Introduction
The Seven Articles of Schleitheim, also known as the Schleitheim Confession, were written in 1527 by Michael Sattler, a former Roman Catholic priest who became a prominent leader in the Swiss Brethren, an early Anabaptist group. This confession was written only six years after Martin Luther’s excommunication from the Catholic Church and outlined key beliefs and practices of the Anabaptist movement, which were distinct from both the Catholic and emerging Protestant churches of the time.
The Seven Articles of Schleitheim
- Baptism
- The Ban [Excommunication]
- Breaking of Bread
- Separation from the Abomination
- Pastors in the Church
- The Sword
- The Oath
Focus on the First Article: Baptism
Article on Baptism
The first article of the Schleitheim Confession is dedicated to the practice of baptism. It states:
Baptism shall be given to all those who have learned repentance and amendment of life, and who believe truly that their sins are taken away by Christ, and to all those who walk in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and wish to be buried with Him in death, so that they may be resurrected with Him, and to all those who with this significance request it [baptism] of us and demand it for themselves. This excludes all infant baptism, the highest and chief abomination of the pope. In this you have the foundation and testimony of the apostles. Mt. 28, Mk. 16, Acts 2, 8, 16, 19. This we wish to hold simply, yet firmly and with assurance.
Biblical Support for Believer’s Baptism
Michael Sattler and the Anabaptists based their stance on believer’s baptism on passages from the New Testament:
- Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
- Acts 2:38: “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
- Acts 8:12: “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
- Acts 8:36-38: “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”
- Acts 16:15: “And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.”
- Acts 19:5: “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
These verses emphasize the importance of personal belief and repentance prior to baptism, neither of which is possible for an infant, let alone a newborn baby. These Bible verses, among many more, support the Anabaptist view that only those who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ should be baptized.
Michael Sattler’s Belief in the Importance of Baptism
Michael Sattler viewed baptism as a crucial step in the life of a believer. He believed that baptism should be a conscious act of faith, symbolizing repentance, acceptance of Jesus Christ, and the believer’s commitment to living a new life in Christ. This was in direct opposition to the practice of infant baptism, which Sattler and other Anabaptists saw as unbiblical because it did not involve personal faith or repentance.
Persecution of Anabaptists by Catholic and Protestant Churches
Both the Catholic Church and Protestant reformers, such as Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, practised infant baptism and viewed it as essential for salvation and incorporating individuals into the Christian community. They believed that denying infant baptism undermined the church’s authority and unity. Consequently, Anabaptists, who rejected infant baptism in favour of believer’s baptism, were seen as heretical and subversive.
Anabaptists faced severe persecution from both Catholic and Protestant authorities. The city of Zurich under Zwingli became the first Reformation government to execute heretics, and Anabaptists were often sentenced to death by drowning, mockingly referred to as “the third baptism” or by other evil torturous means.1
State and Infant Baptism
The state had a vested interest in maintaining the practice of infant baptism. Infant baptism was not only a religious rite but also a means of registering individuals within the community, which was essential for tax collection and maintaining civic order. By ensuring all infants were baptized, the state could keep track of its citizens from birth, facilitating more effective governance and taxation.
Contemporary Anabaptist Practices
Today, the Anabaptist tradition continues to emphasize believer’s baptism, as shown not only in the scriptures but also through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Contemporary Anabaptists see it as a public declaration of their faith and lordship to Jesus Christ. While we believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation, we view it as a significant act of obedience and a powerful symbol of one’s relationship with Christ, choosing not to be baptized can be seen as a sign of not being saved at all.
Key Practices in Contemporary Anabaptist Baptism
- Believer’s Baptism by Full Immersion: As reflected in the meaning of the word Baptism (which means to immerse) contemporary Anabaptists baptize believers by full immersion in water, also demonstrated by Christ himself.
- Outdoor Baptisms: Baptisms are conducted in natural bodies of water like rivers, celebrating God’s creation for us.
- Public Confession: Baptisms are public events, serving as a testimony to God, His church, and the world of the individual’s faith in Christ.
- Celebratory Nature: Baptism services are joyous occasions, frequently followed by church picnics and other communal celebrations.
Conclusion
The Schleitheim Confession, though a historical document, shows the contemporary Anabaptist church that we have a long history and desire to get back to the basics of the early church as practised and taught by our Lord Jesus Christ. The first article on baptism underscores the Anabaptist commitment to a personal and conscious faith. Michael Sattler’s emphasis on believer’s baptism challenged the established religious practices of his time, leading to significant persecution. However, his teachings continue to remind us, the Contemporary Anabaptist Church, what is at stake and the importance of continuing in our faith and maintaining a positive influence in this world for God. This includes maintaining the practice of believer’s baptism as a meaningful expression of our faith and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ and our commitment to live as Christ’s disciples as He taught through word and deed.
- Michael Sattler, not long after writing the Schleitheim Confession the protestant church had him tortured by cutting out his tongue, tore him with tongs, and then burned him to death. Margaretha (his wife) was not treated so severely as Michael. She was drowned in what authorities liked to call “death by baptism.” ↩︎
