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The Creation Of The American Soul: Roger Williams And The Birth Of Liberty (2012)

by John M. Barry(Favorite Author)

4.23 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0715644246 (ISBN13: 9780715644249)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Gerald Duckworth & Company

review 1: A fascinating and in-depth study of how the theology and political theory of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island and of the First Baptist Church in America, helped to shape the political and religious questions that drive American ideas to this day.Barry provides a comprehensive look at the tumultuous times in England and its colonies which forged Williams' unique outlook. He leads the reader through the rivalry of Francis Bacon and Edward Coke (Williams was Coke's protégé but ultimately adopted many of Bacon's ideas, as well), a short history of the English Reformation, the troubled reigns of James I and Charles I, and the foundation of English colonies in the New World. He gives careful detail to Williams' life and writings in England, America, and back in Englan... mored again. Baptists like me, who love to claim Williams, are properly reminded that he was a Baptist for a very short season indeed before declaring himself a Seeker and leaving organized religion all together.Barry does a good job of supporting his thesis that it is Williams who is responsible for the separation of church and state in America and wherever else in the world it has flourished. Williams' notion of "soul liberty" informed Milton, Locke, and early English Baptists Smythe and Helwys.
review 2: This is a compelling work on the life of the founder of the state of RI. The prose of the writer keeps the reader raptly engaged. The author reveals Williams' relationships with Sir Edward Coke (pronounced Cook) and Sir Francis Bacon - two men in opposition, yet one taught Williams a respect for Common Law, and the other the Scientific Method, both were needed in the founding of the first place on earth in the 17th century where freedom of religion and freedom of speech were allowed to exist and flourish. Today's Christian thinkers will side with Williams in his battles with the more brutal demagogues of Salem, Boston and Plymouth. He was the first to evangelize the Indian, quickly learning their languages, and the first to truly befriend them. Today's more libertarian leaning thinkers will also appreciate the man and what he accomplished and at what great odds. RI Governor Lincoln Chafee makes frequent reference to Roger Williams, but he doesn't know a wit about the man who would likely scare the daylights out of Chafee if they ever met. Highly recommended and especially to those from RI. But also to those who refer to Jefferson and others about the concept of separation of church and state whose real origin began with Williams. There is no doubt Williams influenced Locke, as he also influenced Jefferson and other respecters of freedom, in their time, all of whom contributed to the founding of our great nation. If it is to survive, more people need to understand its roots of origin. less

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