Lutherans Seek Forgiveness for Persecution of Anabaptists
The 11th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation approved a statement on Thursday calling on Lutherans to express their regret and sorrow for past actions against Anabaptists and asking for forgiveness.
Bishop Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), described the move as “the most significant legacy” that will be left by the assembly – the federation’s highest decision-making body.
“We will not just look back; we will also look towards together to God’s promised future,” he added....
It really isn't that long of article is on a a "Reformed" Baptist site, is an article by the expert on Anabaptism, Rosco Estep. Menno Simmons apparently was a pacifist, as many of the Anabatists were, I would suggest that you read the excellent article, The Anabaptist Story or for the THE textbook on the subject, get The Anabaptist Story (the book0, by the same author, of course.
Mike wrote: Of course the existing church that was desired to be reformed was the RC version, which reminds us how the Reformation didn't quite reform enough. Restoration, not reformation, is what was needed. Putting clean socks on dusty feet was never a great idea. The Anabaptists may have been right.
Presby wrote: --- "The term “Anabaptist” simply means “baptized again” or “re-baptizers” (Wiedertaeufer). “Radicals” referred to the manner in which they desired reinstitution of a new church. As Schaff says, “Radicalism was identical with the Anabaptist movement, but the baptismal question was secondary. It involved an entire reconstruction of the Church and of the social order. It meant revolution.” The Reformers desired to reform the existing church, the “Radicals” desired to create a new church based on their theological convictions." (Dr. C.M.Mcmahon. apuritanmind.com)
Of course the existing church that was desired to be reformed was the RC version, which reminds us how the Reformation didn't quite reform enough. Restoration, not reformation, is what was needed. Putting clean socks on dusty feet was never a great idea. The Anabaptists may have been right.
"calling on Lutherans to express their regret and sorrow for past actions against Anabaptists and asking for forgiveness."
Daft idea!!
In point of fact if you go back to the 16th century the term "anabaptist" was used by many to embrace loads of different heretical groups. So which group are the Lutherans aiming at? Can't be the Baptists? - They don't come from "anabaptist" origins!! Do they??
"The term “Anabaptist” simply means “baptized again” or “re-baptizers” (Wiedertaeufer). “Radicals” referred to the manner in which they desired reinstitution of a new church. As Schaff says, “Radicalism was identical with the Anabaptist movement, but the baptismal question was secondary. It involved an entire reconstruction of the Church and of the social order. It meant revolution.” The Reformers desired to reform the existing church, the “Radicals” desired to create a new church based on their theological convictions." (Dr. C.M.Mcmahon. apuritanmind.com)
Matthew 23:29-35 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
This Scripture always comes to mind when I hear about these types of apologies: I wonder if it is applicable? I don't understand people apologizing for sins they did not commit, since the people who committed the particular sins are long dead or fallen asleep.
All very good, in that it may help in stopping future mistakes of the same nature, but the apology is completely worthless to those who were killed or died centuries ago.
We would hope that Lutherans would adopt the Ten Commandments as written, and not use the Catholic version, we would also wish to have them recognize what baptism is, Baptism: Truth or Tradition.
Dr. Joel Beeke | 1/3/2010
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