Although a number of Baptists refused to support the Patriot cause, most Baptists agreed with Furman that the Patriots’ grievances against Britain were compelling. The Separate Baptists of Virginia declared in 1775 that although they had many religious differences with their fellow Americans, they shared the same political cause of liberty. They advised “military resistance against Great Britain in her unjust invasion, tyrannical oppression, and repeated hostilities.” The Philadelphia Association took a more muted tone, worrying over the “awful impending calamities” of war and recommending
...more
