Roger Williams
Definition
Roger Williams was a Puritan minister who founded Rhode Island after being banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for his belief in separation of church and state and religious tolerance.
Analogy
Imagine if you're at a party where everyone is forced to dance to only one song. You believe people should be able to choose their own music, so you leave and start your own party where everyone can play their favorite tunes. That's what Roger Williams did when he started Rhode Island with principles of religious freedom.
Related terms
Rhode Island: A colony founded by Roger Williams as a place for religious freedom after he was expelled from Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Separation of Church and State: The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion.
Religious Tolerance: Acceptance that different people have different beliefs or practices without attempting to change them or suppress them.
"Roger Williams" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- What was the significance of Roger Williams in the New England colonies?
- Which colony was established by Roger Williams following his banishment from Massachusetts for advocating separation of church and state?
Resources
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