| The objective of this Thesis is to demonstrate that Balthasar Hubmaier viewed church discipline as a necessary function of the particular church to be discharged according to the mandate of Christ. Church discipline for Hubmaier eventuated in excommunication or the "Ban." As a form of church discipline, according to Hubmaier, excommunication has as its goal the restitution of wayward Christians. Church discipline was necessary for Hubmaier in the sense that it was a mark of the true church. Main-line Anabaptism primarily drew distinction between a "true" church and a "fallen" church. Membership in the true church was established by personal and public repentance, confession and baptism. Hubmaier allowed for the concept of a true church, however, he predominantly gave emphasis to the particular or visible church, one not unlike the life and virtue of the Early Church.;The process of Christian admonition, for Hubmaier, required accountability within the church membership.;The proper exercise of the keys was vital according to Hubmaier's view in order for the church to be able to honor the pledge made at baptism and through the Lord's Supper. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
