So, when did the Baptist church begin? Here’s the honest truth: 1609 is the safe answer for your dinner party. But the spirit of Baptist theology—adult baptism, local church independence, religious freedom—has older roots in the Radical Reformation of the 1520s.
Those Anabaptists in Zurich? They were baptizing adults and facing execution for it. Baptists share their DNA, even if they politely deny the family tree. History is messy like that.
In short: the Baptist church is like a fine wine—aged, with a few weird grapes, and best enjoyed with lively arguments. So next time someone asks you this question, smile. You now know enough to spin a yarn. And if they press for a date, just wink and say, "It depends on who’s counting."
Now, pass the sugar. We’re not done chatting yet.
