Christopher Gehrz – författare

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.

Join over forty Christian historians as they journey through the biblical and historical past, reading God's word in light of the experiences of those made in God's image. Along with an invitation to study Scripture from Genesis through Revelation, Faith and History: A Devotional provides a link between modern Christians and faithful believers from the past - reminding us of all we share in our faith in the present day, as well as how different were the past worlds of our sisters and brothers in Christ.With Faith and History, you will read the Gospels in light of the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust and pray the psalms alongside Frederick Douglass and Isaac Watts. Learn more about well-known Christians such as Billy Graham, C. S. Lewis, Aimee Semple McPherson, John Perkins, and St. Patrick, and meet historical figures who are less known but no less significant, such as faith healer Kathryn Kuhlman, Anabaptist martyr Felix Manz, and medieval mystic Margery Kempe. Each scriptural passage pairs with a historical reflection, suggests questions for further consideration and discussion, recommends resources for historical study, and closes with a short prayer. This unique devotional integrates historical reflection with study and prayer to help Christians meet their ongoing need for spiritual formation. Faith and History is also intended to help Christians better understand their relationship to the past at a time when history, memory, and heritage are so hotly contested in American politics and society.