To consider compromise in any way produced an opportunity for temptation and falling back into false traditions. The Scripture verse that instructs Christians to “come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them . . . . and [God] will welcome you” must have taken on a special meaning for the early Anabaptists during this time period. Their deep commitment and love for God allowed them to live distinct lives in the midst of persecution and turmoil. Indeed, a deep understanding of God and His work in man was vital to their confidence and …show more content…
Since Anabaptism began in 1525, hundreds, even thousands of individual Anabaptist groups have formed from off the main stock of Anabaptism. Just as any given animal species has developed and changed over the thousands of years since Creation, so have traditions and practices of the Anabaptist traditions. Many Anabaptist groups, with the exception of some mainstream, liberal-leaning groups, still follow theology and/or practice that carries at least some resemblance to the early Anabaptists. Still, it is extremely difficult to reach an accurate verdict on this issue considering that societies and cultural norms, and therefore practical applications of theological ideas, have changed drastically since the 16th century. Furthermore, while some churches still emphasize and practice particular aspects of the early Anabaptist traditions, other Anabaptist churches might focus on other aspects instead. While some strengths of the early Anabaptist movement have weakened or died in the modern church over the years, many other aspects still remain