Who are the Dunkers?
The Dunkers or Schwarzenau Brethren are members of a branch of the Protestant church which was founded in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. The term “Dunkers” is actually a slang word which was applied by other people, referencing their baptismal practices; some members of this Christian sect find the term “Dunkers” offensive, along with the related “Dunkards” or “Tunkers.” This church is most strong in the United States, where many members fled after persecution in Germany. Like other churches which arose in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, the Dunkers do not believe in infant baptism. Instead, they believe that baptism must be undertaken at adulthood, as a personal affirmation and expression of faith. The Neue Täufer, or “New Baptists,” as they initially called themselves, believe in trine baptism, which involves fully immersing someone three times, representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This led to widespread mockery, and the nickname “Dunkers” for adherents t
The Dunkers or Schwarzenau Brethren are members of a branch of the Protestant church which was founded in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. The term “Dunkers†is actually a slang word which was applied by other people, referencing their baptismal practices; some members of this Christian sect find the term “Dunkers†offensive, along with the related “Dunkards†or “Tunkers.†This church is most strong in the United States, where many members fled after persecution in Germany. Like other churches which arose in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, the Dunkers do not believe in infant baptism. Instead, they believe that baptism must be undertaken at adulthood, as a personal affirmation and expression of faith. The Neue Täufer, or “New Baptists,†as they initially called themselves, believe in trine baptism, which involves fully immersing someone three times, representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This led to widespread mockery, and the nickname “Dunker
