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Anabaptists are
a
Christian movement that originated during the 16th-century Reformation,
known for the distinctive belief that baptism should only be
administered to believing adults who can voluntarily confess their
faith, not infants. The name "Anabaptist" means "re-baptizer" and
was given to them by their opponents because they rebaptized those who
had previously been baptized as infants. Other core tenets often include
pacifism, separation of church and state, and a focus on living a life
of discipleship and community. Core beliefs
- Adult baptism: Anabaptists believe that baptism should be a conscious choice made by an individual who has confessed their faith in Christ, rejecting infant baptism as a valid practice.
- Separation of church and state: They hold that the church should be a voluntary community separate from the coercive power of the state.
- Non-resistance and pacifism: Most Anabaptists are pacifists and believe in non-violence, including opposition to military service.
- Community: Many Anabaptist groups emphasize community living and mutual aid.
History and legacy
- Origin: Anabaptism began as a radical offshoot of the Reformation, with its first "re-baptisms" occurring in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1525.
- Persecution: Due to their beliefs, Anabaptists faced severe persecution from both Catholic and Protestant authorities.
- Modern groups: The movement led to several distinct denominations, most notably the Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites, all of which trace their origins to the 16th-century Anabaptists. Many Anabaptists emigrated to North America to escape persecution and find religious freedom.
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