Church, State, and the Forgotten Founder of Religious Freedom

On this episode of The Billy Dees Podcast, Billy welcomes documentary filmmaker Andrew Linn to discuss his film Church and State: Roger Williams and the Founding of Freedom of Religion. The conversation explores one of the most frequently misunderstood concepts in American history—the separation of church and state—and the remarkable story of Roger Williams, a largely forgotten figure whose ideas helped shape religious liberty in the United States.

Linn explains that many Americans mistakenly interpret the separation of church and state as freedom from religion rather than freedom of religion. Through the story of Roger Williams, listeners learn how the founder of Rhode Island challenged the religious authorities of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and advocated for liberty of conscience at a time when dissent could lead to banishment or worse. Williams’ belief that faith could not be compelled by government became a cornerstone of the American experiment and helped establish one of the earliest examples of religious freedom in the world.

The discussion expands beyond history into the modern cultural and political landscape. Billy and Andrew examine the role of religion in public life, the influence of faith on the Founding Fathers, and the ongoing debate over how religious beliefs intersect with politics. They also explore the decline of traditional community institutions, the rise of cultural division, and the challenges of maintaining civil discourse in an increasingly polarized society.

Throughout the interview, Linn argues that understanding the true history behind religious liberty is essential to understanding America itself. Whether listeners are deeply religious, skeptical, or simply interested in history, this episode offers a thought-provoking examination of faith, freedom, and the principles that continue to shape public debate today. It’s a fascinating conversation that encourages listeners to look beyond modern talking points and revisit the historical roots of one of America’s most cherished freedoms.

This is the link to the Church and State Documentary Website where people can find several different ways to stream the Documentary and learn more info about the film. ChurchandStateDoc