This year i completed an applied christian studies course which i started mainly to learn more about church history, to get an overview of the history of my faith as i feel there is much to be learnt from those who have gone before us. On this course some of the teachers held Anabaptist beliefs. My knowledge of the anabaptists is still a little vague although i do know many were martyred. Does anyone know who they are today? I have a book on the subject which i should read up on but i just wanted to know if anyone here could fill me in on this branch of our faith. There seems to be a lot of christians whom i've met recently who hold the values of the anabaptists.Can anyone help? In His love, Geraldine
Can anyone help?
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
The anabaptist's story is another testimony of how in the dark people were. At that time, it was illegal to be baptized more than once, so being baptized as an adult was illegal, because most people had been baptized as infants ignorantly, and in the context to keep people subject to the ruler and have unity among the people, not really for obedience to the living God. So the christians who actually considered the bible's example of baptism were seen as troublemakers. Churches' corruption has been all over christian history, even still today. I am thankful for our freedoms here, and for the abundance of bibles. Too bad there are persecutions and oppression in other parts of the world, like so many christian brothers and sisters have endured. Let's support those in prison and bonds, and pray for their oppressors, like in Africa and other parts of the world. Voice of the Martyrs organization and Gospel for Asia will give you specific things to pray for and ways to help. We should help those who are enduring such terrible oppression and persecution. We can help ease some suffering today, giving light and spreading truth. I am thankful for the abundance of knowledge we have (esp in America), we can help people in faraway places suffering persecution so easily.
_________________Jina
Hi Geraldine
On this course some of the teachers held Anabaptist beliefs. My knowledge of the anabaptists is still a little vague although i do know many were martyred. Does anyone know who they are today?
Does anyone know who they are today?
_________________Ron Bailey
Hope that helps..
I suspect this is the main part of your question and from where I see things I can identify two answers.
As the culture of Christendom gradually fades and the church at the centre gives way to a church on the margins, Anabaptism now seems surprisingly relevant and helpful.
They also have some features which will certainly attract SermonIndexers in that they are 'restless for more of God' and often scathing in their attitudes to the Christian Club.
Yes, Stuart Murray Williams was one of our guest teachers on a couple of occasions and i believe him to be one of the trustees of the Anabaptist network. I have also heard of a couple of his books although i have not read any.Geraldine.