BARROWISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Barrowists were a religious group that emerged during the 17th century in England. The term refers to the followers of Henry Barrow, an influential figure in the puritan movement. Barrow was a Puritan separatist and one of the founders of the Congregationalist movement.
The Barrowists believed in a more simplified form of worship, advocating for a separation of church and state and rejecting the hierarchical structure of the Church of England. They emphasized the importance of individual interpretation of scripture and the autonomy of each local congregation.
Barrowists faced severe persecution during their time, as their nonconformist views were considered heretical by the Anglican establishment. They often faced imprisonment and were subject to fines or exile for their beliefs.
The influence of Barrow and the Barrowists in shaping the religious landscape of England cannot be underestimated. Their commitment to congregational autonomy and individual interpretation of scripture laid the foundation for other dissenting movements that emerged in the following centuries, such as the Baptists and the Congregationalists.
Despite their relatively small size, the Barrowists contributed significantly to the development of religious freedom and the idea of the separation of church and state in England. Their legacy can be seen in the ongoing struggle for religious tolerance and the diversity of religious expression in modern society.
Etymology of BARROWISTS
The word "Barrowists" is derived from the name of Henry Barrowe, an English Puritan separatist who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Henry Barrowe, along with John Greenwood, was a prominent figure in advocating for the separation of the Church of England from the influence of the English monarchy. They believed that the Church should be independent and governed by its own religious leaders, without interference from the state.
Barrowe and Greenwood's ideas and writings, promoting the autonomy of the Church, gained them a following of like-minded individuals. Eventually, their followers came to be known as "Barrowists".
The term "Barrowists" was often used as a label by those who opposed their separatist beliefs, rather than a term the group used to identify themselves.
