'Brothers In Christ', a reprint of a ground breaking study by Swiss church historian Fritz Blanke, details the origins of the Anabaptist movement in the little town of Zollikon, near Zurich.
The author retraces the development of this fascinating revival, retelling the stories of this movement of dedicated believers - men and women who yearned to live as disciples of Christ in their personal lives and churches. Because of their custom to re-baptize adult converts, they were called Anabaptists. They were a vanguard of the priesthood of all believers, of religious freedom, and of independent church-planting.
The men who sparked the Zollikon revival movement - Konrad Grebel, Felix Manz, Johannes Brotli, Jorg Blaurock, and their friends - faced persecution, exile, and even death. This book paints a vivid portrait of the controversies and friction that accompany spiritual awakenings in churches to this day.
What stands out in Fritz Blanke's work is the sensitive and appreciative way in which he depicts the revival among the Lake Zurich vinedressers, balanced with a profound, background knowledge of Zwingli's work and spirit.
The events that took place in Zurich 500 years ago are still very much relevant today. It is time to take steps towards reconciliation and to rediscover the Anabaptist heritage: their courage and their uncompromising devotion to Jesus.
