Anabaptism emerged during the 16th-century Radical Reformation, advocating believer's baptism and separation of church and state. The Schleitheim Confession outlined its core beliefs amidst persecution. Despite the controversial Munster Rebellion, Anabaptist principles like nonviolence and community living influenced groups such as the Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites, leaving a lasting legacy in Christianity.
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Anabaptism emerged from the Radical Reformation in the 16th century, distinct from the broader Protestant Reformation
Shared beliefs
Anabaptism was not founded by a single individual, but rather evolved from various reform-minded Christians who shared common beliefs
Anabaptists believe in the practice of believer's baptism, which asserts that only adults who have made a personal confession of faith should be baptized
Anabaptists are known for their commitment to the authority of Scripture
Anabaptists believe in nonviolence and reject the use of force
Anabaptists advocate for the separation of church and state
Anabaptists faced severe persecution from both the Roman Catholic Church and the magisterial Protestant reformers
The Schleitheim Confession, written in 1527, articulated key Anabaptist beliefs during a time of intense persecution
The Munster Rebellion of 1534-1535, a radical and atypical episode in Anabaptist history, led to increased persecution of Anabaptists
Militant Anabaptists seizing control of Munster
A group of militant Anabaptists attempted to establish a communal theocracy by seizing control of the German city of Munster
Justification for execution of Anabaptists
The execution of Anabaptists was often justified by theologians such as Philip Melanchthon, who endorsed the use of capital punishment against them
Anabaptism had a lasting impact on the Christian tradition, emphasizing a return to New Testament practices and ecclesiology
Anabaptist thought persisted and diversified into various branches, including the Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites
Many Anabaptist practices, once deemed heretical, are now recognized as valid expressions of faith, with adult baptism and scriptural centrality being embraced by numerous Christian denominations
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The ______ movement, which is separate from the broader Protestant Reformation, emerged in the ______ century during the Radical Reformation.
Anabaptism
16th
01
Anabaptists believe that baptism should be reserved for ______ who can consciously declare their faith, a practice known as ______ baptism.
adults
believer's
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Schleitheim Confession Date and Author
Written in 1527 by Michael Sattler.
