Pietism

Fünfbrüderbild

Pietism

Philipp Jakob Spener

A Tidemand-Haugianerne

Mose Lambsen fparm

Der breite und der schmale Weg 2008

Pietism is a movement within Lutheranism that combines its emphasis on biblical doctrine with the Reformed emphasis on individual piety and living a vigorous Christian life. Though Pietism shares an interest in personal behavior with the Puritan movement, it maintains a distinct identity, primarily through its history and its focus on internal church life.

Origins and Development

Pietism originated in the late 17th century among German Lutherans. It was a reaction against the formalism and orthodoxy that had come to dominate the established Lutheran Church following the Reformation. The movement is often considered to have been founded by Philipp Jakob Spener with the publication of his book Pia Desideria in 1675. Spener proposed a renewal of the church through more devout attitudes towards the Bible and Christian living. This included the establishment of small groups for Bible study and prayer, known as collegia pietatis, which is Latin for "communities of piety".

Key Principles

Pietism emphasizes several core principles:

• The importance of a personal experience of faith, or the "new birth", over mere intellectual assent to doctrine.
• The necessity of demonstrating one's faith through acts of love and charity.
• The value of personal Bible study and prayer as means to grow in faith.
• The encouragement of moral and ethical living as a sign of true Christian faith.

These principles reflected a desire to foster a more personal and experiential Christianity, as opposed to what its proponents saw as the cold and distant practices of the mainstream Lutheran Church of the time.

Impact

Pietism had a profound impact on Lutheranism and beyond. It influenced the rise of the Moravian Church, with leaders like Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, who was himself influenced by Pietist ideals. Pietism also played a significant role in the development of the Methodist movement in England, as John Wesley was influenced by Pietist writings and the emphasis on a personal experience of salvation.

In the broader context, Pietism contributed to the development of the Evangelical movement, emphasizing personal faith, the importance of conversion, and the experience of regeneration. It also had a significant social impact, including the promotion of education and social welfare, as Pietists founded schools, orphanages, and other charitable institutions.

Criticism and Legacy

Pietism has faced criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that its emphasis on personal piety can lead to a neglect of the communal and sacramental aspects of church life. Others have accused it of fostering a subjective and emotional form of Christianity at the expense of doctrinal orthodoxy and intellectual engagement with faith.

Despite these criticisms, Pietism's legacy is significant. It has contributed to a more personal and heartfelt expression of Christian faith and has influenced a wide range of Christian denominations and movements. Its emphasis on personal devotion, community, and social action continues to resonate within Christianity today.