Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 317 - The Münster Rebellion: Part 2
Jun 23, 2024
In a gripping unraveling of history, the Anabaptist takeover of Munster unleashes chaos and fervor. Follow the escalation as Bernard Rothman’s leadership and Matthias’ tyranny morph into a violent rule marked by public executions and apocalyptic visions. Power shifts dramatically with John of Leiden, leading to a bizarre regime of polygamy and coercion. Amidst military conflict and brutal reprisals, dissent brews among monogamous rebels, revealing how zealotry spirals into horror. This is a tale where religious fanaticism clashes with the gruesome reality of power.
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Rapid Religious Migration To Munster
- Anabaptists flooded Munster seeking a New Jerusalem and faced little initial resistance despite being outlawed across the Holy Roman Empire.
- Their growth began as refugees/pilgrims drawn by charismatic leaders like John Matthias.
Violent Purges And Mass Baptisms
- Churches were attacked, priests and nuns expelled, and Rothman promised deliverance on Easter 1534 based on Matthias' prophecies.
- Two apostles arrived and began mass baptisms, swelling the movement to thousands in Munster.
Mercenaries Acted Like Free Agents
- The bishop's hired mercenaries acted autonomously, releasing prisoners and undermining his authority.
- Mercenary unreliability became a recurring strategic factor in the conflict.