Divine Lexicon

Term

Rationalist Anabaptist

Anabaptists who prioritized reason over traditional doctrine, leading them to reject infant baptism, the Trinity, and the deity of Christ.

Filed underHistorical TheologyChurch History

Definition

Anabaptist who placed ultimate confidence in their reason. While still rejecting infant baptism, they were truly "radical" in that they were willing to reject traditional doctrines if they did not measure up to rational scrutiny. Representatives include Michael Servetus, Johann Faust, and Lello Sozzin, all of whom rejected the doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Christ.

Sources

  1. 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 798Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 798.

Last revised August 14, 2026