Are Baptists Protestant?

According to Google, protestant is defined as:

“A name for those Christians and churches which separated from the Roman Catholic Church at the Reformation, and for other churches and groups descended from them.”

Most historians agree that the protestant Reformation was kicked off on Oct. 31, 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door at the Wittenberg Castle and began a movement that would shake the contemporary religious landscape. From this information, we can know that protestants date back to the sixteenth century. The question we must answer...do the Baptists predate this revolution and are they associated with it in any way?

Baptists can date their religious lineage much farther back than 1517 A.D. In fact, a thorough look at history will show a group of people who hold to the same doctrines as current Independent, Fundamental Baptists during every century since the time of Christ. These groups have not always been called Baptists, but even a casual glance through their writings will reveal that they are adherents to the same doctrinal standards that we hold to today. These groups include the Montanists (150 A.D.), the Novatians (240 A.D.), Donatists (305 A.D.), Albigenses 1022 A.D.), Waldensians (1170 A.D.), and the Anabaptists who followed shortly after these groups.

"Were it not that the Baptists have been grievously tormented and cut off with the knife during the past 1,200 years, they would swarm in greater number than all the Reformers.” ~ Cardinal Hosius

Cardinal Hosius was a strong antagonist against the reformation. He was actively involved in putting down non catholic groups and furthering the work of the Catholics. It is interesting to note that this man sees a clear distinction between Baptists and protestants.

It is also important to note that Baptists were historically persecuted by those who were reformers. They were beaten and martyred by Calvin, Luther, and many others.

“Uncounted thousands of them lost their goods, their lands, and their lives in these persecutions. Konred Grebel died in prison in 1526. Felix Manz was drowned by the authorities at Zurich in 1527. Noted Baptist leader Baithauser Hubmaier was burned alive at the stake in Vienna March 10, 1528. Three days later his wife was drowned by being thrown over the Danube bridge with a stone tied to her neck.” ~ Dr. Vernon C. Lyons

To Be Continued…