Anabaptism

Anabaptism is a Christian movement that emerged during the Radical Reformation in the 16th century.

The term "Anabaptist" comes from Neo-Latin and Greek roots meaning "re-baptizer." This name was often used as a label by those who opposed the movement. Because it was used to criticize them, many modern German speakers prefer the more neutral term "Baptizers." In English, the name Anabaptist is still used to distinguish these groups from the Baptists. Many followers prefer to call themselves "Brethren in Christ" or the "Church of God."

The core of Anabaptist belief is the practice of believer's baptism. This is the idea that baptism is only valid when a person makes a free choice. They believe a candidate must first repent and confess their faith in Christ. Because infants cannot make a conscious decision to repent, Anabaptists view infant baptism as invalid. They believe the New Testament requires this sequence of repenting before being baptized. This stance set them apart from the major religious institutions of their time.

To organize their shared ideas, early Anabaptists created formal statements of faith. The most significant of these was the Schleitheim Confession, written in 1527. Michael Sattler was an author of this document. Shortly after its creation, Sattler was arrested and executed. While Anabaptist groups vary widely in their specific customs, the Schleitheim Confession remains a foundational text. It helped define the theological boundaries of the movement during a period of great change.

Anabaptists often follow a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew. This teaching guides many of their social and political views. They emphasize non-violence and refuse to participate in military actions or the use of force. Many also decline to take oaths or hold positions in civil government. They view themselves primarily as citizens of the kingdom of God rather than earthly nations. This commitment to nonconformity often put them at odds with local governments.

Because their interpretations of scripture differed from official state churches, Anabaptists faced heavy persecution. Both Roman Catholics and Magisterial Protestants often opposed them. They were never established as a state religion and lacked official privileges. Some groups, like those involved in the Münster Rebellion, took more radical paths. However, many historians and groups like the Amish consider such radical elements to be outside the main movement. Most Anabaptists focused on peaceful living and personal piety.

Historians debate how exactly the movement began. One theory is monogenesis, which suggests it started in a single place. Many scholars believe it began in Zürich on January 21, 1525. On this date, Conrad Grebel baptized George Blaurock, who then baptized others. Another theory is polygenesis, which suggests the movement grew from several independent sources. Some researchers argue it developed through separate groups in South Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Today, the movement has many different branches and levels of tradition. The Amish, Hutterites, and Mennonites are direct descendants of the early movement. Some groups are categorized as "Old Order," such as the Old Order Amish or Old Order Mennonites. These groups follow very traditional ways of life. Other "Conservative" groups, like the Beachy Amish, use some modern technology while keeping traditional theology.

All these groups remain connected by their shared historical roots and core theological ideas.