preview

Michael Sattler and the Anabaptist Movement Essay

Better Essays

Perhaps the most misunderstood, least recognized, and largely undervalued of all the great reformers of the sixteenth century is Michael Sattler, the Anabaptist. The little that is actually known about Michael Sattler is often times assumed or misinterpreted. However, the definite information available regarding this “radical” suggest that his brief yet significant role as a Reformation leader was truly invaluable for the unification and survival of the Anabaptist movement and its teachings. In addition, the radical ideas of Sattler and other Anabaptists have helped shape Western culture as we know it today. The contributions of Sattler to the greater Christian world are undeniable. This essay will engage …show more content…

The men, including Sattler, recanted and were released, but banished from Zurich. Upon Sattler’s departure from Zurich, there is no mention of his name until the next summer. Historians believe that during this dark period, or possibly even before Zurich, Sattler was married to a woman named Margaretha, a former Beguine. (2)

During the summer of 1526, a man by the name of Hans Kuenzi took Sattler (and possibly Margaretha) into his home. Kuenzi was an Anabaptist from Oberglatt, and had been jailed for his beliefs. He was released from prison on May 21, 1526. So it is sometime hereafter that Sattler and Kuenzi connected. Evidence from a letter written by Kuenzi to the Council at Zurich confirms that Sattler had not yet joined the Anabaptist movement or even been (re)baptized at this point. Over the course of Sattler’s stay in Oberglatt, Kuenzi taught the young man how to weave, and the two frequently discussed Scripture together. Although there is no specific date given for Sattler’s conversion, by the time he leaves Oberglatt in late June, he had been baptized and was ready to be an influence for the Swiss Brethren Anabaptists. (3)

Michael Sattler’s departure from Oberglatt marked the beginning of his very brief ministry. By late fall or early winter, Sattler was in the town of Strasbourg, debating and teaching Swiss Brethren beliefs. Strasbourg was the stronghold of the

Get Access