John Rogers (Fifth Monarchist)

John Rogers (d. 1655) was an English Fifth Monarchist preacher and agitator during the Interregnum. He was a prominent figure in the radical religious and political movements that flourished in England after the English Civil War.

Rogers believed in the imminent arrival of the Fifth Monarchy, a prophesied kingdom of Jesus Christ that would overthrow earthly rule and establish a reign of saints. He saw contemporary events, particularly the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth, as signs of this approaching apocalyptic transformation.

Rogers was known for his fiery and uncompromising preaching style, often delivered to large and enthusiastic crowds. He used biblical prophecy, especially the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, to interpret current affairs and to call for radical social and political change. His sermons frequently criticized the perceived corruption and worldliness of the existing government, even under Oliver Cromwell.

He was considered a dangerous radical by many, including Cromwell's regime, and was imprisoned on several occasions for his seditious preaching. Despite facing persecution, Rogers continued to spread his Fifth Monarchist message, attracting a dedicated following among those who felt disenfranchised and longed for a more just and godly society. He saw the existing Commonwealth government as failing to adequately usher in the Fifth Monarchy.

His apocalyptic pronouncements and calls for direct action contributed to the climate of religious and political ferment that characterized the Interregnum. While his influence waned following his death in 1655, the ideas and passions he championed continued to resonate among some radical religious groups in England. He remains a significant figure in the history of English millenarianism and religious radicalism.