What were the basic beliefs of the Anabaptists?

The basic beliefs of the Anabaptists prominently include the practice of adult baptism and the sharing of worldly goods. Anabaptists held that only individuals who were able to make a conscious choice about their faith should be baptized, which led them to reject infant baptism. This belief in adult baptism was grounded in their interpretation of the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and commitment to Christ.

Additionally, Anabaptists often practiced communal ownership or the sharing of goods, reflecting their emphasis on community and mutual support among believers. They sought to live out their faith not just individually, but collectively, in a way that mirrored the early Christian communities depicted in the Acts of the Apostles. This belief in sharing and communal living was seen as a manifestation of their faith and an expression of their commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus.

The other options do not align with the core tenets of Anabaptism. The Anabaptist stance clearly opposes infant baptism, thus rejecting that belief. Moreover, they were known for advocating separation from the state, not strict adherence to government authority, which distinguishes them from other Christian groups that may have aligned more closely with secular authorities. Finally, an outright rejection of all forms of baptism contradicts their