Radical Reformation

The 95 Theses (Luther, 1517)
Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Repentance
1. Repentance is vital
2. Repentance must include inward and outward change
3. Without change, the penalty is still in affect
4. There is no repentance after death
5. Every Christian has the right to forgiveness
6. True repentane seeks discipline/correction

The authority of the Pope
1. The Pope can’t forgive sins. He may only declare sins forgiven
2. The Pope has no more ‘general’ power than a Bishop has ‘specific’
3. The Pope has not led the church to proper understanding
4. The Pope should be willing to give some of his own money
5. The Pope allows more emphasis on pardons than the Gospel
6. If the Pope can grant salvation to the dead, why not for free?
7. Why doesn’t the Pope use his own money to build his church?

The usefulness of indulgences
1. The ‘selling’ of indulgancces makes no Scriptural sense
2. People are being deceived by the promise of spiritual security
3. It is fleshly to teach that financial offering earns forgiveness
4. Any who believe they are saved by a letter are condemned
5. The selling of indulgances works against true repentance



To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy


Schleitheim Confession (Anabaptist, 1527)

Baptism
Baptism is for believers and follows teaching on repentance, belief in the atonement, and commitment to follow Christ. Infant baptism is unbiblical.

Ban
Any baptized brother or sister who sins shall be twice warned privately and then publicly prior to the Lord’s Supper. If unrepentant, the person should be excluded from the community of faith.

Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is only for baptized believers

Separation
Christians must separate from all things carnal including the compromised Roman Catholic Church and the less-compromised Protestant Church.

Shepherds
Shepherds should be selected and supported by the local congregation of believers. He should read and teach Scripture, oversee church discipline, pray for the congregation, and officiate the Lord’s Supper.

Violence
The sword is commonplace outside the Kingdom, but within the Kingdom the sword shall not be found. It is not to be used for defense or dispute. Christians should not seek public office.

Oaths
All swearing is forbidden.

Congregational Order
 Meet at least 3-4 times each week to learn from the teachings of Christ and His Apostles and to encourage one another
 The reading shall be done together. The one to whom God has given the best understanding shall then explain it. Private devotions shall be done daily.
 The meeting shall be orderly.
 Observation of sin in a brother or sister shall be confronted privately.
 No brother shall be in need. The congregation should hold all things in common.
 All gluttony shall be avoided. Eating shall be kept to a minimum.
 Observe the Lord’s Supper at each meal/gathering


Radical People

Transitional Anabaptists
Erasmus The Protestant Catholic
Luther The Catholic Protestant
Karlstadt The Radical Protestant
Zwingli The Protestant Radical

Swiss Anabaptists
Castelberger Radical Small Group leader
Manz Radical Hebrew scholar
Grebel Radical Greek scholar
Blaurock Radical Baptism volunteer
Reublin Radical small-town preacher
Hubmaier Radical Reformation writer
Sattler Radical Confessor
RESULT Shleitheim  Brethren

South German/Moravian Anabaptists
Muntzer Radical Revolutionary
Hut Radical Revolutionary
Denck Radical Mysticism
Marpeck Radical Mediator
Wiedemann Radical Refugee leader
Hutter Radical Refugee leader
RESULT Shared pot  Hutterites

Low Country Anabaptists
Hoffmann Radical Apocalypticist
Matthijs Radical City-Ruler
Joris Radical Spiritualist
Simons Radical Reformer
RESULT Pacifism  Mennonites


Radical Issues

Separation of Church & State
Did ancient Israel have a separation of church/state?
Were early Christians connected to the state?
Was Constantine’s establishment of Christianity good?
Why did the radicals want separation of church/state?
What is the purpose of the 1st Amendment?
How should Christians view their relationship to the state?


Believer’s Baptism & Spiritual Communion
What is baptism all about in the Bible?
Does the Bible give examples of infant baptism?
How did infant baptism develop in church history?
Why were the radicals against instant baptism?
In what way is God present during holy communion?
How often should we partake in communion?


Community of Goods
Was there a common pot in ancient Israel?
What kinds of laws did God give to protect the poor?
What was Jesus’ example when it comes to economics?
Did the New Testament church practice a common pot?
Is there a difference b/w Acts 2:44-45 and socialism?
Is Acts 2:44-45 a model for contemporary Christianity?


Pacifism
What are the different forms of pacifism?
Was ancient Israel a pacifist nation?
Was Jesus a pacifist? If so, in what sense?
Were the early Christians pacifists?
Why did the radicals take this position?
How should contemporary Christians view war?