Why are some medieval Christian groups not considered direct ancestors of modern anarchism?

Medieval Christian groups are generally not considered direct ancestors of modern anarchism because their political and social strivings were fundamentally rooted in theological goals rather than the secular, anti-authoritarian framework of modern anarchist thought.12

While some medieval movements challenged existing power structures, their motivations were typically centered on establishing the kingdom of God or fulfilling a divine commission, rather than a systematic rejection of the state based on principles of human autonomy, decentralism, or the abolition of hierarchy. Modern anarchism, by contrast, emerged from a different frame of reference that emphasizes spontaneity, the rejection of impersonal political institutions, and the critique of both capitalist and communist power structures.12

Furthermore, the historical relationship between the church and the state was often characterized by a struggle for dominance—with the church sometimes functioning as an ecclesiastical state—rather than a consistent advocacy for the stateless society envisioned by modern anarchists. While groups like the Anabaptists contributed to skepticism regarding state involvement in religious matters, their focus remained on religious liberty rather than the comprehensive political and social restructuring that defines the anarchist movement.21