Question

Why do you think John of Leiden would want only adults, rather than infants, to receive baptism?

Answer 1

John of Leiden was a radical leader during the Münster Rebellion in the 16th century, which resulted in the establishment of a theocratic Anabaptist state in the city of Münster, Germany. While I cannot know John of Leiden's exact motivations, I can provide some insights based on historical context.

One possible reason for John of Leiden's preference for baptizing only adults could be rooted in the Anabaptist belief in voluntary, adult baptism. Anabaptists rejected the practice of infant baptism and believed that baptism should be a conscious choice made by adults who had reached an age of understanding and personal faith. They believed that infants were incapable of making such a decision and that true baptism should be reserved for those who had made a deliberate commitment to the faith.

Furthermore, the Anabaptists, including John of Leiden, emphasized the idea of a "believers' church" composed of committed adult believers. They sought to establish a community of like-minded individuals who had willingly chosen to join the faith and actively participate in the Anabaptist movement. By baptizing only adults, John of Leiden may have aimed to strengthen the sense of community and commitment within the movement.

It's important to note that John of Leiden's actions and beliefs were controversial and divisive, and he led a tumultuous period in Münster's history. The motivations and decisions of historical figures like John of Leiden are multifaceted and can be subject to various interpretations based on different historical perspectives.

Answer 2

Answer: John of Leiden would want only adults, rather than infants, to receive baptism because he believed that baptism was a voluntary act of faith that required free will, repentance and awareness of good and evil.

Explanation: John of Leiden was a Dutch Anabaptist leader who moved to Münster in 1533 and became an influential prophet. He turned the city into a millenarian Anabaptist theocracy and proclaimed himself King of New Jerusalem in 1534. He was captured and executed by the Catholic forces in 1536.

Anabaptists were a radical branch of the Protestant Reformation that rejected infant baptism and practiced adult baptism instead. They held that infants were not punishable for sin because they had no awareness of good and evil and thus could not yet exercise free will, repent, and accept baptism. They also believed that baptism was a sign of commitment to a new life in Christ and a covenant with the community of believers.

John of Leiden shared these Anabaptist views on baptism and applied them to his rule in Münster. He denied the validity of infant baptism and accepted only adult baptism, which he regarded as a second baptism for those who had been baptized as infants by other churches. He also made baptism a requirement for citizenship in his kingdom and enforced it by confiscating the property of those who refused. He saw baptism as a way of purifying the city from sin and preparing it for the imminent return of Christ.

Therefore, John of Leiden would want only adults, rather than infants, to receive baptism because he followed the Anabaptist doctrine that baptism was a voluntary act of faith that required free will, repentance and awareness of good and evil. He also used baptism as a tool of social control and religious conformity in his kingdom.

Hope this helps, and have a great day! =)