The year is 1525. Michael and Margaretha Sattler have fled their religious orders. Their quest: restore the church to the purity of its early days when communities of believers practiced peace, compassion and sacrificial love.
The Sattlers join a group called the Anabaptists and together challenge the 1,000 year control of the Church by the State. They call for baptism to once again become, not a mark of citizenship, but an adult and voluntary decision to follow Christ. As their movement grows, so does the determination of their enemies to stop them…by any means necessary.
In 1527, Michael is burned at the stake and Margaretha drowned. But their movement survives and today is carried on by the Mennonites, Mennonite Brethren, Brethren in Christ, the Hutterites, and the Amish.
Contains some graphic depiction of historical persecution. Viewer discretion advised.
Additional Clip
Additional Trailer
Scene from movie The Radicals
Issues:
- Controlled violence: Does not contain graphic or unnecessary violent scenes
3 thoughts to “The Radicals (1990)”
Here is the story of a man and a woman that put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Reformation time. They were used by God to lead others into the practice of adult baptism. That was opposite to infant baptism that was happening. They were called Anabaptist. This baptism was violently opposed by the leaders of the church and the state. They continued even during persecution, suffering and ending in death as martyrs for their faith. This show true christian persecution.
This movie is hard to watch, sad, disturbing, and very sobering, but I’m so glad I saw it. I came away from it so sobered in my relationship with God. I found myself thinking what I would be willing to risk and to suffer for Him, and I also felt moved to consider what I’m doing to serve Him now, in this day and age. This movie had an impact on me more than any movie labeled “Christian” movie has had. It’s worth your time as it teaches the true gospel of Christ.
Go back to a time when being baptized as an adult; reading the Bible, sharing Scriptures, and holding different views from the “official” church were crimes punishable by the most cruel methods possible.
It will not matter how strong your convictions are, nothing will keep you from sitting passively through this film as it causes you to evaluate your own faith and actions.
The Anabaptists’ refusal to baptize babies was just one manifestation of their bigger issue: belief in separation of church and state and freedom of worship. What will you do?