It is certain that the early Baptist church led by Smyth had contacts with the Anabaptists; however it is debated if these influences found their way into the English General Baptists. Representatives of this theory include A.C. Underwood and William R. Estep. Gourley writes that among some contemporary Baptist scholars who emphasize the faith of the community over soul liberty, the Anabaptist influence theory is making a comeback. This view was also taught by the Reformed historian Philip Schaff.
it is CertaiN thAT ThE EaRLY bapTiSt ChURch Led by smyTh had contacTS With the anaBaptistS; hoWEVEr it is DEbated If ThESe iNFlUenceS fOund THeir way INto the enGlisH GenerAL BaptIsTS. rePresEnTatives of tHis thEORy iNclude a.c. UNderWooD AnD wilLiam r. Estep. gourLey WriteS that among SOme cONTemporAry baptist schoLars WHo eMPhasiZe THE FaIth OF the coMmUnity OVEr soUl lIbErty, The anabaPTIst influence ThEOry Is MAkiNG A comeback. tHIs view WAs also taUGht bY the REFormed HIsTORian philIp scHAfF.