Question

briefly explain a seeming paradox evident in Roger Williams's life and beliefs.

Answer 1

Roger Williams established Rhode Island. [ It was a colony that permitted religious freedom unlike some if its more conservative counterparts such as Massachusetts. Williams was a controversialist who used his Cambridge training in medieval disputation to compose prolix, rhetorical, erudite arguments, supported with biblical and classical allusions and quotations. This style and complex syntax (often rambling, gnarled, and incomplete) is difficult for today's undergraduate to follow. The problem is often compounded by Williams's Puritan theology, formal subject matter, and didactic religious purpose. The selections in this anthology avoid much of Williams's most opaque prose, such as that in his most frequently anthologized tract, The Bloody Tenent. These selections exemplify the logic and structure of Williams's thoughts, and so allow us to appreciate the radical vision and hear the distinctive voice of America's most famous religious dissenter despite our problems with his language. Once students understand that Williams represents an early expression of the American ideals of religious toleration, equal rights, and individual freedom, they are usually willing to make the effort to read his writings. Students admire Williams's rebellion against authority and his argument for individual liberty of conscience. Although they may not understand his religious beliefs, they respect his courage and determination to stand up for what he believed. The satire of so-called "Christians" and "civilization" never fails to amuse students, many of whom see themselves as virtuous pagans. They should be encouraged to speculate on what Williams would think about modern America. Parallels between the Indians' religious beliefs and Christian concepts often surprise students and stimulate discussion of the nature of religion. Williams's apparent toleration of personal religious differences often confuses students because it seems to contradict his radical and extreme Puritanism. ]

Answer 2

thanks so much

Answer 3

Your welcome you know my work doesn't come cheap a medal will do :P @Amare