明斯特反叛

The Münster rebellion (German: Täuferreich von Münster, lit. 'Anabaptist dominion of Münster') was an attempt by radical Anabaptists to establish a communal sectarian government in the German city of Münster – then under the large Prince-Bishopric of Münster in the Holy Roman Empire.

The city was under Anabaptist rule from February 1534, when the city hall was seized and Bernhard Knipperdolling installed as mayor, until its fall in June 1535. It was Melchior Hoffman, who initiated adult baptism in Strasbourg in 1530, and his line of eschatological Anabaptism, that helped lay the foundations for the events of 1534–35 in Münster.

Rebellion

After the German Peasants' War (1524–1525), a forceful attempt to establish theocracy was made at Münster, in Westphalia (1532–1535). Here the Anabaptists had gained considerable influence, through the adhesion of Bernhard Rothmann, the Lutheran pastor, and several prominent citizens and leaders, including Jan Matthys (also spelled Matthijs, Mathijsz, Matthyssen, Mathyszoon), a baker from Haarlem, and John of Leiden (Jan van Bockelson or Beukelszoon), a tailor from Leiden. Bernhard Rothmann was a tireless and vitriolic opponent of Catholicism and a writer of pamphlets that were published by his ally, the wealthy wool merchant Bernhard Knipperdolling.……

Siege

The city was besieged by Franz von Waldeck, its expelled bishop. In April 1534, on Easter Sunday, Matthys, who had prophesied God's judgment to come on the wicked on that day, led a procession from the city with twelve followers, as he believed himself the second Gideon. He and his followers were cut off and taken. After Matthys was killed his head was placed on a pole for all in the city to see, and his genitals later nailed to the city gate.

The 25-year-old John of Leiden was subsequently recognized as Matthys' religious and political successor, justifying his authority and actions by claiming visions from heaven. His authority grew until eventually he proclaimed himself the successor of David and adopted royal regalia, honors, and absolute power in the new "Zion".……

Aftermath

The Münster Rebellion was a turning point for the Anabaptist movement. It never again had the opportunity of assuming political importance, as both Catholic and Lutheran civil powers adopted stringent measures to counter this. It is difficult to trace the subsequent history of the group as a religious body, through changes in the names used and beliefs held.

The Batenburgers under Jan van Batenburg preserved the violent millennialist stream of Anabaptism seen at Münster. They were polygamous and believed force was justified against anyone not in their sect. Their movement went underground after the suppression of the Münster Rebellion, with members posing as Catholics or Lutherans as necessary.……

Works of fiction

The Unfortunate Traveller (1594), first English picaresque novel by Thomas Nashe, reflects the cruelty issued by the Emperor and the Duke of Saxony

A Tale of a Tub (1704) by Jonathan Swift. His first major work, brother "Jack" is based on "Jack of Leyden".

Le prophète (1849), opera by Giacomo Meyerbeer that highly fictionalizes the rebellion

The Friends of God (1963) by Peter Vansittart

The Abyss (French: L'Œuvre au noir) (1968) by Marguerite Yourcenar

Rules For a Film about Anabaptists (1976), film by Georg Brintrup

Die Wiedertäufer (The Anabaptists) (1980), play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, translated by Lauren Friesen as The Anabaptists (unpublished manuscripts in various libraries, including the Graduate Theological Union)