| Submission declined on 12 December 2024 by TheTechie (talk). This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Margret Hottinger of Zollikon (fl.16th c.) was a significant figure in the early Anabaptist movement during the reformation period in 16th-century Switzerland. Known for her deep faith, resilience, and willingness to challenge societal norms, Hottinger played a pivotal role in shaping the Anabaptist community and its principles, despite their severe persecution.
Hottinger lived in Zollikon, a village near Zurich. She was the daughter of Jakob Hottinger, a literate peasant who played a significant role in the developing Anabaptist community. Her family was deeply involved in religious reforms; her uncle, Claus Hottinger, Father, Jakob Hottinger, and Brother, Jakob Hottinge were all martyred for their reformist activities.
The Reformation, initiated by figures like Martin Luther and Huldrych Zwingli, inspired new interpretations of Christianity, including sola scriptura—reliance solely on Scripture. However, the Anabaptist movement, which emerged partly under Zwingli’s influence, went further by rejecting infant baptism and advocating for believer’s baptism as a personal choice made in faith. This belief directly opposed the church-state structure, where baptism served as both a spiritual and civic rite of passage.
In January 1525, Hottinger was among the first to receive adult baptism. This act led to her arrest in November 1525, alongside prominent Anabaptist leaders like Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz. Despite a six-month imprisonment and torture, she steadfastly defended her beliefs, challenging authorities to prove the legitimacy of infant baptism. Interrogation transcriptions note that during torture Hottinger remained steadfast. The interrogation continued throughout the duration of her imprisonment. A notable quote from her torture transcriptions read, “If you can prove to me that infant baptism is legitimate, then I will recant. Then and only then” (László).
After her release, Hottinger continued her missionary work, notably in St. Gall, where she was recognized for her disciplined lifestyle and leadership among Anabaptist women. Hottinger’s home became a central meeting place for early Anabaptists, including influential leaders such as Felix Manz and George Blaurock. These gatherings, which consisted of bible studies and fellowship, nurtured the nascent movement. These meetings led by various Anabaptist leaders, marked the formal beginning of the Anabaptist community and a direct challenge to the Zurich authorities.
Despite her prominence, Hottinger’s life was marked by personal loss and sacrifice. The Anabaptists faced brutal persecution from both church and state authorities, who viewed their teachings as heretical and a threat to societal order. Her unwavering commitment eventually led to her and her father’s capture near Ravensburg, Germany in 1530 while fleeing Switzerland with a group of Anabaptists attempting to go to Moravia. Margret Hottinger herself suffered martyrdom, executed for her steadfast refusal to recant her beliefs. In 1530 Margret was executed by drowning, a common method used against Anabaptists, while her father was beheaded on the same day. Swiss records note that Hottinger was pulled out of the water and asked again to recant, but instead, she said, “Why did you pull me out? The flesh was almost defeated” (Profiles of Anabaptist Women, 52). Her unwavering commitment underscored her role as a spiritual leader and model of courage for future generations.
Hottinger’s legacy extends beyond her immediate contributions to the Reformation. She symbolizes the resilience and faith that characterized the Anabaptist movement. Today, her story is celebrated as a testament to the enduring power of faith and conviction in the face of adversity.
References
editLászló, Joël. “Margret Hottinger of Zollikon in Her Own Voice.” Swiss National Museum -
Swiss History Blog, 7 Mar. 2024, blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2024/03/margret-hottinger-of-zollikon-in-her-own-voice/Links to an external site..
Strübind, Andrea. “Chapter 10 .” A Companion to the Swiss Anabaptists Reformation, vol.
72, Brill , 2016, pp. 389–443. Brill’s Companions to the Christian Tradition, https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9789004316355/B9789004316355-s012.xmlLinks to an external site..
Snyder , C. Arnold, and Linda A. Huebert Hecht . “Margret Hottinger of Zollikon .”
Profiles of Anabaptist Women , vol. 3, Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy Press , Waterloo, Ontario, 1996, pp. 43–53, https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jtnfAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Margret+Hottinger+of+Zollikon&ots=rUUEqUvezN&sig=OOWLkodurENejEqeiM8G7XKU4zA#v=onepage&q&f=falseLinks to an external site..
Yoder, Norita. “Margret Hottinger: At the Crossroads of Early Anabaptism.” Plain Values,
Seth Yoder, 28 Aug. 2024, plainvalues.com/margret-hottinger-at-the-crossroads-of-early-anabaptist-history/Links to an external site..