Baptist Heritage Course 2 - Lesson Three- Obadiah Holmes and Baptist Persecution

Key Moments:

Introduction 00:00

-Pastor Campbell introduces the topic of Baptist persecution in New England and the story of Obadiah Holmes.
-He highlights the significance of understanding this history and the impact it had on religious liberty in America.

Puritan Persecution 19:16

-The Puritans in New England persecuted Baptists and other dissenters who did not conform to their religious beliefs.
-The Puritans believed in a state church and enforced compulsory infant baptism and religious taxes.
-Baptists, like Obadiah Holmes, resisted the Puritan's religious authority and faced severe consequences.

Obadiah Holmes and Baptist Resistance 44:54

-Obadiah Holmes was a Baptist preacher who stood against the Puritan establishment and started a separate Congregational Church.
-He was arrested and imprisoned for his beliefs, and later beaten for refusing to pay fines or admit guilt.
-Holmes showed great courage and faith during his beating, inspiring others to stand firm in their beliefs.

Legacy and Impact 53:50

-The persecution of Obadiah Holmes and other Baptists in New England had a profound impact on religious freedom in America.
-It led to the establishment of Baptist churches and the fight for separation of church and state.
-The story of Obadiah Holmes serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for religious liberty and the sacrifices made by early Baptists.

Conclusion 01:02:19
The video concludes by emphasizing the need to learn from Baptist history and pass on the inspiring stories of those who fought for religious freedom.
It highlights the ongoing relevance of the separation of church and state and the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.