Michael Sattler

Michael Sattler

Perhaps the most misunderstood, least recognized, and largely undervalued of all the great reformers of the sixteenth century is Michael Sattler, the Anabaptist. The little that is actually known about Michael Sattler is often times assumed or misinterpreted. However, the definite information available regarding this "radical" suggest that his brief yet significant role as a Reformation leader was truly invaluable for the unification and survival of the Anabaptist movement and its teachings. In addition, the radical ideas of Sattler and other Anabaptists have helped shape Western culture as we know it today. The contributions of Sattler to the greater Christian world are undeniable. This essay will engage the life, teaching, writings, and influence of the martyr Michael Sattler.

A Summary of the Life of Michael Sattler

Very little is known about the childhood and early adult life of Michael Sattler. In fact, there is almost no record of his existence prior to the time he converted to Anabaptist beliefs from Catholic doctrine. What is known is as follows:

Sattler was born in Staufen, Germany somewhere between 1490 and 1495. While information regarding his childhood remains in obscurity, it is apparent that he joined the Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter's of the Black Forest sometime before 1520. It is unlikely that Sattler received a significant education since St. Peter's did not send its monks to study at universities until 1551. However, evidence shows that Sattler was in fact learned in Latin, Hebrew, and possibly Greek. Numerous sources identify the converted Sattler as an ex-prior. Therefore, it is assumed that Sattler became the prior of St. Peter's sometime between 1518 (the year Prior Ambrosius Holdermann died) and 1525, when Sattler is identified in Zurich. Monastic records are unavailable for this time period, so it is uncertain how long Sattler held this post. (1)

On May 12, 1525, peasant troops took over St. Peter's as part of the Peasant's Revolt. Although there is vast disagreement, the most reliable sources estimate that Michael Sattler left the monastery shortly after its capture. Sattler is next found in Zurich (Zwinglian territory) in November, where he attended a discussion regarding the heated issue of adult baptism. The disputation took place November 6-8. There is no evidence that Sattler identified with the Anabaptist movement at this time. However, following the disputation he was arrested along with a few other men because of their views on baptism. The men, including Sattler, recanted and were released, but banished from Zurich. Upon Sattler's departure from Zurich, there is no mention of his name until the next summer. Historians believe that during this dark period, or possibly even before Zurich, Sattler was married to a woman named Margaretha, a former Beguine. (2)

During the summer of 1526, a man by the name of Hans Kuenzi took Sattler (and possibly Margaretha) into his home. Kuenzi was an Anabaptist from Oberglatt, and had been jailed for his beliefs. He was released from prison on May 21, 1526. So it is sometime hereafter that Sattler and Kuenzi connected. Evidence from a letter written by Kuenzi to the Council at Zurich confirms that Sattler had not yet joined the Anabaptist movement or even been (re)baptized at this point. Over the course of Sattler's stay in Oberglatt, Kuenzi taught the young man how to weave, and the two frequently discussed Scripture together. Although there is no specific date given for Sattler's conversion, by the time he leaves Oberglatt in late June, he had been baptized and was ready to be an influence for the Swiss Brethren Anabaptists. (3)

Michael Sattler's departure from Oberglatt marked the beginning of his very brief ministry. By late fall or early winter, Sattler was in the town of Strasbourg, debating and teaching Swiss Brethren beliefs. Strasbourg was the stronghold of the reformers Martin Bucer and Wolfgang Capito. These men were attempting to unite Lutheran and Zwinglian forces. The main issue of debate these men had with Sattler was, again, baptism (neither Luther nor Zwingli rejected infant baptism). The relationship between Bucer and Capito and Michael Sattler was described as "cordial." Both sides respected the other as true seekers of God. (4)

On January 5, 1527, Felix Mantz, the Swiss Brethren leader, was martyred, leaving Sattler as the principal authority figure for the movement. It was around this time that Sattler left Strasbourg and headed to Lahr to spread Anabaptist ideals. He taught in Lahr until early to mid-February. (5)

Swiss Brethren leaders converged on the city of Schleitheim in late February in an attempt to unify various Anabaptist groups. On February 24, 1527, Sattler delivered the Schleitheim Confession to these leaders. The "Schleitheim," as we shall call it, outlined seven issues of importance to the Swiss Brethren. These seven articles addressed the issues of baptism, the ban (excommunication), the Lord's Supper, separation from the world, the sword, shepherds (pastors), and the oath. Although the Schleitheim was not a complete confession of faith, it soon became the basis for Anabaptist ideals which separated the movement from the rest of the Reformation. At the same time the Schleitheim served as a unifying bond for the Anabaptist movement as a whole. (6)

Following the conference in Schleitheim, Sattler made his way to the small town of Horb, where he assumed responsibility for the congregation there. Within mere days, Sattler along with his wife Margaretha, Matthias Hiller, and Vert Veringer were arrested by Roman Catholic authorities for holding to Anabaptist beliefs. The prisoners were held in a tower in the town of Binsdorf while awaiting trial. It is believed that the entire Anabaptist congregation in Horb was arrested, but only these four were transferred to Binsdorf. After approximately three months of imprisonment, the four are brought to Rottenburg for trial. After a two day hearing (May 17-18) they are found guilty of heresy (all but Veringer, who recanted). On May 20, 1527, Sattler's sentence was carried out. After being taken to the town square, he was tortured and burned at the stake. Margaretha was drowned two days later. (7)

This martyrdom extinguished the life of a man who was the leader of a radical movement for only a short period, but his influence is spread across the world; as we will discuss throughout this essay.

Timeline - The Life of Michael Sattler

1490-1495 - Michael Sattler is born sometime