Introduction
Commonly known as the Re-baptizers, the Anabaptist movement began after some of the clergy men and priests in Zurich, Switzerland began questioning some of the activities and practices of the then Catholic church, which was the predominant authority that had control over the state. Huldrych Zwinlgi and a number of priests moved away from the Catholic Church in the 16th century to form the Reformist Church, which had its beliefs not far from the Catholic Church. In brief, we are going to look at some of the nature of radical Anabaptist theology practiced by followers such as Michal Sattler, and the reason why such beliefs cost them their own lives. We are also going to look at the impact it created on the religion of Christianity at large.
Nature of Anabaptist Theology
After breaking out of the Catholic Church, the followers of this movement took up beliefs that were entirely contrary to the belief system of the state and church then. Some of these beliefs according to an Anabaptist article by Knowledgerush (2009, para.6) indicated that baptism was intended for only the believers. Infants were not to be baptized at all, unlike what the state, Catholics and Protestants approved.
In contrast to the perception of the Catholic’s faith which assumed mass as a sacrifice; their faith was that it signified a commemoration of the death of Christ. In addition, they believed that Jesus’ body came from heaven and not an adoption from His mother Mary. They condemned oaths and restricted believers from bearing arms. The civil society, they said, belonged to the world. Therefore none of them were in any way allowed to be involved in government as an employee or otherwise. Another radical belief was the excommunication of they that would forfeit any of their unfaithful.
It was obvious then that these were against the law of the state and many were considered enemies of the state and would end up being tortured, drowned, jailed or eventually burned alive on the stake (Christian History, para. 1990, para.1). Questioning the 1st martyr Michal Sattler before his execution, the town clerk declared that he had acted against the Emperor, taught and believed that the body of Christ was not in the sacrament, and that he had despised the Virgin Mary. He was also accused of telling men to neglect swearing when they face the authorities. For these, the Anabaptist was hunted down by the State, the Catholics and the Protestants (Sullivan, 1987, pp 416- 418, para.7).
Impact of the Movement on Religion
In its endeavors with the work of God the Anabaptist pulled to it a large crowd of followers whose main impact in society was the transformation in spiritual living. There was the introduction of new ways in worship where quietness in the service was replaced by shouts and dance in the participants of the service (Gordon, 2001).
Inertness when the sermon was underway was replaced by emotional expression of joy and gladness. Sermons in their services were more interactive as compared to the customary speech- like sermons in the other churches. A new interpretation of baptism was gained by the believers from then on. All these have been brought down from the initiation of the movement and have created the core foundation of many of the churches that are of existence today.
Conclusion
The Church, after the ascent of Jesus has gone through persecution at very many levels until today. Nevertheless, though many in the church were persecuted for the sake of what they believed, the Anabaptist never lost heart and created a foundation for many of the Reformed Baptist Churches we have around today.
Works Cited
Christian History. 1525 The Anabaptist Movement Begins. Issue 28. 1990. Web.
Knowledgerush. Anabaptists. 2009. Knowledgerush. Web.
Sullivan, Dick. Michael Sattler’s Trial (1527). Martyr’s Mirror. Huntington County, Indiana. Herald Press, 1987, pp. 416-418. Print.
Gordon, J. Ronald. Anabaptism in 16th Century Europe. 2001. Church of the Brethren Network. Web.