“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Anabaptists throughout the centuries have exemplified these words of Christ in both speech and action. Throughout the years of spiritual darkness, Anabaptism has been faithfully shining its candle of Truth and Hope. Although many changes, both positive and negative, have taken place throughout the years since Anabaptism began in the early 16th century, God has continued to use the Anabaptist tradition to spread
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To consider compromise in any way produced an opportunity for temptation and falling back into false traditions. The Scripture verse that instructs Christians to “come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them . . . . and [God] will welcome you” must have taken on a special meaning for the early Anabaptists during this time period. Their deep commitment and love for God allowed them to live distinct lives in the midst of persecution and turmoil. Indeed, a deep understanding of God and His work in man was vital to their confidence and …show more content…
Since Anabaptism began in 1525, hundreds, even thousands of individual Anabaptist groups have formed from off the main stock of Anabaptism. Just as any given animal species has developed and changed over the thousands of years since Creation, so have traditions and practices of the Anabaptist traditions. Many Anabaptist groups, with the exception of some mainstream, liberal-leaning groups, still follow theology and/or practice that carries at least some resemblance to the early Anabaptists. Still, it is extremely difficult to reach an accurate verdict on this issue considering that societies and cultural norms, and therefore practical applications of theological ideas, have changed drastically since the 16th century. Furthermore, while some churches still emphasize and practice particular aspects of the early Anabaptist traditions, other Anabaptist churches might focus on other aspects instead. While some strengths of the early Anabaptist movement have weakened or died in the modern church over the years, many other aspects still remain
To consider compromise in any way produced an opportunity for temptation and falling back into false traditions. The Scripture verse that instructs Christians to “come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them . . . . and [God] will welcome you” must have taken on a special meaning for the early Anabaptists during this time period. Their deep commitment and love for God allowed them to live distinct lives in the midst of persecution and turmoil. Indeed, a deep understanding of God and His work in man was vital to their confidence and …show more content…
Since Anabaptism began in 1525, hundreds, even thousands of individual Anabaptist groups have formed from off the main stock of Anabaptism. Just as any given animal species has developed and changed over the thousands of years since Creation, so have traditions and practices of the Anabaptist traditions. Many Anabaptist groups, with the exception of some mainstream, liberal-leaning groups, still follow theology and/or practice that carries at least some resemblance to the early Anabaptists. Still, it is extremely difficult to reach an accurate verdict on this issue considering that societies and cultural norms, and therefore practical applications of theological ideas, have changed drastically since the 16th century. Furthermore, while some churches still emphasize and practice particular aspects of the early Anabaptist traditions, other Anabaptist churches might focus on other aspects instead. While some strengths of the early Anabaptist movement have weakened or died in the modern church over the years, many other aspects still remain