Roger Williams (1603–83) was an English-born Baptist minister, theologian, and author who founded Providence Plantations, later the Colony and State of Rhode Island. A champion of religious freedom and church-state separation, he shaped early American principles of liberty.
Born in London, he studied at Cambridge University before emigrating to Massachusetts Bay Colony (1631.) His views on religious tolerance and Native American rights clashed with Puritan leaders, leading to his banishment (1636.) In response, he established Rhode Island as a refuge for dissenters and a model of democratic governance. He built strong ties with Native American tribes, learning their languages and advocating fair treatment. His ideas on religious liberty influenced the Founding Fathers and became central to American democracy.
His most influential works include A Key into the Language of America (1643,) an examination of Native American languages, and The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution (1644,) a defense of religious freedom. Other notable writings include The Bloody Tenent Yet More Bloody (1652) and Experiments of Spiritual Life and Health (1652,) both exploring theological themes.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Roger Williams
The greatest crime in the world is not developing your potential. When you do what you do best, you are helping not only yourself, but the world.
—Roger Williams
Topics: Potential, Crime, Criminals
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