The Puritans
1)
What is the difference
between natural liberty and civil liberty? Why does Winthrop
Natural liberty is the freedom to do whatever one pleases
without concern towards anyone but themselves.
There is no maximum limit on their conscious form; man can perform good
or evil without recourse. John Winthrop
stated this form of liberty, “…makes men grow more evil and in time to be worse
than brute beasts.”, whereas, civil liberty is concerned with the well being of
the community and those within it to attain its highest potential.
2) How effective is Williams' argument for the separation of church and state? Does the separation of the two sever the bond that sustains the community as
Roger Williams’ reflection on the separation of church and
state has had a effective result in American History as it’s not practiced in
today’s government. John Winthrop upheld
that people incorporate God in every aspect of their life, that there can be no
separation between church and state. He
ascertained that one complimented another, the church rewards, the state
punishes and vice versa both working hand in hand to provide the optimal
state. The separation of both, according
to Williams would still maintain an optimal state without the church influence,
providing for a free religious society to this day have been utilized in the
United States. What could substitute for
religion (church) to work with state is the law. Irrevocably, without laws to maintain
government, state will fall.
3) What aspects of the Christian religion make it democratic?
An aspect of the Christian religion that makes it
democratic is the belief in the rights for individuals. Christian followers look up to God, an unseen
individual who extols what is “right” or “wrong” and delivers punishment and
rewards, the same can be said for a democratic state.
Interpretation
“…Magistrates sin grievously against the
work of God and blood of souls by such proceedings.”
I interpret this quote as when state and
religion is utilized together the way it is interpreted by government officials
is not what God’s word intended it to be.
To be used to employ harsh punishment based on religious narrowing.
Work Cited
Williams, Roger The Bloody Tenet of Persecution for Caused
of Conscience (1644)
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