24th Annual Student Research Conference
Menno Simons: His Conversion and Subsequent Impact on the Beliefs, Practice, and Future of the Anabaptist Movement
Ryan D. Harker
Dr. Mark Appold, Faculty Mentor
This paper is an exploration of the conversion experience of Menno Simons, an early leader of the peaceful Anabaptist movement of the sixteenth century Radical Reformatoin, and its subsequent impact on the movement. Relatively little is known of Menno Simons outside of the Anabaptist faith tradition, which consists of groups like the Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites, the Church of the Brethren, and to some extent the Bruderhof Communities and the Quakers. After placing Menno in his historical context, I examine the formative years of his conversion process, 1524-1535, during which time he slowly and transitioned from a Catholic priest to a committed Anabaptist leader. I then examine the extraordinary impact that Menno had on the fledgling peaceful Anabaptist movement as its leader.
Keywords: Menno Simons, Anabaptism, Mennonites, Radical Reformation, Sixteenth century, Roman Catholicism, Protestant Reformation
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 42-3
Location: MG 2001
Time: 3:15