Anabaptist
The term Anabaptist refers to Christians of the Radical Reformation who rejected the teachings of both the Roman Catholic Church and the church reformers during the Protestant Reformation. They were therefore denounced and persecuted by both. The term Anabaptist literally means to "re-baptize."
Anabaptists were known not only for their rejection of infant baptism, which gave them their name, but for their pacifism, and denial of the visible/invisible church distinction. Groups such as the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites are considered decendants of the early Anabaptists.
Pacifism
Pacifism was a key distinguishing feature of the Anabaptist movement. The Schleitheim Confession states "but the weapons of Christians are spiritual, against the fortification of the devil. The worldly are armed with steel and iron, but Christians are armed with the armour of God, with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and with the Word of God." [1]
Resources
- William R. Estep, The Anabaptist Story, Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1975
- Leonard Verduin, The Reformers and their Stepchildren, Baker Books, 1980
See also
External links
- for links scroll on D Schneider blog
- Anabaptist History
- The Anabaptist Story a summary by William R. Estep.