John and Roger

Roger and John had many of the same beliefs, but some of their convictions were stronger than each others’ beliefs. Roger believed in what he referred to as “Soul Liberty” during his lifetime. He was also on the cutting edge of human rights. Roger would risk his life rather than submit to the religious authorities that used religion as a way to make people submit.

However, John decided to go along with the religious authorities. Roger challenged the government and state-run churches, saying they had no right to dictate how the people were to worship. He challenged the Christians not to get too comfortable with state religion and to search out God for themselves. He said the state had no authority to impose religion on the people.

Needless to say, Roger was not as popular with religious people during this time as John was. Roger took to task the civil authorities or anyone that allowed themselves to force any religious denomination on the people. He vowed worship was to be the choice of the people, and that there should be a separation of state and religion.

Roger’s belief was not secular, but a strict belief to serve God by God’s covenants, not mankind’s laws. Roger believed there could not be forced conversions to Christianity.

John Cotton was known as the shining star of the religion and state challenges, while Roger was ridiculed and took a stand against Cotton’s theory of the government’s help in the churches. John argued that there must be a hedge between them. Roger was sure that forcing religion would produce hypocrites.

In 1682, Roger died, and no one seemed to acknowledge the loss, yet when John Cotton lay dying many came to sit in respect. Later, a new country looked to the words that Roger had spoken and written to be passed down. Words like “to swear to tell the truth, so help you God” and the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, to name a few.

This minister of God, Roger Williams, and his words influenced men like Thomas Jefferson and, a few years later, set the course for the American Constitution.

How much has Christianity played a key role in this land? To remove true Christianity and its influence will bring about this country’s demise. May we not forget, so help us God!