Baptist successionism (or Baptist perpetuity) is one of several theories on the origin and continuation of Baptist churches. The theory postulates an unbroken lineage of churches (since the days of John the Baptist, who baptized Christ) which have held beliefs similar to those of current Baptists. Groups often included in this lineage include the Montanists, Paulicians, Cathari, Waldenses, Albigenses, Lollards, and Anabaptists.[1] However most scholars agree that the Baptists originated within 17th-century puritanism, meaning it is not accepted by scholars as factual. [2]
- ^ Patterson 1969, p. 9.
- ^ Baptist | History, Beliefs, Denominations, & Facts | Britannica