I Appeal to Scripture!: The Life and Writings of Michael Sattler

Disintegration threatened the nearly two-year old Anabaptist movement in 1526 in Switzerland and southern Germany. Quarrelling individuals with bizarre theology and behaviour threatened the movement’s stability; ruthless persecution threatened its existence. Could Anabaptism survive much longer? It was a moment of great crisis–and great opportunity.

Engulfed in persecution, embroiled in doctrinal disputes, and lacking adequate leadership, the Anabaptist movement needed a compelling vision and a man to personify that vision. Thankfully, God sent a man to fill that role. His name was Michael Sattler. His story is one of faith, courage, and conviction.

For far too long Michael Sattler’s contribution to the Anabaptist movement has been mostly the domain of scholars. With this book, Sattler’s story becomes available to a popular audience. Michael Sattler may have single-handedly saved the Swiss Anabaptist movement from collapsing with his Schleitheim Confession, sometimes known as the ‘Mennonite miracle.’ Every Anabaptist should know and understand this story by adulthood. Each of us owes this former monk a sincere ‘thank-you.’