Pietism is a term often used to describe a 17th-century religious movement that emphasized personal piety and spiritual renewal. The spelling of "pietism" is straightforward, with a "p" sound followed by "ie," which is pronounced like the "ee" in "bee". The second syllable is "tis" with a hard "t" sound and a short "i" sound like the "i" in "bit". The final syllable, "m," is pronounced like the letter itself. The IPA transcription for "pietism" is /ˈpiːtɪzəm/.
Pietism is a religious movement that originated in the late 17th century within the Lutheran Church. It emphasizes a personal and heartfelt devotion to God, stressing the need for individual conversion and spiritual renewal. Pietism promotes an experiential and vital faith, encouraging believers to live out their religious convictions in daily life.
The movement emerged in response to the perceived formalism and ritualistic practices within the established church, seeking to revitalize and deepen religious experience. Pietism emphasizes the importance of inner renewal through a personal relationship with God, with a focus on prayer, Bible study, and personal holiness. It places strong emphasis on the transformative power of faith, urging individuals to actively express their beliefs through acts of charity, love, and service to others.
Pietism also promotes a more emotional and affective approach to religion, emphasizing the importance of fervent worship and religious experiences that can stir the heart and soul. It seeks to bridge the gap between faith and daily life, encouraging believers to live out their commitment to God in all aspects of society, including family, work, and community.
Over time, Pietism influenced various Protestant denominations, giving rise to evangelical and revivalist movements. It had a significant impact on both personal spirituality and social reform, promoting a more personal and heartfelt approach to Christianity that continues to resonate in many religious circles today.
The practices, schemes, or teachings of the Pietists.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pietism" originated from the German term "Pietismus". It was first used in the 17th century to describe a religious movement that emerged within Lutheranism in Germany. The German term "Pietismus" itself is derived from the Latin word "pietas", which means "piety" or "devotion". Pietism emphasized personal piety, heartfelt religious experience, and individual devotion to God, often promoting a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The movement placed less importance on rigid theological doctrine and more on inward religious experience, acting as a response to what some perceived as the formalism and outward ritualism of the established Lutheran church. From Germany, Pietism spread to other parts of Europe and even influenced religious movements in various Protestant denominations worldwide.