AGH

I feel like a heretic! Munster is being tried for dissing infant baptism. And then he's tortured and burned along with his family. And I agreed with his points. I feel like such a heretic. But regardless I the judges didn't handle it correctly at all in my opinion. They presented no counter arguments and Munster was coming straight from scripture.

James

My Way or the Highway

There are people like Muntzer in every religion, not just Christianity. People who see themselves as part of an elect group and everyone who is not with them is definitely against them. I understand that Christians are set apart and are God's children, but I don't see any need in persecuting people who believe differently than I do. Their salvation is between them and God and, though we are called to witness to them, we are not responsible for their decisions and are in no position to punish them for them. I personally never understood that mindset. If you kill or ostracize everyone who doesn't share your beliefs, how can you ever expect for you religion to grow and prosper. Conversions require unbelievers, after all.

P.s I commented on Brydon's post

Michael Sattler

Ok. The Trial and Martyrdom of Michael Sattler broke my heart. As I read, I found no fault with him. He had scripture to support his every claim. The theme in his defense for leaving the catholic tradition was simply that he was following the scriptures rather than the traditions of the church. He found the traditions to be contrary to what the Word instructed. And for this he was horribly murdered. Unjustly murdered in my opinion. Yet through it all he did not protest but simply stated "God's will be done" after hearing his sentence. The whole account made me cringe with disgust and indignation.

P.S. Commented on Brannen's

Did he cross a line?

    So this past weekend, I went on a mission trip to the Dakotas and Minnesota, and one of the missionaries I talked to mentioned having to adapt to where you are located. Like he has a gun and isn't all lovey dovey. He can't be or the Natives will walk all over him. I get that. My first thought when I read Thomas Muntzer's 34 was Mr. Matthew's words; however this guy crossed a line. He was not adapting to his location. What I understood from this is he is talking about the rich, and how they are at fault. Then when he mentioned burning flesh! Now perhaps he meant spiritually, but that was not the vibe I got as I read this.

P.S. I commented on Sydni's!

Baptism

           Baptism is a beautiful ritual (I use that word in the loosest terms). It is a public confession of faith, and for some is important to mark their initial spiritual renewal.
           I love how Hubmaier writes about the three baptisms: of the water, Spirit, and blood. He explains from scripture the significance of each and refutes infant baptism because the infant is not capable of making a vow to God or a confession to the public. I think that baby dedication is acceptable, because the principle is different.
           Hubmaier goes on to explain the role of the church in brotherly correction which seems to be fairly cohesive to 1 Corinthians teaching. All in all, I think this guy has his head on mostly straight.

-Mr. Collingsworth

Muntzer and Revolts

I thought it was really interesting how Muntzer used scriptural references to justify a call to arms. In referring to passages like "Thou shalt not suffer evildoers to live" and describes instances where God used his power to conquer, but the means was human swords. His call to violent revolt seems incredibly harsh in its "show no pity" approach to reform. It doesn't sit well with me in light of gospel-grace. It seems really extreme to deem those who don't revolt with him "martyrs for the devil"
But at the same time, maybe such a time called for extreme measures.

Commented on Abbey's

Legalism much?

The articles from last week and these articles make me wonder just how far across the lines of legalism these theologians lived. Ignatius Loyola's establishment of the rules on how to act in the church, although good in principle, the rules may cause nonbelievers or even believers to believe that these rules are required in order to stay a Christian. Also some of these beliefs are considered in modern day times to be slightly outrageous. Law number 8 for example, regarding the church building, states that we ought to praise the church building as well as the symbolism that it represents. This is idolatry, pure and simple.

Abbey's