History of Distributism ~ Global Distributists: 1) Early Distributist Movements ~ Anabaptist Distributism

The seventh instalment of the series of articles from Global Distributists on the origins of Distributism and how it's been adapted and implemented around the world.

The history of the Anabaptists and their lifestyle align with distributist principles.

The Anabaptist movement emerged during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation as a radical alternative to both Catholicism and mainstream Protestantism. The term "Anabaptist" means "one who baptizes again" and refers to their belief in adult baptism as a conscious decision to follow Christ, in contrast to infant baptism. Anabaptists sought to return to the simple, communal lifestyle of the early Christian church, emphasizing discipleship, pacifism, and the separation of church and state. Over time, various Anabaptist groups formed, such as the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites, each with its distinct customs and practices.

Anabaptists have long been associated with a lifestyle that aligns with many distributist principles. Key aspects of this lifestyle include:

• Communal living: Anabaptist communities are built on the idea of living closely with one another, sharing resources, and supporting each other through mutual aid. This focus on community allows for a decentralized economic structure, which is a central tenet of distributism.
• Self-sufficiency: Anabaptists often strive for self-sufficiency, producing their food, clothing, and other goods. Agriculture plays a central role, with most communities practicing small-scale, sustainable farming. This emphasis on local production and consumption aligns with the distributist goal of decentralized economic power.
• Simple living: Anabaptist communities prioritize simplicity, frugality, and modesty in their daily lives. This can be seen in their clothing, homes, and the avoidance of many modern conveniences. Simple living is a core aspect of distributism, which values economic systems that prioritize human needs and relationships over material wealth.
• Craftsmanship and manual labor: Many Anabaptist communities place a high value on craftsmanship and manual labor, with members skilled in various trades, such as woodworking, blacksmithing, and sewing. This focus on decentralized, artisanal production aligns with the distributist emphasis on small, locally-owned enterprises.
• Education and service: Anabaptist communities typically have their schools, which focus on practical skills, religious teachings, and community values. They also emphasize service to others and taking care of their members, providing assistance to those in need and ensuring that everyone contributes to the common good.
• Stewardship of the earth: Anabaptist communities recognize the importance of caring for the earth and its resources. They often practice sustainable farming methods and strive to minimize their ecological footprint. This emphasis on environmental stewardship is in line with distributist values, which seek to promote economic systems that protect and preserve the natural world.

Throughout their history, the Anabaptists have faced persecution and marginalization due to their beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, their commitment to a simple, communal lifestyle based on self-sufficiency and mutual support has endured, making them an important example of distributist principles in action.