Menno Simons (1496-1561)
READ: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
One group that came out of the
Reformation were the Anabaptists. Considered too radical by many, including
Martin Luther, the Anabaptists sought further reform in the Catholic Church.
They desired to see the church return to the body described in the early years
of Christianity – a group united under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The
Anabaptists spoke out against Catholic doctrines and practices like
transubstantiation (the belief that, when taken, the communion bread and wine
become the literal body and blood of Christ) and infant baptism, declaring these
things unscriptural. The group of “fanatics” experienced much persecution for
their stance.
Menno Simons was a Catholic
priest who was ordained for two years before finally opening his Bible. What he
found disturbed him. Though he taught the doctrine of transubstantiation, he
did not sense it to be true, and when he finally read his Bible, did not find
it to be supported by Scripture. The same was the case with infant baptism. He
became very committed to the Word, and though he grew in wariness towards Catholic
doctrine, continued in his position as a priest. Though he was inwardly
starting to agree with the Anabaptists, he opted for the comfort of
Catholicism. Finally he could take it no longer. He repented of his
double-mindedness and taught Anabaptist doctrine from his pulpit for nine
months before finally leaving the church and joining the Anabaptist movement.
Menno Simons became one of the
key leaders of the movement, and his name eventually came to represent the
Anabaptist people: Mennonites. Simons took the Bible very literally and
proclaimed his views boldly, claiming the words of Paul: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid,
which is Jesus Christ.” He and his family lived in constant danger as they
devoted themselves to the circulation of Anabaptist beliefs.
Romans 14:23 says that “everything that does not come from faith is
sin.” Menno Simons could not continue in his profession as a Catholic
priest, no matter the comfort it offered. He knew the Spirit was convicting him
to step out in faith and he followed in obedience, leaving the safety of
Catholicism to join with those who were scorned for their beliefs. He joyfully
embraced his Christian calling to suffer for Christ.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
