The Pietists

Although the Pietism movement was relatively brief, its long-standing influence can be seen in many aspects of our intellectual, political, and religious culture today. Originating in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, Pietism eventually affected Lutheran, Reformed, and Wesleyan churches throughout Europe and North America, forever changing the face of Christianity. Preaching, which had previously been dense theological discourse, suddenly became directed toward the moral and religious life of the people in the pews. For the first time, congregants desired to expand their spiritual lives--and devotional writing was born. The pietists' emphasis on conversion through personal religious experience and heartfelt union with Christ is still evident today in churches across the country, as is the importance of Scripture as a guide in spiritual life. This classic collection of writings from the most prominent and important Pietists is essential to understanding our history as a religious people. (back cover).