Roger Williams

Date of Birth: December 21, 1603

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 1, 1683

Biography

Roger Williams was a prominent theologian, religious freedom advocate, and founder of the colony of Rhode Island. Born in London, England, Williams was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he developed a strong belief in the separation of church and state. He emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631, but his radical views on religious tolerance and the relationship between church and government led to his banishment in 1635. Williams then founded the settlement of Providence in 1636, which later became the colony of Rhode Island. He is credited with establishing the first Baptist church in America and was a staunch advocate for the fair treatment of Native Americans.

5 Interesting Facts about Roger Williams

1. Roger Williams was fluent in multiple languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Dutch, and the Native American languages of the tribes he interacted with.

2. He wrote “A Key into the Language of America” in 1643, which was one of the first books to study and document Native American languages and cultures.

3. Williams is considered one of the first proponents of the principle of “soul liberty,” the idea that individuals should be free to follow their own religious convictions.

4. He founded the First Baptist Church in America in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1638.

5. Roger Williams was an early advocate for the abolition of slavery, arguing that enslaving Native Americans and Africans was morally wrong.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roger Williams

1. “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils.”

2. “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.”

3. “No man shall be required to worship or maintain a worship against his will.”

4. “God requireth not a uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state.”

5. “Men’s consciences ought in no sort to be violated, urged, or constrained.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Roger Williams did not amass significant wealth during his lifetime; his focus was on religious freedom and fair treatment of all people rather than personal financial gain.