Roger Williams
The Founding of Rhode Island
Roger Williams!
The Puritans were "all about" individual interpretation of the Bible. BUT this was a double-edged sword because that individual interpretation was at the core of Puritanism's fragmentation.
Roger Williams arrived in Massachusetts in 1631 and he almost immediately began to "insist that congregations withdraw from the Church of England and that church and state be separated."
Williams believed that people should be allowed to "follow their consciences"
Puritans believed: "social fabric was held together by certain religious truths which couldn't be questioned."
Williams believed: law-abiding citizens should be allowed to practice any religion that he/she chose; to do otherwise was to violate the "principle that genuine religious faith is voluntary." (Foner)
Roger Williams
Minister who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1631. Banished from the colony in 1636. Moved to the south and established the Rhode Island Colony. Formed an amicable relationship with the Narragansetts.
Rhode Island Colony
Eventually received a charter from London. Became a "beacon of religious freedom." No established church, no religious qualifications for voting until the 18th century, no requirement to attend church. Haven for Dissenters (Protestants who belonged to any church other than the Anglican Church.)
Hartford and New Haven--Settled by Dissenters
1636: Reverend Thomas Hooker-settlement at Hartford--modeled on Massachusetts, BUT men didn't have to be members of the church to vote!
New Haven: settled 1638--emigrants who wanted a closer connection between church and state
*These two communities would become the Connecticut Colony.
https://youtu.be/deKlXQiwaow