THE RADICAL REFORMATION History 348 - Religious Studies 344 Winter, 2011

Course Description This course provides an introduction to the events, leaders and doctrines of the 16th century Radical Reformation. In addition to studying the historical development of the Radical Reformation, the course also will examine theological issues relating to Baptism, the Lord's Supper, the structure of the Church, the relationship of Church to State, the use of Force by Christians, and various understandings of Salvation, primarily as these developed within the Anabaptist tradition. In order to place the Radical Reformation in historical and theological context, some attention will be given to the antecedent currents of reform and dissent. The primary focus of attention will be on the sixteenth century Anabaptist movement in its various manifestations, but the course also will consider grass roots reform movements generally, as well as some of the individual sixteenth century dissenters from the dominant expressions of Christianity.

Instructor: Arnold Snyder Office: Conrad Grebel College, 2114 (Admin. bldg., main floor) Office telephone: 885-0220, ext. 24260; Home telephone: 743-3402 Office Hours: By appointment Class times: Tuesday/Thursday 1:00 - 2:20

Required Texts. C. Arnold Snyder, Anabaptist History and Theology: Revised Student Edition Source Reader, compiled by the Instructor. (Both texts are available for purchase only in class, not at the university bookstore).

Course Requirements. There are two marking options (you will have to choose one, eventually): Option 1: Marks will be established on the basis of daily quizzes on the required readings, plus two examinations (one mid-term and one final).

Quizzes (average mark) 30% Examination I (Midterm) 30% Examination II (Final) 40%

Option 2: Marks will be established on the basis of daily quizzes on the required readings, plus one in-class examination (mid-term), and a final research essay.

Quizzes (average mark) 30% Examination I 30% Research Essay 40%

A. Examinations. The examinations are closed book exams. B. Major research essay. Students choosing the research essay option will be expected to read both primary sources in translation (sixteenth century or earlier), as well as secondary sources (works by scholars dealing with your chosen topic). This is to be a major essay (4,000 to 5,000 words), written on a subject directly related to the content of the course. Approval by the instructor of the topic and approach is required. These essays are due no later than April 15, early in the exam period, so it is wise to get an early start.

1 Syllabus

Jan. 4 Introduction

A. THE CONTEXT: REFORMATION AND RADICAL REFORMATION

Jan. 6 The Late Medieval Tradition. Text, chapter 1 Reader, Ausbund 107, stanzas 1-21 (Nature of Reality).

Jan. 11 Evangelical Reform. Text, chapter 2 Reader, Martin Luther, Freedom of Christian

Jan. 13 Radical Reform. Text, chapter 3 Reader, Carlstadt, Main Points; Müntzer, Protestation

Jan. 18 The Peasants’ War; Radical Reform, revisited Text, chapters 4 and 5 Reader, The Twelve Articles of the peasants

Jan. 20 The Origins of Swiss Anabaptism. Text, chapter 6 Reader: Hutterite Chronicle, beginnings in Zurich; Manz, Protest and Defense; Ausbund 108, stanzas 1-12 (Baptism)

B. THE SETTING OF INITIAL BOUNDARIES: 1525-1540

Jan. 25 The Origins of South German/Austrian Anabaptism. Text, chapter 7 Reader, Ausbund, 103 (End Times); Hut on Baptism

Jan. 27 The Theological and Ecclesiological Core of Anabaptism, part 1 (Faith, Works). Text, chapter 8 Reader, Ausbund, 81 (Creed); Ausbund, 110 (Gelassenheit; Faith and Works)

Feb. 1 The Theological and Ecclesiological Core of Anabaptism, part 2 (Church). Text, chapter 8 Reader, Ausbund 108, stanzas 11-29; Ausbund 92, stanzas 14-25

Feb. 3 The Communication of Anabaptist Ideas; Spread & Development of Early Anabaptism. Text, chapters 9 and 10 Reader, Nadler, Confession; Ausbund 104 (Lord’s Prayer);

Feb. 8 The Origin and Spread of North German/Dutch Anabaptism, part 1. Text, chapter 11, to page 216 Reader, Melchior Hoffman, various writings

2 Feb. 10 The Origin and Spread of North German/Dutch Anabaptism, part 2 Text, chapter 11, page 216 to end. Reader, Obbe Philips, Confession; B. Rothmann, various writings

Feb. 15 Anabaptists and Scripture: An Overview. Text, chapter 12 Reader, Literalist (various); Spiritualist (Denck; Stadler); Apocalyptic (Hut, Langenmantel, Hübner, Hoffman); Ursula Jost, Visions

Feb. 17 Exam I: In class; closed book.

Feb. 21 to 25 No Classes: Reading Week

C. THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANABAPTISM: 1525-CA. 1600 1. Anabaptism and Political Reality

Mar. 1 Sword and Oath: Swiss and South German/Austrian Anabaptism Text, chapter 13 Reader, Ausbund 87 (Matthew 22:37-39: Loving God and Neighbour)

Mar. 3 Hoffman and Melchiorites: Spirit, Letter; Sword and Oath Text: chapter 14 Reader, Rothmann on the Sword; Menno on the Sword

2. Anabaptism and Socio-Economic Reality

Mar. 8 Mutual Aid, Equality, and Marriage Text, chapter 15 Reader, Stadler on Community of Goods; Menno on Covetousness

Mar. 10 Mutual Aid, Equality, and Marriage (continued) Reader, Riedemann on Marriage

3. Anabaptism and Religious Reform

Mar. 15 The Inner and the Outer Text, chapter 16 Reader, Ausbund, 88 (Prayer; Sin).

Mar. 17 The Inner and the Outer (continued): Anabaptist spirituality Reader, Ausbund, 119 (Spirituality)

Mar. 22 The Church Text, chapter 17 Reader, Ausbund, 97 (Suffering Bride)

Mar. 24 Christology Text, chapter 18 Reader, Menno on the Incarnation

D. CONCLUSION

Mar. 29 The Continuing Anabaptist Tradition Text, chapter 19 Reader, Ausbund, 114 (True and False Christians).

Mar. 31 Wrap up: preparation for final examination

Examination II – date to be announced (this will be some time during exam period).

Final essays due: April 15 (no extensions!)