Henry Nicholis

Heinrich Niclaes, ( Nikolai ) (* 1501 in Münster, † 1580 ) was the second half of the 16th century founder of the Familists (Latin Familia Caritatis, a love brotherhood ), a mystical religious party in England and Holland.

Life

Heinrich Niclaes was an unlearned man and friend of the mystic David Joris, who, after he had spread his ideas in Amsterdam, Emden, Cologne, Utrecht, etc., at the time of Edward VI. settled in England, where he won many followers. His year of death is not certain. In principle, indifferent to all religious beliefs and ceremonies, the Famila laid religion is simply in love, " one do with God." Nikolais writings were living in groundless Community suspected members of the Movement for the edification and strengthening; they were burned in 1580 by order of Queen Elizabeth. Your most prominent opponent was Coornhert. The Familists itself disappeared in the following century under other communities, especially the Anabaptists. Descendants of them are the Ranters.