Hans Landis
Hans Landis was a Swiss Anabaptist leader and martyr. Known for his steadfast faith and leadership among the Mennonites, Landis's execution marked a significant moment in the history of Anabaptist persecution.
Early life
Hans Landis was born around 1568 in Hirzel, near Zürich, Switzerland. Little is known about his early life, but he emerged as a prominent figure within the Anabaptist community, which faced severe persecution from both Protestant and Catholic authorities. The Anabaptists, part of the Radical Reformation, rejected infant baptism, insisting that baptism should only be performed on consenting adults.Leadership and persecution
By the late 16th century, Landis had become a recognized leader among the Mennonites in the Zürich area. His leadership role and outspoken faith drew the ire of local authorities. The Swiss authorities, particularly in Zürich, were determined to eradicate Anabaptism, viewing it as a threat to both religious and social order.In 1613, Landis was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, he managed to escape and continued his ministry secretly, which increased his followers' admiration and loyalty. His defiance and continued activities led to his re-arrest in 1614.
Landis was offered the opportunity to emigrate as an alternative to harsher punishment. He refused, asserting that "the earth is the Lord’s" and that no earthly authority had the right to expel him from land that ultimately belonged to God. This belief was based on the biblical passage Psalm 24:1, which underscores God's sovereignty over all creation. Landis argued that, as a follower of the Lord, he had a divine right to remain in his homeland. He repeatedly expressed this conviction before his execution on September 30, 1614, making it a central aspect of his theological and political resistance to the authorities.