Essay On Roger Williams And John Winthrop

Jennifer White

American Literature

Beginning to 1720

Midterm February 28, 2014

The Contrasting Religious Views of Roger Williams and John Winthrop

From the beginning of the colonization of America, many people have come here seeking religious freedom. They have not all shared the same beliefs. Roger Williams and Puritan leader John Winthrop believe very differently concerning God’s chosen religion, salvation and how it can be achieved, and the role the church should take in government.

Roger Williams and John Winthrop have very different opinions about God’s chosen religion. Williams believes there to be no chosen religion. He writes in,” The Bloody Tenet,” “without search and trial no man attains this faith and right persuasion, 1 Thessalonians 5, Try all things.” (Williams) By this he means to try all religions and find preference in one. He further states,” Having tried, we must hold fast.” (Williams) He means once tried and preferences found, Hold tight to the belief structure found and dive in with both feet as the expression says. John Winthrop is a devout Puritan. The Puritan opinion on the matter is that they are the chosen religion. All others should be forced to follow their belief structure. Such was evident when they attempted to convert the Native Americans to Christianity after settling in America and exiled those who did not follow in their beliefs.

The next item up for discussion is salvation and how it can be achieved. Mr. Williams believes that Christ died for all sinners. He believes salvation is achieved by believing in and following Christ. He writes in his letter to the town of Providence, “All are equal in Christ.” (Williams) We are all God’s children and stand equal in the eyes of Christ. On the other hand...

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...ion and how it can be achieved, and the role the church should take in government. Both are decent, God-fearing men. Together, they contribute to America becoming the country it is today. With the help of others throughout the years, American citizens have the right to believe or not believe whatever they choose. The government does not control those choices or interfere with religious preferences. The government is not controlled by our religious leaders. This is a freedom not shared by other countries. This freedom is but part of what makes America such a wonderful place to call home.

Works Cited

Williams, Roger. The Writings of Roger Williams vol. 3. London, 1866-74.

Winthrop, John. "A Model of Christian Charity." Franklin, Wayne, Phillip F. Gura and Arnold Krupat. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2007. 147-158.