Amish History and Their Place in Society

During the Reformation in 16th Century Europe, Luther and Calvin promoted the concepts of individual freedom and the priesthood of all believers. In what has been called "the radical reformation", some religious reformers took these beliefs to a logical conclusion; they preached that the believer should separate themselves from all secular activities. One of the largest groups (the Anabaptists) promoted:
* Baptism during adulthood after confession of faith, instead of during infancy,
* The total separation of religion from and state,
* Worship services in the home rather than at church.
The religious movements that they founded are called "free churches" as contrasted to the state churches, which were normal for the time. Their groups were simple associations of adult Christians. Most groups were wiped out in wars or programs of genocide, which were organised by various governments, and both the main line Protestant and Roman Catholic churches.
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