The Beginning of Anabaptism in Southern Tyrol
The Southern Tyrol belonged to one of few territories that proved particularly Anabaptist-friendly. Unlike other territories no major reformer or theologian emerged to dominate the evangelical reform movement. Michael Gaismair, who may have coveted such a role, was defeated with the peasants. After...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Sixteenth Century Journal Publishers, Inc.
1991
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| In: |
The sixteenth century journal
Year: 1991, Volume: 22, Issue: 4, Pages: 717-726 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
Non-electronic |
| Summary: | The Southern Tyrol belonged to one of few territories that proved particularly Anabaptist-friendly. Unlike other territories no major reformer or theologian emerged to dominate the evangelical reform movement. Michael Gaismair, who may have coveted such a role, was defeated with the peasants. After 1526 Anabaptism provided the major challenge and alternative to the religious social-political status quo. It produced an extraordinary number of local leaders and martyrs, among then Jacob Hutter, who bequeathed his name to the Hutterites who have survived against incredible odds to the present. He and his "communistic" followers enjoyed the reputation of being the most dedicated and disciplined of sixteenth-century Anabaptists. This paper reexamines the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement in Southern Tyrol. It suggests that Anabaptism was brought to this area in the spring of 1527 by the Swiss veteran Jorg Blaurock and that it spread among radical evangelical sacramentists with previous connections to Gaismair's abortive attempt at revolution. This at least provides the best explanation for the rapid spread of Anabaptism and its initial popularity. Continuity with Gaismair's program it is argued, existed in terms of similar attitudes towards existing structures and perceived social wrongs, anticlericalism, and radical iconoclasm. There were, of course, discontinuities as well. Severe persecution meant that attempts at transforming Tyrol's society were given up. What remained were separated communities in exile. |
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| ISSN: | 2326-0726 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: The sixteenth century journal
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/2542375 |