Simons, Menno (1496-1559)
Place of Birth: Witmarsum, Holland
Description: Dutch Anabaptist
Christian Work: Early leader of Mennonite churches; educated for priesthood and ordained (1524); served as pastor in village of Pingjum (1532-1536); preacher, writer, publisher
Experience with Anabaptists: Witnessed martyrdom of man rebaptized (1531); studied infant baptism at time Anabaptists were persecuted; several hundred Munsterite Anabaptists killed including his brother (1535); publicly renounced Roman Catholic Church (1536); joined with Anabaptists and was baptized (1537); became Anabaptist leader; dealt with problems of corruption and fanaticism from within
Influences: Enlightened by NT and writings of Luther and Reformers
Beliefs and Teachings: While conducting the eucharist, he was convinced bread and wine could not be actual body and blood of Christ; idea of community of believers, marriage within community, adult baptism, distrust of learning, no politics, no bearing of arms, wary of dogmatic theology, reliance on Scriptures (1537)
Writings: Renunciation of Rome, Foundation Book
