An Anabaptist is a member of a Protestant Christian movement that emerged in the early 16th century as a radical reform movement within the broader Protestant Reformation. The term “Anabaptist” means “rebaptizer” and was originally used pejoratively by opponents because Anabaptists believed in adult baptism and rejected the validity of infant baptism.
Anabaptist beliefs include the separation of church and state, nonviolence and the voluntary association of believers. They emphasized the importance of living a simple, communal lifestyle based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, as they interpreted them. Anabaptists were often persecuted by both Catholic and Protestant authorities for their beliefs, and many Anabaptist groups faced significant persecution and martyrdom during the 16th century.
Today, there are various denominations and groups that trace their heritage back to the Anabaptist movement, including the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites, and Brethren. These groups continue to emphasize principles such as nonviolence, community, and discipleship.