What does “Anabaptist” mean?
The word Anabaptist comes from the Greek prefix ana (“again”) and baptizo (“to baptize”). It literally means “rebaptizer.”
Ironically, the Anabaptists themselves rejected that label. They argued they were not being baptized again, because they believed infant baptism was not a true biblical baptism in the first place.
Historical Background
The Anabaptist movement began in 1525 during the Protestant Reformation.
At the time there were essentially three major groups:
- Roman Catholics
- The Magisterial Reformers (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli)
- The Radical Reformers (the Anabaptists)
The Anabaptists believed that Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli had not gone far enough in reforming the church. They wanted to return completely to the pattern of the New Testament church.
Their Major Beliefs
1. Believer’s Baptism
This is their best-known doctrine.
They believed baptism should only be administered to someone who:
- has personally trusted Christ
- has repented
- understands the gospel
- voluntarily chooses baptism
Therefore they rejected infant baptism.
This belief later became one of the defining beliefs of Baptist churches as well.
2. A Believers’ Church
They believed the church should consist only of genuine believers.
Membership was voluntary—not something assigned because you were born into a Christian nation.
This was revolutionary in the 1500s.
3. Separation of Church and State
Perhaps their most influential idea.
In Europe nearly every nation had a state church.
The Anabaptists argued:
- government should govern society
- churches should govern themselves
- faith cannot be forced
Today this sounds normal.
In the 1500s it was considered dangerous.
4. Religious Liberty
They believed:
- no one should be forced to become a Christian
- faith must be voluntary
- government should not punish people for their religious beliefs
Many historians believe they helped lay the groundwork for modern religious liberty.
5. Pacifism
Most Anabaptists believed Christians should not:
- fight in wars
- carry weapons
- seek revenge
- hold offices requiring capital punishment
Instead they emphasized:
- loving enemies
- forgiving others
- peacemaking
They took Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount very literally.
6. Holy Living
They stressed:
- obedience
- discipleship
- simple living
- church discipline
- helping one another
For them, Christianity was not merely believing correct doctrine—it was living like Jesus.
Why Were They Persecuted?
Almost everyone opposed them.
Roman Catholics
considered them heretics.
Lutherans
considered them dangerous radicals.
Calvinists
also persecuted many Anabaptists.
In fact, both Catholics and Protestants executed Anabaptists. Thousands were imprisoned, tortured, drowned, or burned because they rejected infant baptism and the authority of state churches.
The “Third Baptism”
One tragic irony:
Many Anabaptists joked that they experienced three baptisms:
- infant baptism
- believer’s baptism
- baptism by blood (martyrdom)
The Münster Rebellion
One event seriously damaged the movement’s reputation.
A radical group seized the German city of Münster (1534–1535) and attempted to establish a theocratic kingdom. They introduced practices such as communal property and, under their leaders, polygamy. After a lengthy siege, the city fell, and the leaders were executed.
This group was not representative of most Anabaptists, who rejected violence and condemned the Münster uprising. Nevertheless, many outsiders thereafter associated all Anabaptists with that rebellion.
Modern Groups Descended from the Anabaptists
Today the Anabaptist tradition includes groups such as:
- Mennonites
- Amish
- Hutterites
- Brethren (some branches)
Many of these groups still emphasize:
- believer’s baptism
- simplicity
- community
- nonviolence
- discipleship
Were the Baptists Anabaptists?
This is actually debated.
Most Baptist historians say:
No.
Baptists arose later in England around 1609 through leaders such as John Smyth and Thomas Helwys.
However…
Baptists share several important beliefs with the Anabaptists:
- believer’s baptism
- regenerate church membership
- religious liberty
- local church autonomy
Many historians believe the English Baptists were influenced by Anabaptist ideas, even if they did not descend directly from them.
How did Anabaptists differ from Calvinists?
Since we’ve discussed Calvinism before, here’s a helpful comparison:
| Topic | Anabaptists | Classical Calvinists |
|---|---|---|
| Infant baptism | Rejected | Accepted |
| Church membership | Believers only | Included covenant children |
| Church & State | Separate | Often closely connected |
| Military service | Usually opposed | Generally permitted |
| Baptism | Public profession of faith | Covenant sign including infants |
| Christian life | Strong emphasis on discipleship | Strong emphasis on God’s sovereignty and grace |
One important nuance: the early Anabaptists were not all theologically identical. Some held views that today would be called Arminian, others had different perspectives, but they were united around believer’s baptism, voluntary church membership, and a New Testament model of the church.
Why they’re important today
Even if someone does not identify as Anabaptist, many ideas now common among evangelical Christians owe much to their witness:
- Believer’s baptism
- Voluntary church membership
- Religious freedom
- Separation of church and state
- Freedom of conscience
- The importance of personal discipleship
Contact Adam
07/18/26