Response:
Hi,
I am not sure I completely understand your question. Baptists today
would trace their history through both the Anabaptists and the
Waldensians, though I am sure we would have our differences with both
groups. In fact, it could be argued that the Anabaptist name was simply
applied to groups that already carried the doctrine of the Waldensians.
Neither the Anabaptists nor the Waldensians would be considered
Protestants. Both of these groups existed apart from the state churches
(both Catholic and Protestant), and both suffered persecution from the
established state churches. Both groups believed in salvation by grace,
and both believed in baptism by immersion for believers only. They held
to the Bible as their authority (as opposed to church councils, papal
decrees, etc.), and had independent, autonomous churches as opposed to
religious hierarchies.
I agree with you that it is troubling that so much of Christianity
traces its history to the heresy of Catholicism. Christ said the He
would build His church, and the gates of Hell would not prevail against
it (Matt 16:18). I find it hard to believe that Christ's church turned
into Catholicism, and had to be rescued by the Protestant Reformation.
This is especially hard to believe in light of some of the strange
teachings of the reformers, and also in light of their persecution of
groups like the Waldensians and Anabaptists.
If your question deals with what TYPE of Baptist church, I would say
that the Independent, Fundamental Baptists are the ones that you should
look for. Again, as a rule, Independent, Fundamental Baptist churches
believe in the inspiration, inerrancy, and complete authority of the
Bible. They do not establish hierarchies and conventions, but rather
have independent churches. They practice separation from false
teaching, and attempt to separate themselves from worldly behavior as
well. Certainly not all churches that call themselves Independent,
Fundamental practice these things. But, for the most part, these are
the churches that continue in the tradition of the Anabaptists.
Hope this helps. May the Lord bless you.
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By Dr Mark Montgomery
Ambassador Baptist Church
1926 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
(412)477-3210
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