John Smyth

John Smyth was an English pastor and theologian born in the late 16th century, known primarily as a key figure in the early Baptist movement. He helped establish the first Baptist church in Amsterdam around 1609, emphasizing believer's baptism, where only those who consciously choose to follow Christ are baptized, rather than infants. Smyth's ideas were influential in shaping the principles of religious freedom and congregational autonomy. His later life was marked by a shift towards a more separatist view, which contributed to the development of various Baptist denominations. He is often regarded as a foundational figure in Baptist history.