John Smyth was the founder of the Baptist denomination. Ordained as an Anglican priest in 1594, he broke with the Church of England less than ten years later, seeking refuge with his congregation in Holland. In Amsterdam, he came to reject the practice of infant baptist, adopting the baptism of believers, also known as adult baptism, and other doctrines which were then held primarily by the Anabaptists, of which he had come into contact. Before his death in 1612, he petitioned for acceptance into the Anabaptist fellowship. Although his petition was initially denied, most of his congregation joined with the Mennonites following his death. The minority of his church, under Thomas Helwys, went on to form the General Baptists of England.
Recommended Resources
All About Baptists: John Smyth
John Smyth’s place in the history of the Baptist church is put forward, including biographical data.
http://allaboutbaptists.com/history_John_Smyth.html
Baptist Cameos: John Smyth, 1570-1612
A synopsis of the role that John Smyth played in the formation of the Baptist denomination is featured.
http://www.reformedreader.org/smyth.htm
The role that John Smyth played in the formation of the Baptist denomination is discussed, including the Mennonite influences.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/denominationalfounders/smyth.html
Confession of Faith - John Smyth
Often referred to as the father of the Baptist groups that grew up in the United States, the site publishes the text of A Short Confession of Faith in Twenty Articles by John Smyth, written in 1609.
http://gaius.org/historical/confession-of-faith-john-smith/
An overview of John Smyth’s involvement with the congregation that gave birth to the Baptist denomination is put forward, disputing the significance of his involvement.
http://www.johnsmyth.org/
John Smyth: Root of the Baptists
Written by Jim Hill, a details account of the ministerial career of John Smyth is offered, including the role that he played in the establishment of the church that became the forerunner of the Baptist denomination.
http://www.christiansforchrist.org/articles/church-history/john-smyth-root-of-the-baptists
New World Encyclopedia: John Smyth
The early life, ordination, and evolving views of John Smyth are featured, including the Mennonite influences and legacy of the man.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/John_Smyth
Jason K. Lee presents a detailed account of the theology of John Smith, including his early affiliation with the Puritans, and then as a Separatist, as well as the influences of the Mennonites and the establishment of the church that became the Baptist denomination.
http://www.baptisttheology.org/book-reviews/the-theology-of-john-smyth/
