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Roger Williams

Roger Williams Quotes

Theologian

Roger Williams (1603-1683) was an English theologian and political philosopher, known for his contributions to religious freedom and democratic governance. He is recognized as a pioneer in the development of American constitutional and democratic principles.

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All Christ Men Church Conscience Jesus States World Ifs Magistrates May Soul Worship Body Christian Law Lord People Religious Uniformity Witness

Famous Roger Williams Quotes

“Even if the civil magistrate is so gifted as to prophesy in the church, yet in the sphere of his civil duties he is forbidden to call down fire from heaven, that is, to procure or inflict any corporal punishment upon offenders in religious doctrine or practice, remembering Christ's admonition that He came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them.”

Ifs Men Remember Heaven Christ Church Religious Practice Fire Duty Punishment Doctrine Spheres Gifted Forbidden Offenders Magistrates Admonition Corporal Punishment

Author:Roger Williams

“While I deplored and denounced the incivilities of Quakerism in my day (such as the going naked in public by some at sundry times), my position regarding their religious views was, "They will answer to God, at their own peril, in the great day approaching [that is, the day of divine judgment]."”

Religious Answers Views Position Divine Judgment Naked Peril Great Day Religious Views Incivility

Author:Roger Williams

“An enforced uniformity of religion throughout a nation or civil state, confounds the civil and religious, denies the principles of Christianity and civility, and that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

States Jesus Nations Christ Religious Christianity Principles Jesus Christ Deny Flesh Civility Church And State Separation Of Church And State Uniformity Religious Liberty

Book:On Religious Liberty: Selections from the Works of Roger Williams

Source: On Religious Liberty: Selections from the Works of Roger Williams

“But who is to decide who truly fears the Lord? The magistrate has no power to enforce religious demands. The laws of the First Table of the Ten Commandments are not regulations for a civil society or a political order. They belong to the realm of religion, not politics.”

Firsts Law Political Order Religious Lord Ten Demand Conscience Tables Realms Regulation Commandments Civil Society Ten Commandments Magistrates

Author:Roger Williams