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Glimpses of world Religions
191
i REBAPTISM (Christianity of Amish Population)
HISTORY :
A great reformer in Religion named Martin Luther rebelled against Roman Catholic Church in Europe in the year 1517 A.D. After some years, this rebellion turned into more vigorous form in the Zurich area of Switzerland. Here, Rebels formed an Association. Normally, in Christianity, "Baptism” (Educational Refinements of faith in Religion propagated by Jesus Christ), starts at the age of childhood. The newly formed Reformist Association of Zurich presented a strong opinion of their view that this process of Baptism should commence only at The Age of maturity of a person and that too with his/her full awareness (consciousness) and consent. Accordingly, they commenced REBAPTISM process, at the matured age. First such event of REBAPTISM took place in a small house of Zurich on 21st January 1525 AD. Therefore, this REBAPTISM prevailed extensively and increasingly over the years. These activities were on rise in Switzerland, Germany and certain areas of Netherland. The conservatives, holding Power and authority in Church (Religious Place) termed these reformists as ANABAPTISTS OR REBAPTIZERS. According to the then prevailing belief of Christianity of that Age, Ignoring (overlooking) of the FIRST BAPTISM by forces of REBAPTISM amounts to the CONTEMPT OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Thus, REBAPTISM becomes a CRIME AGAINST THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. According to prevalent practice of that age/Era, this offence (Crime) attracted CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
As per this tradition, the first martyr of the Revolutionary faith was awarded punishment of Death by Drowning him into the water and it was implemented in the year 1527 AD.