USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Freedom of religion is a founding principle of American democracy. One of the strongest advocates of this American ideal was Roger Williams. Throughout his life, Williams fought for the idea that religion should not be subject to regulation by the government, but that it should be an individual freedom.

Detailed explanation-2: -Williams came to doubt Puritanism and became a Baptist in 1639, going on to establish the first Baptist church in America. Within a few years, however, Williams refused to follow any specific religion, although he still accepted the basic tenets of Christianity.

Detailed explanation-3: -Roger Williams and his followers settled on Narragansett Bay, where they purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and established a new colony governed by the principles of religious liberty and separation of church and state. Rhode Island became a haven for Baptists, Quakers, Jews and other religious minorities.

Detailed explanation-4: -Liberty of Conscience Then Roger Williams described “liberty” in the modern sense, as the liberty of individuals to make their own choices. He believed people should follow their own liberty of conscience, because spiritual belief can’t be coerced.

Detailed explanation-5: -Roger Williams, (born 1603?, London, England-died January 27/March 15, 1683, Providence, Rhode Island [U.S.]), English colonist in New England, founder of the colony of Rhode Island and pioneer of religious liberty.