Life and Values of Roger Williams

To the Editor:

What we can learn from the life and values of Roger Williams
May 4, 2018  

To the Editor:

I have found that more people in Rhode Island know the stories about Jebediah Springfield, the founder of the fictional “Springfield” of the Simpson’s Show than the story and life of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island.

Last summer I researched and created a children’s presentation about the importance of the Burning of the Gaspee and the life and accomplishments of Roger Williams in the history of not just of Rhode Island but the United States.

In fact, let this be a clarion call that this has to be changed.  It is time to bring Roger Williams into our discussions, our hopes and our dreams for our state.  Why?

Roger Williams, when he was young, was discovered by the leading jurist of England, Edmund Coke, and he was a engaged as a stenographer for the Court.  Coke sent Roger to the best schools.  By the time he sailed to America, he spoke five languages. (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Dutch).  Once in America, he learned Narragansett. In 1643, Williams wrote the first translation of an Indian language by a European with a brilliant discussion of Indian life and values.  The Key to Language is still in print today.  Oliver Cromwell was his cousin, and helped Roger to get the book published, and he helped Rhode Island to get our first Charter, called a Patent.

Need more? With Richard Clarke, he founded the Baptist Church in America.

More? He was the architect of the Separation of Church and State, and for that, he needs to be known by all Americans.  Without his work, we would not have that separation.  

One more:  In The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution, for Cause of Conscience, Williams wrote one of most profound explanations of why Christians cannot harm others due to religious beliefs.

I could write more, but Letters to Editors have limited space.  You can see more and comment at: Roger Williams: An American Hero: https://rogerwilliamsamericanhero.blogspot.com

Thank you,

Marc Kohler

Mr. Kohler resides in East Providence.  He works as a face painter, puppeteer, storyteller, and children’s arts workshops.