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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 16: Menno Simons and the Early Dutch Anabaptists  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Menno Simons admits he was “scared of the scriptures,” questioned transubstantiation, then concluded infant baptism lacked biblical foundation after testing Augustine, Luther, Bucer, and Bullinger—yet later confessed his preaching was driven by greed, reputation, and sensual living; how does his journey confront modern evangelical confidence in being “right on doctrine,” and what would it look like for the new birth to produce the kind of visible fruit Menno says was missing even while his Bible knowledge increased?
Another way to ask: How does Menno’s story challenge the idea that being right on doctrine means our hearts are right with God? What would it look like for the new birth to produce clear fruit in someone’s life, not just more Bible knowledge?

Direct Answer Menno’s testimony confronts the idea that correct doctrine alone equals true Christianity: he gained Bible knowledge and even a reputation as an “evangelical preacher,” yet admitted he lacked spirituality, love, and fruit. In Dean’s telling, the new birth must move doctrine from the head into a transformed life marked by obedience and visible change.

Support from Transcript:

  • Menno admits, “I had not touched [the Scriptures]… For I feared if I should read them, they would mislead me,” showing how tradition can keep people from the Word.
  • He began questioning transubstantiation: a thought occurred the elements “were not the flesh and blood,” and he could not escape it.
  • He tested infant baptism claims against authorities: Augustine (original sin), Luther (infant faith), Bucer (better training), Bullinger (circumcision covenant), and rejected them because they were “not in accordance with the word of God.”
  • He says once he examined the New Testament, “I discovered that we were deceived,” emphasizing Scripture’s authority.
  • Yet he confesses moral emptiness: he spoke “much… without spirituality or love,” lived an “impure, sensual… life,” seeking “gain… splendor, reputation, and honor.”
  • Dean summarizes the lesson: “Head knowledge Christianity… I knew the scriptures… But there was no real change of life,” and stresses “everything comes from… being born again.”
Discussion Follow-ups How do we recognize when we are “right” but untransformed? What concrete fruits—love, purity, humility, obedience—should grow when Scripture moves from information to new birth life?

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