The Anabaptist story : an introduction to sixteenth-century Anabaptism / William R. Estep. [print]

Includes bibliographies and index.

The birth of Anabaptism -- Meteors against the night -- A superlative witness -- Truth is immortal -- From Zollikon to Augsburg -- Of Moravia and the community of goods -- Menno Simons and Dutch Anabaptism -- Anabaptism and reformation theology -- Baptism and discipleship -- Church and state -- Across the seas and through the years.

Four hundred seventy years ago the Anabaptist movement was launched with the inauguration of believers' baptism and the formation of the first congregation of the Swiss Brethren in Zurich, Switzerland. This standard introduction to the history of Anabaptism by noted church historian William R. Estep offers a vivid chronicle of the rise and spread of the teachings and heritage of this vigorous, important stream in Christianity. In this third edition, The Anabaptist Story has been substantially revised and enlarged to take into account the numerous Anabaptist sources that have come to light in the last half-century as well as the significant number of monographs and other scholarly research on Anabaptist themes that have recently appeared. In interacting with these materials, Estep challenges a number of assumptions held by contemporary historians of sixteenth-century Anabaptism and offers fresh insights into the historical movement to which we owe the notion of religious liberty that prevails today.

APA - CHECK FORMATING BEFORE USE Estep, W. R. (1996). The Anabaptist Story: An Introduction to Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

MLA - CHECK FORMATING BEFORE USE Estep, William R. The Anabaptist Story: An Introduction to Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1996.

Chicago/Turabian - CHECK FORMATTING BEFORE USE Estep, William R. The Anabaptist Story: An Introduction to Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1996.

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William Roscoe Estep (1920-2000) was an esteemed historian and professor specializing in church history, focusing on the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century. He was a faculty member at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he significantly contributed to religious studies and church history through his teaching and extensive writings. Estep was widely recognized for his expertise on the Radical Reformation, especially Anabaptism, which emerged in the 16th century as a part of the broader Protestant Reformation. Anabaptists sought to return to early Christian practices and beliefs, emphasizing adult baptism, separation of church and state, and a commitment to nonviolence. Estep's work, including "The Anabaptist Story: An Introduction to Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism," is highly regarded for its thorough examination and clear presentation of Anabaptist history, theology, and diverse movements. "The Anabaptist Story," first published in 1963 and later revised, is considered a definitive introduction to the study of Anabaptism. In this book, Estep provides an accessible yet comprehensive overview of the Anabaptist movement's origins, key figures, theological foundations, and historical impact. He brings to light the stories of persecution faced by Anabaptists and their contributions to the development of modern notions of religious freedom and individual conscience. Estep's scholarship is characterized by a deep respect for his subjects and an objective and critical historical approach. His contributions have enriched the understanding of Anabaptist history and offered insights into the broader narratives of the Reformation and Christian history. Throughout his career, Estep was committed to the principle that understanding the history of Christianity is essential for the church's self-understanding and mission in the world. His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to serve as essential resources for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the enduring impact of the Anabaptist tradition.