The Anabaptist Movement

The Anabaptists are considered part of the Radical Reformation; their beliefs were considered more radical than those of Luther's, Calvin's, or Zwingli's. Because the Anabaptist Movement was not perfectly unified, it is nearly impossible to classify their beliefs in a definitive manner. One belief, however, seems to be a common attribute—Anabaptists rejected infant baptism. In fact, the name "Anabaptists" means "re—baptizers." However, Anabaptists didn't actually believe in rebaptism, but rather in baptizing adults. They did not consider infant baptism valid, so Anabaptists did not consider this "rebaptism" to be a second baptism.

Some Anabaptists were pacifists, but others likely participated in the Peasants' War. Some Anabaptists, like Hans Denck or Hans Hut, also rejected the Reformation doctrines of righteousness by faith and Sola Scriptura (the Scriptures only). Nevertheless, the Anabaptists played a vital role within the Reformation and many sects, like the Mennonites and the Amish, remain in communion today.