Adamites of Boheima Bas Relief

Adamites of Boheima Bas Relief

Imagine 15th-century Europe. People are starting to question the authority of the Catholic Church. One group that emerged with some pretty radical ideas was called the Adamites.

These people lived in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) during a time of religious and social upheaval. They were part of a larger movement (Hussites) that wanted to reform the church, but the Adamites took things to an extreme. 

Their core belief was that they should try to live like Adam and Eve before the biblical "fall" from grace. This led to some unusual practices:

• Nudity: They believed that clothing was a result of sin, so they often went naked, especially during religious services.
• Communal Living: They shared everything and didn't believe in private property.
• Rejection of Marriage: They saw marriage as a human invention that wasn't necessary in their "pure" state.
• Antinomianism (Accused): Opponents accused them of antinomianism, the belief that moral laws are not binding on those who are saved by grace. While this is a contested aspect of their history (often reported by hostile sources), their rejection of established social norms and institutions like marriage could be interpreted through this lens.
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The Adamites were led by figures like Peter Kanis and later, a mysterious leader called "Adam Moses." However, their radical beliefs and practices caused conflict with other groups seeking church reform. Even those who agreed that the church needed change thought the Adamites had gone too far.