Roger Williams: America's First Baptist (Religious Freedom in Colonial New England: Part II)

CONTINUED FROM PART i:

Religious Freedom in Colonial New England (Part II)
Roger Williams: America's First Baptist

In the first segment of this lecture, I discussed the culture of religious conformity in the Massachusetts Colony. Roger Williams was the first minister to challenge this culture of conformity, proclaiming that the state did not have the authority to force individuals to worship and that religious belief should be a matter of individual conscience. In this segment, I explore Williams' life, his devotion to religion and personal liberty, and his views on the Church and the State.

I also discuss Roger Williams as America's first Baptist and the significance that the Baptist faith has come to play in American religious life. Today, Baptists are the second largest religious group in the United States, with 15% of Americans professing the Baptist faith. This is no accident, as the Baptist faith, with its historic emphasis on an individual's conscience, is very well suited for the independent American mind.

Williams was exiled from the Massachusetts Colony and went on to found Providence Plantations (today known as Rhode Island) on land that he purchased from the Indians. Today, Roger Williams is an icon for American religious liberty as we know it today.

The next segment of this lecture will focus on Anne Hutchinson.

Sound Credit

Air Horn: Mike Koenig

[Falkenroth]

Roger Williams is my 9th great grandfather. Thanks for making the video.

[kruka]

I teach Social Studies in Poland in what is called "Innovative class". I lived in the U.S. for 13 years so the American history themes are important to me but it is much more difficult to introduce them to young learners of Polish nationality. I often listen to your lectures - Your passion for the subject paired with clear guidance through the topic inspire me to deliver better class experience. Thanx Tom!

[cheyanne]

I just found out from my grandmother the other day that Roger Williams is one of my great grandfathers. I’m trying to learn about him as much as possible since I’ve never really known anything about any of my other ancestors.

[michaelhall]

Great Baptist history lesson, Tom! I was raised Baptist myself but never really knew the history or how it was tired to the Founding Fathers. We need a movie or a youtube series at least🙏

[auntiedee]

I'm up to reposting Roger Williams material 3+ times/year. Now I just repost your video. It just really is the best, most concise, most accessible resource, I've been able to find. These are some of our founding arguments. You've helped me understand them better. Thank you so much for all your work. This is just my favorite one 😁

[rogermetzger]

I’ve never been accused of being either baptist or LdS (Mormon) but you seemed to imply that Mormonism is a logical progression from the thinking of Roger Williams. I’d like to point out one major difference. Whereas Roger Williams considered most people to be intelligent enough to form their own opinions about religious beliefs, religious practices and religious prohibitions, Joseph Smith was all about offering people a “package deal” based on the premise that he had special revelation and that, therefore, people should base their religious beliefs, their religious practices and their religious prohibitions on what he taught them.

[mykey]

Roger Williams is my 10th great grandfather. Such an interesting person. My 3 month old's middle name is Roger! So cool.

[sjmooney]

Just found out Roger Williams is my 9x’s great grandfather! Your video is so informative! Thank you for shedding light on such fantastic individuals.

[haiden]

I am writing a paper on this topic and this was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[carolinapadful]

AWWWW “ dad i love you” mug was adorable

[katewestcottvt]

My 9th great grandfather was Stukely Westcott, friend and follower of Roger Williams. I am very interested in the role of religion in history, and particularly in the history of my family ~ thanks for all your info.

[baddog]

Great video. Helped me understand the real REASON my 11th great grandfather came to Plymouth in 1632 as a separatist and then later was a founder of Eastham MA Cape Cod and later a founder of the Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ. He wanted a “direct” and personal relationship with God.

[mcbalz]

TOM! I swear I'm not stalking you. My students are reading Williams' Bloudy Tenent on Friday. I'm assigning this video to them. So nice to see your handsome face here on the Tube.

[relentlesseducator]

R Dub is the most underrated American historical figure by far

[dawnwilliams]

Love this! Dawn Williams …. Granddaughter

[herbofallon]

Roger Williams, the Founder of the first Baptist Church in 1638, later gave up his ministry because he came to realize that the true Church of Jesus Christ was not then on the earth. Basically, he said, At this time, there is no regularly constituted Church on the earth, nor will there be until new Apostles are sent by the Head of the Church, for whose coming I am seeking.
Those new Apostles were sent by God and Christ in 1835, after God and Jesus Christ personally appeared to 14-year-old Joseph Smith in 1820. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s one, true Church on the earth, the same Church of Jesus Christ that the Savior organized 2000 years ago, but which fell away within several hundred years, and necessitated God and Christ Restoring it in the latter days.

[doomerquiet]

Patience and prudence are two of the daughters of the interpreter in pilgrims progress

[Dream-bebe]

Liberty of conscience 😊what a great idea 💡!

[TheLiterateLyoness]

Roger Williams is also my 9th great grandfather, @Falconroth

[cke]

Also, Roger left his Church 6 months after he founded it. Chaddus Brown(e) took over his position