Anabaptism

1. Ultimate Source of Authority

1.1. Anabaptists believed that the New Testament of the bible was the ultimate source of authority and that it provided all the rules they needed to live by.

1.2. Anabaptists believed in living a simple life exactly like the ones lived by the people of the bible.

1.3. Anabaptist did not believe that they needed priests as an authority as every adult can learn how to live their lives by reading the Bible.

1.4. Anabaptist interpreted the bible as saying that they should work to overcome evil with good so they believed that by living simple, loving lives they would be able to overcome and defeat evil.

1.5. Anabaptists believed that only mature adults could live serious committed lives so this is why they thought only adults should be baptized.

2. Rituals and Worship

2.1. Shunned world and its religious practices outside of  their community

2.2. Didn't meet in churches, but did meetings within their homes

2.2.1. Didn't allow artwork or decorations in homes because they believed it would distract them from their faith

2.2.2. didn't believe the church needed priests or ministers to lead groups, so the lead themselves

2.3. Believed in only 2 sacraments (formal holy rituals)

2.3.1. Baptism

2.3.2. Eucharist

2.4. Believed children were not ready for rituals, but still brought them to their meetings

3. Community Life

3.1. Anabaptist communities were usually secluded, largely due to being attacked for their beliefs.

3.2. Lived simple lives by the rules of the Bible.

3.3. Stayed in their communities, no interest in government office.

3.4. Believed in freedom of religion and were mostly pacifistic.

3.5. Used simple technology regardless of what technological advancements were made. (Precursors to the Amish)(No combine harvesters)

4. Beliefs About Sin and Salvation

4.1. Sin is everywhere man! Nobody can go to heaven who lives in the world. Baptism can wash away sin, but to avoid more you gotta keep away from the world my dude. Government and wars are super sinful! Beware!

5. Origins of Anabaptism

5.1. Started in Zurich, Switzerland

5.1.1. 1525

5.2. Wanted more radical reform of Catholic Church

5.3. No baptizing children

5.3.1. Only adult believer could be baptized

5.3.1.1. Had to be re-baptized to join the church

5.4. "Anabaptism" means "baptizing again"

5.4.1. This was a crime at the time

5.5. Due to radical ideas, believers were persecuted and run out of towns.

5.6. Spread throw the lower classes of Germany, Poland, FRance, Russia, Holland, ect.