Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul by John M. Barry (Audio)

Barry's work on Roger Williams spans 150 year's time and two continents. He covers a thorough history of the schisms and changes of religious affiliation in England in the period from 1500-1680ish and the journey of Puritans as outsiders, insiders, and leaders. This book was a great supplement to the Teaching Company class I listened to recently on the history of Christianity in the Reformation era. It expands to cover the beginnings of a church/state separation. Edward Coke, about whom I recalled learning nothing in the past, was an attorney and statesman who was in and out of favor, and who brought Williams into his practice as a lad and whose thought influenced Williams greatly.

Though a long listen, it was engaging throughout, and detailed enough to provide insight beyond just the historical facts.

Williams was an original thinker who stood for his convictions and fled England when his nonconformance threatened his life. Initially accepted warmly in America, he eventually alienated the authorities in Massachusetts and Connecticut and was banished. He fled in a deep snow, and sought refuge with various Indian groups, whose languages and leaders he had taken the time to get to know. He believed that the State should have no role in religion and that all religions should be accepted equally. This was tested severely when the Quakers and Ranters came to Rhode Island, but it remained a refuge for those who had been rejected by other colonies.

I got this from the library and finished it as I was driving to Chattanooga to visit my daughters, on 3/21/13.