Introduction
The Baptist Church is one of the largest Protestant groups in the world today, often claiming to return to “biblical Christianity.” But the crucial question must be asked: Who founded it? When and why was it established? Did God give its founder divine authority to start a new church apart from the Catholic Church?
Let us explore the truth using historical evidence, biblical teaching, early Christian practice, and Catholic teaching.
1. The Founder of the Baptist Church
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The Baptist movement began in the early 17th century.
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Its main founder was John Smyth (1570–1612), an English separatist and former Anglican priest.
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In 1609, in Amsterdam, Smyth baptized himself and a small group of followers, establishing the first Baptist congregation.
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Baptists emphasized believer’s baptism (adult baptism by immersion), rejecting infant baptism practiced since the Apostolic era.
👉 Therefore, unlike the Catholic Church founded by Christ in the 1st century, the Baptist Church was founded by John Smyth in 1609 AD.
2. Why John Smyth Established the Baptist Church
John Smyth and his followers were motivated by:
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Rejection of Anglican & Catholic Traditions: They believed infant baptism and liturgical practices were unbiblical.
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Believer’s Baptism: They taught baptism should only be for adults who make a personal profession of faith.
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Scripture Alone: Like other Protestants, Baptists embraced Sola Scriptura and rejected Sacred Tradition.
However, this contradicted the faith and practice of the early Church, where infant baptism and apostolic tradition were universally accepted.
3. Did God Give Authority to John Smyth to Establish a Church?
The Bible says the Church was founded by Christ Himself:
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“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
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“He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me.” (Luke 10:16)
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“The household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
No passage authorizes individuals like John Smyth to start their own church 1,600 years later.
👉 Authority rests only with Christ and the Apostles, continued through apostolic succession in the Catholic Church.
4. Early Christians on Baptism and the Church
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St. Irenaeus (c. 180 AD):
“For He came to save all through means of Himself—all, I say, who through Him are born again to God—infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men.” (Against Heresies, 2.22.4)
→ Early Christians baptized infants, contrary to Baptist claims. -
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250 AD):
“God’s mercy and grace ought to be denied to no man born.” (Letter to Fidus)
→ He affirmed infant baptism as apostolic practice. -
St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD):
“Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the people be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” (Letter to Smyrnaeans, 8)
→ The true Church is visible, apostolic, and Catholic—not Baptist.
5. Catholic Church Teaching (CCC)
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CCC 1250: Infant baptism has been the practice of the Church since ancient times.
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CCC 816: The Church of Christ “subsists in the Catholic Church.”
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CCC 882: Authority was given to Peter and his successors (the Popes), not to private individuals.
Thus, the Baptist Church lacks divine foundation or apostolic succession.
6. Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Catholic Church | Baptist Church |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Jesus Christ (30 AD) | John Smyth (1609 AD) |
| Authority | Apostolic Succession (Peter & Apostles) | Private interpretation of Scripture |
| Baptism | Infant & adult baptism by water (since Apostolic times) | Believer’s baptism only, by immersion |
| Sacraments | 7 Sacraments | 2 Ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper, symbolic) |
| Continuity | Continuous since 1st century | Began in 17th century |
| Basis of Faith | Scripture + Tradition + Magisterium | Sola Scriptura |
Conclusion
The Baptist Church was founded by John Smyth in 1609, not by Jesus Christ. While it claims biblical purity, its doctrines contradict Scripture, early Christian practice, and apostolic tradition.
Jesus Christ gave authority only to His Apostles and their successors, ensuring the continuity of the Catholic Church as the one true Church. The Baptist Church, like other Protestant movements, is a human foundation—not divine.
✝️ Therefore, God did not give John Smyth the authority to establish the Baptist Church.
Read also:
- How many protestant churches are in the World today and when did it started?
- Did God Establish Many Churches? Why Thousands of Christian Denominations Exist Today
- Most Protestants are claiming that their church is the true church founded by Jesus Christ. Do they have strong evidence to support their claim?
- Why Protestants are afraid of history?
- 🕊️ Out of the 45,000+ Christian denominations in the world today, who has the real Apostolic Succession?
- Do Protestants Have Apostolic Connection? A Biblical and Historical Investigation into Apostolic Succession
- 🕊️ How to Distinguish Fake Churches from the True Church Established by Jesus Christ
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