Pietist Impulse in Christianity

Essays examining the origins, growth, influence and significance of the Pietist movement, dispelling misconceptions and demonstrating its continuing relevance.This book provides a masterfully handled, multi-authored analysis of the Pietist movement; tracing its origins in Northern Europe through the centuries and concluding with an examination of its enormous influence upon the vast swathes of Western and global Christianity.The origins of modern Evangelicalism can be traced from characteristics of the Pietist movement; the baptism of believers, a believer’s church, encouragement to read and study the Bible oneself, the importance of personal prayer, and of embracing a virtuous lifestyle. This volume is essential to a better understanding of this theological heritage, particularly as the majority of contemporary Christians are unaware of the pivotal role of Pietism in the development of the Church. Far from being an inward-looking sectarian movement of popular stereotype, Pietists have long shown a strong interest in issues of social and ecclesial reform, the nature of history and historical inquiry, the shape and purpose of theology and theological education, the missional task of the church, and social justice and political engagement. Contributing authors clarify the importance of Pietism as it is weaved into the fabric of the Church, the arts, intellectual dialogue, and address the diverse understandings of the origins and effects of the movement covering an expansive geographical and cultural scope.The study of Pietism has become an international and multidisciplinary intellectual endeavour, as the diversity of this volume eloquently demonstrates. This is a work which sheds much needed light upon a seminal movement, and will be of great interest to any Christian or theologian seeking an understanding of contemporary Christianity.