Customer Reviews

Balthasar Hubmaier (Classics of the Radical Reformation)

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Pipkin and Yoder have done the world a service by translating Hubmaier's works into English. This seminal theologian of Anabaptism wrote definitive works on believer's baptism, freedom of the will, and the Christian life (including a very timely pamphlet entitled, "On Heretics and Those Who Burn Them".) Also included are his letters to the various city councils who pondered his execution, his disputations with Zwingli and Oeclampadius concerning infant baptism and Reformed theology, and an Anabaptist catechism that gives indispensible insight into the mind of one of the Reformation's brightest stars. Hubmaier is considered by many to be a spiritual forefather for Baptists, but he is also an important link in Catholic philosophy and an amazing read for anyone interested in the theology of the Reformation.

Pipkin and Yoder have done an excellent job translating from the German and have footnoted many of the more important passages in their original language. They also provide a handy glossary of terms and an introduction to each essay that sets it into its historical and theological context. The price is a bit unfortunate (you will rarely find it even used for less than $50), but this large volume's worth to the pastor, theologian, or historian is far beyond such a meager investment. I recommend this book for anyone. Die Wahrheit ist untodlich!

Balthasar Hubmaier deserves to be remembered among the handful of Reformation leaders like Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. Unfortunately, for reasons beyond my understanding, history has obscured him rather than celebrated him. This tremendously accessible rendering into English of virtually everything from Balthasar's pen proves clearly and without argument that he is worthy of greater remembrance.

Each writing of Hubmaier is preceded by a brief introduction by Pipkin and Yoder. The primary function of these introductions is to set the writing to follow in its historical context, but they also provide some basic commentary on the writings themselves. I have found the introductions a helpful resource in their own rite.

The edition is attractive and easy to read, though it is unfortunately priced.