17th Century

These events represent some of the major developments in 17th-century Christian history, including religious conflicts, the emergence of new denominations, and the challenges posed by scientific discoveries such as those of Galileo Galilei.

17th Century Christian History

  1. 1609: Founding of the Baptist Church

    • John Smyth founded the first Baptist congregation in Amsterdam, laying the foundation for the Baptist denomination.

  2. 1611: King James Version of the Bible

    • The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible was published in England, becoming one of the most widely read and influential English translations.

  3. 1618-1648: Thirty Years' War

    • The Thirty Years' War, primarily fought in the Holy Roman Empire, was a conflict with deep religious and political dimensions, involving Catholic, Protestant, and secular powers.

  4. 1633: Galileo's Trial

    • Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, was tried by the Roman Catholic Church for supporting the heliocentric model of the universe. He was forced to recant his views.

  5. 1637: Scottish National Covenant

    • The signing of the Scottish National Covenant by Scottish Presbyterians marked a significant event in the ongoing struggle between Presbyterianism and Episcopalianism in Scotland.

  6. 1642-1651: English Civil War

    • The English Civil War had religious and political causes, with the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) opposing the royalist Cavaliers. It resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of a Commonwealth.

  7. 1648-1654: Fronde

    • The Fronde was a series of civil wars in France with political and social roots but also involving tensions between the Catholic monarchy and Protestant Huguenots.

  8. 1654: Quakers Founded

    • George Fox is often considered the founder of the Quaker movement, officially known as the Religious Society of Friends.

  9. 1685: Revocation of the Edict of Nantes

    • King Louis XIV of France revoked the Edict of Nantes, leading to the persecution and expulsion of French Huguenots, who sought religious freedom in other countries.

  10. 1689: Toleration Act in England

    • The Toleration Act of 1689 granted limited religious freedom to non-conformist Protestants in England, although it did not extend to Catholics or non-Christians.

  11. 1692: Salem Witch Trials

    • The Salem witch trials in Massachusetts involved the persecution and execution of people accused of witchcraft, reflecting continued belief in witchcraft in the New World.

  12. 1693: College of William & Mary Founded

    • The College of William & Mary in Virginia was founded, making it the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.


• The Protestant Reformation began in the last century and continues to affect Europe's religious and political life.

• In England, the Puritan Revolution removed King Charles and executed him while attempting to establish a Puritan Commonwealth.

• In France, the Protestant Huguenots rebelled against King Louis XIII.

• 1618-1648 -- In central Europe, the Thirty Years' War brought destruction as Protestants and Catholics vied for power.

• England began to establish colonies in North America, many with the purpose of spreading Christianity or establishing more Biblical Christian governments -- Jamestown begins in 1607, Pilgrims land in 1620, Massachusetts Bay Colony established by Puritans in 1630.

• "King James Version" translation of the English Bible released in 1611; will shape and mold the English language for over three centuries.

• 1633 - Galileo forced by the Inquisition to abjure Copernicus' theories. New scientific studies often pursued by men seeking to learn the ways of their Creator - Johann Kepler, Isaac Newton, Francis Bacon, Robert Boyle.

• 1634 -- the first Oberammergau Passion Play

• Classic works of Christian literature are written: 1667 - John Milton's Paradise Lost; 1670 - Blaise Pascal's Pensees; 1678 - John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

• "Enlightenment" writers question Christianity and seek to base knowledge on human reason--Leibnitz, Hobbes, and Descartes.