The Pietisms
In the late seventeenth century, a movement called Pietism arose in Germany. It was not primarily a theological response but a refocusing on spirituality and practical Christian living.
Spener and the Pietists
Pietism had many roots and contributors. Its promoter was Philip Jacob Spener (1635-1705), a German Lutheran. He wrote an influential book in 1675 called Pious Desires or Heartfelt, from which the movement got its name. Piety refers to genuine religious impulses, feelings, or desires.
In the book he stated six proposals to correct the condition of the church, which became the basis for this movement. These six points are as follows;
1. Extensive use of the Scriptures, including Bible study in small groups. Believers should …show more content…
He opposed any attempt to avoid the sacraments or the preaching of the Word. He considered water baptism to be a vital part of Christian conversion and regeneration. He also acknowledged immersion as the biblical mode but was content with sprinkling.
He rejected the concept of predestination. He taught that God bestows grace upon the whole human race to lead them to salvation, but only those who respond in faith will be saved.
The most distinctive aspect of Wesley’s theology is his doctrine of sanctification and Christian perfection. He taught that just as we are justified by faith, so we are sanctified by faith.
In Wesley’s theology, sanctification is a process of Christian growth that begins at justification but is not complete at that time. The goal of this process is entire sanctification, or Christian perfection.
Wesley taught that Christians should not be content with the initial experience of justification or conversion but should live a holy life with the goal of being purified from inward sin. He taught that Christians can attain such perfection in this life, but he acknowledged that most Christians did not.
According to Wesley, the Christian can and should live a life of victory over
In the late seventeenth century, a movement called Pietism arose in Germany. It was not primarily a theological response but a refocusing on spirituality and practical Christian living.
Spener and the Pietists
Pietism had many roots and contributors. Its promoter was Philip Jacob Spener (1635-1705), a German Lutheran. He wrote an influential book in 1675 called Pious Desires or Heartfelt, from which the movement got its name. Piety refers to genuine religious impulses, feelings, or desires.
In the book he stated six proposals to correct the condition of the church, which became the basis for this movement. These six points are as follows;
1. Extensive use of the Scriptures, including Bible study in small groups. Believers should …show more content…
He opposed any attempt to avoid the sacraments or the preaching of the Word. He considered water baptism to be a vital part of Christian conversion and regeneration. He also acknowledged immersion as the biblical mode but was content with sprinkling.
He rejected the concept of predestination. He taught that God bestows grace upon the whole human race to lead them to salvation, but only those who respond in faith will be saved.
The most distinctive aspect of Wesley’s theology is his doctrine of sanctification and Christian perfection. He taught that just as we are justified by faith, so we are sanctified by faith.
In Wesley’s theology, sanctification is a process of Christian growth that begins at justification but is not complete at that time. The goal of this process is entire sanctification, or Christian perfection.
Wesley taught that Christians should not be content with the initial experience of justification or conversion but should live a holy life with the goal of being purified from inward sin. He taught that Christians can attain such perfection in this life, but he acknowledged that most Christians did not.
According to Wesley, the Christian can and should live a life of victory over