Early Anabaptist Spirituality

The most in-depth and scholarly panorama of Western spirituality ever attempted! In one series, the original writings of the universally acknowledged teachers of the Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, Islamic and Native American traditions have been critically selected, translated and introduced by internationally recognized scholars and spiritual leaders. The texts are first-rate, and the introductions are informative and reliable. The books will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of every literate religious persons". -- The Christian Century

Liechty presents selections from writings of the Anabaptist movement that illustrate the Anabaptists' distinctive approach to Christian spirituality. The writings represent the multiple origins of Anabaptism, with selections from three main groupings: Swiss, South German/Austrian, and North German/Dutch.

In spite of its enormous historical significance and increased contemporary interest, this is the first general introduction to the spirituality of the Anabaptist tradition. Anabaptist spirituality has been described as "both Catholic and Protestant," a sixteenth-century ascetic lay reform movement inspired both by currents of pre-Reformation devotion to Christ and the Reformation call to return to Scripture. Because of their insistence on adult baptism Anabaptists -- often illiterate artisans and peasants with no formal theological education -- met widespread persecution. Arnold Snyder's sympathetic study draws on court records to give an intimate glimpse into their beliefs, practices, and spirituality. As well as inspiring such groups as the Mennonites, the Amish and various groups of Brethren and Baptists, Anabaptist ideas have profoundly influenced individuals and movements throughout the churches into modern times. Book jacket.

Christians searching for a closer walk with God have tended to ignore Anabaptism. Through this collection of of writings by early Anabaptist leaders, the author shows they had much to say about knowing God and trusting Jesus.

An important volume of scholarship, this book presents a collection of documents previously little known and inaccessible to the English-speaking world. This volume includes writings of the Radical Reformation--Anabaptist and Spiritualist--as well as three treatises by Juan de Valdes as a representative of Evangelical Catholicism. Long recognized for the quality of its translations, introductions, explanatory notes, and indexes, the Library of Christian Classics provides scholars and students with modern English translations of some of the most significant Christian theological texts in history. Through these works--each written prior to the end of the sixteenth century--contemporary readers are able to engage the ideas that have shaped Christian theology and the church through the centuries.

Krahn avoids the hero worship which is common among many rehabilitators of Anabaptism. In his presentation the giants of Anabaptism as well as those of the Magisterial Reformation turn out again and again to have clay feet. No attempt is made to rationalize these apparent weaknesses.... Out of Dutch mysticism there grew a spiritualizing tendency...which could not be confined to the question of the Lord's Supper. Frank C. Roberts in 'Calvin Theological Journal' Krahn's greatest service is in the distilling more than a century of Dutch scholarship, and he performs it judiciously.... Especially interesting is his argument that both Reformed Protestantism and Anabaptism had their roots in the Sacramentarian movement of the 1520s. Alastair C. Duke in 'Journal of Ecclesiastical History' [The author's] extensive and accurate knowledge of both the modern and the sixteenth-century Dutch language, together with his careful and competent evaluation of the conflicting interpretations of the events, make his survey of Dutch Anabaptism a reliable source of information. Krahn has made a serious attempt to immerse himself in the issues and to assess fairly the clashing opinions. H.W. Meihuizen in 'Mennonite Quarterly Review'

In this fresh approach to Christian spirituality, John Driver shows that the spirituality of the disciples and the early Christian church included every dimension of life. Grounded in the example of Jesus himself, this holistic approach to spirituality finds expression in the visible witness of the Christian community, and in the daily lives of faithful Christians who seek to embody Christ's presence in the world in service to others. This approach to Christian spirituality was recovered in a remarkable way by the radical reformers of the sixteenth century - the Anabaptists - and it continues to find expression among a wide variety of Christian groups around the world today. Life Together in the Spirit will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to experience the presence of the Spirit in all of its dimensions. This edition, revised and expanded with responses and reflections from church leaders and scholars around the world, is the seventh publication in the "Global Anabaptist-Mennonite Shelf of Literature," an initiative of Mennonite World Conference. Contributors include Mvwala C. Katshinga (Democratic Republic of Congo), Christina Asheervadam (India), Rafael Zaracho (Paraguay), Hermann Woelke (Uruguay), Paulus Pan (Taiwan), Patricia Urueña (Colombia), and Nellie Mlotshwa (Zimbabwe).

Click here to read the introduction to The Naked Anabaptist. In churches and kitchens and neighborhood centers across the world, communities of Jesus-followers are crafting a vision of radical service, simple living, and commitment to peace. Many are finding a home in a Christian tradition almost five centuries old: Anabaptism. Who are the Anabaptists? What do they believe? Where did they come from? What makes them different from other Christians? And can you become an Anabaptist without leaving your own church? Follow Stuart Murray as he peels back the layers to reveal the core convictions of Anabaptist Christianity, a way of following Jesus that challenges, disturbs, and inspires. Glimpse an alternative to nationalistic, materialistic, individualistic Christian faith. If you are seeking a community of authentic discipleship, heartfelt worship, sacrificial service, and radical peacemaking, consider this your invitation. This new edition features: Voices and stories from North America and the global church. Updated and expanded definition and discussion of Christendom. Updated resource section. Free downloadable study guide available here.