Thomas Helwys
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Thomas Helwys
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Religious Freedom Thomas Helwys (1550-1616) is without question the most popular pioneers of the Baptist faith. An early colleague of John Smyth, Helwys joined with other English Separatists in forming The First Baptist Church located in Holland. After a theological division with Smyth, Helwys led what remained of the newly covenanted congregation back to London to face those who had persecuted these Separatists and their families. After establishing the First Baptist Church of England, he boldly pleaded to King James for Religious Liberty. Preparing an autographed copy of his only theological treatise, the Mistery of Iniquity, Helwys challenging the King to grant religious freedom for all faiths. King James, the commissioner of history's most popular Bible, responded by throwing Helwys in London's notorious Newgate prison where Helwys died. In my monologue, I endeavor to bring to life the passion of man who would risk everything for beliefs that many Christians take for granted. In the telling of his story, I challenge others to boldly seek freedom for the sake of Christ.
Helwys Brochure (Cranford) Thomas Helwys: The Baptist Struggle for Religious Liberty (Cranford, posting soon) Additional Research Links: Baptist Cameos - Thomas Helwys | The Reformed Reader Baptist Library Online - The Writings of Thomas Helwys Smyth & Helwys Publishing: From Our Christian Heritage Table of Contents BAPTIST CLASSICS by Walter B. Surden Democracy in the Balance by Bill Moyers Excerpt from the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Awards English Baptist Beginnings: Origins of Baptist Separatism LBA FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions BHHS -- Baptists and Their Theology Religious Freedom, Baptist Perspective SESSION 7: THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION II Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty BaptistBoard.com: What did Historic Baptists believe? Baptist Faith and Message by Thomas Nettles The Baptist Church: An Historical Perspective : Christian Courier |
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