The First American

“Enforced uniformity confounds civil and religious liberty and denies the principles of Christianity and civility. No man shall be required to worship or maintain a worship against his will.”

—Roger Williams, theologian


Pastor Roger Williams was a man before his time. While Puritans re-established themselves in the New World, they still wanted to dictate their version of religious practice. In those days, Sunday observance was mandatory. The church ruled. The state enforced the rules. Violators met with severe punishment. 


Touted as “the first American,” Roger Williams defied church rules. “How so?” you might ask. He fully maintained that worship was a personal choice, a freedom. He disputed the Sunday laws and started a protest. Thus, he was ousted from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the dead of winter. 


Roger Williams forged a new era in American history when he put his belief into action. He saw the oppression of the Dark Ages. So he sought to establish liberty of conscience when he founded Rhode Island. 


Many decades later, a British politician—Winston Churchhill—made this comment. “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 


Repeating history because we have forgotten the past is where we are at today. We are a doomed people. Rapidly, Sunday laws are being established. Religious groups are the driving force behind them. Even in American, the land of the free, leaders from many walks of life appeal for a first-day rest. 


A day is swiftly approaching when our freedom to choose when and where we worship will be denied. Where do you stand? Are you willing to labor for freedom while we still can?