643 to obtain from the crown a charter for the Providence Plantations in Narragansett Bay. By this time the theocratic governing body in Massachusetts looked upon Rhode Island as infected with spiritual pestilence and proceeded to march through Providence and by force of arms seize what is now Warwick. Only the English Parliament, which supported Massachusetts, could stop the power play, and England itself was in a civil war because of the state-controlled Church of England. Religious freedom was not understood intellectually, and Christians in England slaughtered other Christians simply because they chose to worship differently. But somehow Williams managed to procure legal charter from Parliament, and it confirmed to him the wisdom of keeping church and state separate.
The second journey to England was in October 1652, again to seek renewal of colony charter. By that time King Charles II ruled over England, and the king confirmed Rhode Island’s charter. Notable in the king’s approval of the colony charter was the affirmation that no person was to be “molested, punished, disquieted, or called in question, for any differences in opinion in matters of religion.” Wisdom was beginning to evolve. During both sojourns in England, Williams wrote a number of dissertations, notable among them was a treatise on the nature and jurisdiction of civil government entitled The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution for Cause Of Conscience Discussed (Old English spelling).
After Williams returned to Rhode Island in 1654, he was elected president of the colony, and served in that capacity until 1657. During his presidency, in 1656, heavy persecution of the Society of Friends, better known as Quakers, in Boston had resulted in Quakers seeking refuge in Rhode Island. Williams had always remained steadfast in his guiding principle of religious tolerance, and he refused to persecute the refugees. In Williams’ view, the state could not prevent error in religious interpretations of God’s laws, and by the same measure, religious dogmatists (with their tendency to err) could not be expected to reliably direct tolerant workings of government policies over the wide diversity of people which God had fashioned.
It is interesting to note that in the later part of his life Williams accepted that institutions which were formulated by faith systems did not really function as expressions of God’s will. It seemed to him that it was only within each individual’s personal essence that life’s higher potential could be achieved. During the remainder of his life Roger Williams, a former pastor, continued to advocate separation of church and state; but he was never again a member of any self-serving church.
Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog 
February 2, 2013 at 9:33 am
… [Trackback]…
[…] Read More: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 2, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful information specifically the closing phase 🙂 I deal with such info much.
I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
February 5, 2013 at 10:48 am
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post truly made my day. You can not imagine
just how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
February 9, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Aliens Colonial Marines Download FULL VERSION + Crack + Keygen!…
[…]Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation « Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog[…]…
February 13, 2013 at 6:29 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Here you can find 82134 additional Informations: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 15, 2013 at 2:14 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about serphawk. Regards
February 15, 2013 at 9:59 pm
I simply couldn’t go away your website before suggesting that I really loved the standard information a person supply on your guests? Is gonna be again regularly to inspect new posts
February 16, 2013 at 2:17 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Here you can find 98663 additional Informations: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 17, 2013 at 5:29 am
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire
in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to
your augment and even I achievement you access consistently
quickly.
February 17, 2013 at 7:01 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Find More on: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 17, 2013 at 9:51 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Informations on that Topic: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 18, 2013 at 10:09 pm
I simply want to tell you that I am beginner to blogging and site-building and really enjoyed you’re web-site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely come with tremendous posts. Bless you for sharing your website.
February 18, 2013 at 11:42 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Informations on that Topic: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 19, 2013 at 2:20 am
… [Trackback]…
[…] Infos to that Topic: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 19, 2013 at 8:59 pm
thank you again! lista de emails
February 20, 2013 at 3:24 am
… [Trackback]…
[…] Find More: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 20, 2013 at 3:57 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Read More: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 21, 2013 at 8:02 am
I really like your writing style, superb info , regards for putting up : D.
February 22, 2013 at 1:37 am
Very nice style and wonderful subject material , nothing at all else we require : D.
February 23, 2013 at 4:34 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Read More Infos here: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 24, 2013 at 12:24 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Find More Informations here: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 24, 2013 at 10:40 pm
I think this site has very superb written content material articles.
February 25, 2013 at 4:57 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Informations on that Topic: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 26, 2013 at 6:54 am
… [Trackback]…
[…] Find More: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 26, 2013 at 2:15 pm
… [Trackback]…
[…] Read More Infos here: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 27, 2013 at 2:45 am
… [Trackback]…
[…] Find More Informations here: timeframesandtaboodata.com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ […]…
February 27, 2013 at 6:23 am
I really like your writing style, wonderful info , appreciate it for posting : D.
February 27, 2013 at 11:21 pm
helpful resources…
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog…
March 2, 2013 at 5:22 am
I simply want to tell you that I’m new to weblog and honestly enjoyed this web-site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You amazingly come with wonderful well written articles. Cheers for revealing your web-site.
March 2, 2013 at 10:35 pm
As I web site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling wonderful , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck. backlink software http://backlink2013.overblog.com/
March 4, 2013 at 4:18 am
wow! thanks for that incredible report. I actually loved it into the main. Hope you keep submitting this sort of awesome articles or blog posts
March 22, 2013 at 9:47 pm
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this site and give it a look regularly.
April 29, 2013 at 1:46 am
Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the net the easiest thing to take note of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst other folks think about concerns that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the entire thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
May 5, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Due to this blog I made a decision to start writing.
May 27, 2013 at 12:25 am
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
amend your web site, how can i subscribe for
a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable
deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
June 5, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates.
June 5, 2013 at 8:23 pm
I use twitter only for political protests.
June 7, 2013 at 6:43 pm
I’m starting up a new online blog directory and was wondering if I can submit your blog? I’m trying
to increase my directory slowly by hand so that it retains top quality.
I’ll make sure and put your website in the proper category and I’ll additionally use, “Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog” as your anchor text.
June 17, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Sorry for the delay in answering; there is a stack of comments to wade through. A directory sounds like an A-one idea. More power to you.
June 7, 2013 at 11:23 pm
We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with useful info to work on. You have performed an
impressive task and our whole group will likely be thankful to you.
June 9, 2013 at 3:21 pm
Hello there! My name is Elisha and I just desired to
say your blog website rocks! It truly is surprising simply because I use to have a website that virtually had an identical website url: http://timeframesandtaboodata.
com/2013/02/01/colonial-activist-for-church-state-separation/ mine was only a few characters different.
Anyhow, I’m a big supporter of your blogging site and if you at any time want a guest post make sure you email me personally at: elishatalbert@gmail.com. I take pleasure in writing!
June 13, 2013 at 4:00 am
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging?
You make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content!
June 17, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Been a weblog nut for over five years. Thanks for reading.
June 13, 2013 at 4:31 am
I blog often and I really thank you for your content.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your website and keep
checking for new details about once per week.
I opted in for your RSS feed too.
June 19, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
July 1, 2013 at 5:07 am
Hi there, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s really fine, keep up writing.
July 1, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I am really inspired along with your writing skills and also with the structure on your weblog.
Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it your
self? Either way stay up the nice high quality
writing, it is uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays.
.
July 12, 2013 at 8:08 am
Hi! I just noticed your site: Colonial Activist
for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog when I was surfing around digg.
com. It looks as though someone enjoyed your website so much
they decided to bookmark it. I’ll positively be coming back here more often.
July 15, 2013 at 5:22 am
Write more, thats all I have to say. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your
intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
July 15, 2013 at 9:58 pm
What videos??? There has never been a video on this website. Anyway, thanks, I guess. ?
October 15, 2013 at 5:13 am
What’s up, I wish for to subscribe for this blog to obtain
most recent updates, therefore where can i do it please help.
February 8, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Note: For more on government corruption, understand the deeply
revealing reports from reliable major media sources available
here. You’ll observe that Apple has allocated the link a default password which can be shon with this screen too.
Many VPN services aare longstanding members with the online
community.
February 10, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Hurrah! In the end I got a webpage from where I be capable of really get useful data
concerning my study and knowledge.
March 13, 2014 at 8:00 am
Hiya, simply turned into conscious of your blog by way of Bing, and located it’s most informative. I’ll appreciate you continuing this kind of work in the future. Many individuals may be helped from your creating. All the best!
March 16, 2014 at 5:05 am
I like this web site because so much vital material on here.
March 18, 2014 at 9:15 am
I discovered exactly what I was looking for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have
a great day.
March 22, 2014 at 11:35 am
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the
best blogs on the internet. I most certainly will highly recommend
this web site!
March 22, 2014 at 6:40 pm
Cool sites
[…]we came across a nice page that you might enjoy. Check it out[…]…
March 26, 2014 at 7:37 am
Heya i’m for the primary time hеre. I found this board and find It гeally սseful & іt
helped me oսt a lot. ӏ hope to pгesent something agаin and help othеrs such as you helped
me.
March 26, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and come
back. I want to encourage you to continue your
great posts!
April 11, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Admiring thе persistence уou put into your website ɑnd іn depth iոformation yyou pгesent.
Ιt’s nice tօ сome acroѕs a blog evеry оnce in a while tҺаt isn’t tɦe samе old rehashed material.
Wonderful read! І’ve saved уour site ɑnd
I’m including уour RSS feeds to my Google account.
April 28, 2014 at 9:24 am
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished
to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you
write again very soon!
July 2, 2014 at 4:51 am
Continue
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
July 18, 2014 at 8:11 am
Your style is very unique compared to other people I have read.
Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this web site.
July 23, 2014 at 5:18 pm
just click the following web page
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
July 27, 2014 at 4:48 am
I got this website from my pal who shared with me about this site and
at the moment this time I am browsing this web site and
reading very informative posts here.
July 30, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Admiring the hard work you put into your website and in depth information you
provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t
the same out of date rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
July 30, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,
I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely
will come back. I want to encourage you to continue your
great writing, have a nice afternoon!
August 14, 2014 at 8:43 am
I’ve read several excellent things here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how you create this kind of wonderful informative site.
August 18, 2014 at 6:10 pm
This is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of extra of youhr fantastic post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
August 22, 2014 at 3:46 am
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blog’s really nice,
keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
Cheers
September 1, 2014 at 2:55 am
You are so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read through something like
that before. So nice to discover another person with genuine
thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up.
This website is something that is required on the internet, someone with a little
originality!
September 5, 2014 at 5:51 am
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it,
you happen to be a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later on. I
want to encourage you continue your great writing, have a nice
evening!
September 9, 2014 at 2:20 am
best skin care products
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
September 9, 2014 at 3:18 am
vegan diet
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
September 9, 2014 at 10:19 am
Happy BidDay Review
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
November 17, 2014 at 11:07 pm
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info.
I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
November 26, 2014 at 8:30 am
I am in fact grateful to the owner of this web site who has shared this
fantastic paragraph at at this time.
February 17, 2015 at 4:55 pm
instrata
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
February 28, 2015 at 12:23 pm
click here!
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
February 28, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Read More At this website
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog
March 12, 2015 at 3:47 pm
criminal attorneys
Colonial Activist for Church-State Separation | Time Frames and Taboo Data Blog