In the 1500s, changes were happening all over Europe. Every province in Germany, Switzerland and Holland has to make a decision whether they will remain a part of the Roman Catholic church, or to become a part of the Protestant movement, began by Martin Luther. But whatever they chose, there was still one legal requirement necessary for every citizen of every province—they must be registered by baptism at birth. If a person was to be a part of a province, they were required to be a part of the church approved by the government, and then all of their babies had to be baptized.
His Story:
However, there was a movement of people who were saying that the Bible said that only those who can believe in Jesus can be baptized. They also believed that babies don’t know enough about Jesus to be able to be baptized. These people were called Anabaptists because they believed that people needed to be “baptized again” (“ana” in Greek means “again”).
One group of Anabaptists were strong enough in Northern Europe that they took over the government of a province called Munster. They required everyone in that province to be baptized as adults and the called themselves the real Kingdom of God, and they gave themselves a king, Jan van Leiden. Over time, that group was attacked and destroyed by Protestant forces.
Meanwhile, there was a Catholic priest called Menno Simons who was outraged at the Munsterites. He agreed (against all of his Catholic teachings) that babies should not be baptized. However, he deeply opposed the Munsterites. He was shocked that they could force people to be baptized and then dare to call it “believer’s” baptism, since many of the people were forced to be baptized even though they didn’t believe in Anabaptism. He protested their violence and rebellion against the governments already established. And most of all, he disagreed with them calling themselves a “kingdom” for there is only one Kingdom of God and Christ is the King alone.
As priest, he spoke against the Munsterites for a year and wrote a powerful pamphlet against them. However, he found that he could no longer be a part of the Catholic Church because of his views on non-violence and believer’s baptism. So he left the Catholic Church and became the head of the Anabaptist church in Holland that were opposed to the Munsterites.
Jesus himself taught that baptism was for believers and he insisted that there must be peace among his followers. He would be appalled at the many people who call themselves followers of Jesus, but believe that they can fight and even kill people that oppose their beliefs. Jesus lived out his teaching that it is better to be abused and killed by people, rather than respond with harm against another. Menno Simons, just like Jesus, lives out this principle. Jesus saw Menno’s work and blessed him with long life because of his faithful service to Him.
The Final Word (of Men)
For decades, Menno spoke and wrote about peace and about believer’s baptism, often leaving his wife and children and wandering from place to place. He ended up working in Germany as well and was significant in drawing Anabaptist churches together. As he traveled and spoke, he was chased by Catholic and Protestant governments, who wanted to kill him for his teaching. In the end, however, he died in his bed and was buried in his own garden. His writings were so influential and important to the Anabaptists, that most of today’s Anabaptists churches call themselves “Mennonite” after Menno Simons.
A Word From Our Sponsor:
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can one salt it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another. Mark 9:50
Helpful Hint: Being At Peace with All People
For the faithful, it is not enough that they themselves did work for their enemies—they had to teach others to do the same. Menno Simons worked within the Anabaptist movements to bring reconciliation and purity to the groups. As we will see, William Seymour and Desmond Tutu wanted all the Christians—both white and black—to worship and honor one another equally. Peter Waldo and Martin Luther wanted reconciliation between their movements and the Roman Church. Reconciliation was not always successful, but they strove to be at peace with all people—in as much as they were able.
Check It Out:
The Complete Works of Menno Simons
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