In this lecture you’ll learn about the Anabaptist movement and their distinctive beliefs.  We’ll consider the life of Michael Sattler, an important leader of the Anabaptists, and see how he stood firm in his faith even when his life was at risk.  Next, you’ll find out about Melchior Hoffman and how his followers took over the city of Münster, eventually resulting in chaos, immorality, and significant loss of life.  Sadly, European governments tended to lump all radicals together so that peaceful Anabaptists and violent apocalypticists got painted with the same brush.  Lastly, we’ll look at Menno Simons who became so influential among the Anabaptists that a sizeable group took his name, becoming the Mennonites.  Significant events in this lecture include:

1527 Schleitheim Confession
1527 Michael Sattler burned at the stake
1535 Münster captured
1537 Menno Simons becomes an Anabaptist
1544 Anabaptists in Netherlands called Mennonites
1569 Dirk Willems rescues pursuer

This is lecture 4 of a history of Christianity class called Five Hundred: From Martin Luther to Joel Osteen.

All the notes are available here as a pdf.
—— Notes ——
Anabaptist Distinctives

Bible as the standard, not tradition or church hierarchy
Discipleship & love (literal obedience to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount)
Separation from the world (especially government)
Home fellowships (voluntary church, no infant baptism)
Congregational polity

 
Michael Sattler (1495-1527)

1525 -left Benedictine monastery, married a nun named Margaretha, expelled from Zurich
1526 – became Anabaptist
1527 – major leader in writing Schleitheim Confession[1]

Baptism for those who repent only
The ban practiced according to Matthew 18.15-17
Communion for baptized only
Separation from the world (including government, Catholics, & Protestants)
Pastors supported and given authority
The sword not to be used
Oaths are not to be taken


May 21, 1527 – burned at the stake

 
Articles or Charges against Michael Sattler[2]


First, that he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.
Secondly, he has taught, held, and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.
Thirdly, he has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.
Fourthly, they have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.
Fifthly, they have despised and condemned the mother of God and the saints.
Sixthly, he has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.
Seventhly, he has commenced a new and unheard of custom in regard to the Lord’s Supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.
Eighthly, he has left the order and married a wife.
Ninthly, he has said that if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them; and if it were right to wage war, he would rather take the field against the Christians than against the Turks; and it is certainly a great matter, to set the greatest enemies of our holy faith against us.

Thereupon Michael Sattler requested permission to confer with his brethren and sisters, which was granted him. Having conferred with them for a little while, he began and undauntedly answered thus: “In regard to the article

Ver todos los episodios