Radical Reformers

On Friday I posted some thoughts about Martin Luther and the Protest-ant Reformation, and the new reformation going on within the church. But there is also a reformation going on outside the church, and in some ways leaving the church behind. This too, is not without historic precedent. At the time of the Reformation in the 1500s there was also a group known as the Radical Reformers.

The Anabaptist were part of the Radical Reformation. They were not looking to reform the Church, but to separate from it altogether. They saw (see) it as broken beyond repair. A distortion of Christ's plan for the church.

Anabaptists ("re-baptizers") in Europe in the 1500s were Christians who held to believer’s baptism, a practice considered heresy by Catholics and the other major religious groups of the reformation period. They rebelled against the Roman Catholic Church and began re-baptizing adults who had followed Jesus, but had been 'baptized' as infants.

Anabaptists were heavily persecuted during the 16th century and into the 17th. They condemned oaths, would not bear arms or offer forcible resistance to wrongdoers, nor wield the sword. They believed civil government (i.e. "Caesar") belongs to the world and many refrain(ed) from voting, holding public office or even pledging allegiance to the flag. Their sole allegiance was (is) to Jesus Christ.

The believer, who belongs to God's kingdom, sees the government as an authority which is to be passively obeyed, but their ultimate allegiance is to God. Some scripture verses that would form the foundation for their thinking...

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

I find their stance on the separation of church and state both interesting and refreshing, especially in light of the past few decades where so many relgious folks have been eager to marry religion and politics and return to a church-run state.