In 1644, Williams published The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution. Historians consider it his most famous work. He wrote Bloudy after arriving in London in midsummer 1643. It was on sale by July 15, 1644. It is a fierce attack on religious and political intolerance in both Old England and New. He advocated for free thought and belief because he felt that punishing those that did not believe was not part of his faith and government should be separate from religion. Roger advocated for a “hedge or wall of Separation between the Garden of the Church and the Wilderness of the world” in order to keep the church pure. His ideas raised questions and challenges but his ideas endured over time.
Book: The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution
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Book: The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution
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Roger Williams argued that government should protect freedom of conscience, not enforce religious belief. Separating church and state protects citizens from persecution while also protecting religion from political corruption.
Subject: Separation of Church and State.
The main philosophical idea taught by Williams, Locke, and Montesquieu was that power needed to be checked, which in turn protects individual liberties. Williams split state and church. Locke established natural rights and split King and Parliament. Montesquieu came along and said let’s split government into three branches of checks and balances.
Flashcard.
What is the freedom to form and follow your own religious and moral beliefs?.
Answer. Freedom of Conscience.
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