german pietism “the world begins to feel a warmth from the fire of god, which thus flames in the...

German PietismGerman Pietism

““The World begins to feel a Warmth The World begins to feel a Warmth from the Fire of God, which thus flames from the Fire of God, which thus flames in the heart of Germany, beginning to in the heart of Germany, beginning to extend into many Regions; the whole extend into many Regions; the whole world will ere long be sensible of it.” – world will ere long be sensible of it.” – Cotton MatherCotton Mather

CHURCH HISTORY IICHURCH HISTORY IILesson 18Lesson 18

AgendaAgenda

1.1. Identity and DefinitionsIdentity and Definitions

2.2. Historical OverviewHistorical Overview

3.3. Lessons we can learnLessons we can learn

Identity and Identity and DefinitionsDefinitions

Who were the Pietists?Who were the Pietists?

German German ministers and laymenministers and laymenwho rose up in protestwho rose up in protest

against the deadness and emptiness against the deadness and emptiness of 17of 17thth century century

Lutheran OrthodoxyLutheran Orthodoxyto embrace a more to embrace a more

vital, vital, experiential, experiential,

personal personal and morally earnest and morally earnest

Christianity.Christianity.

German Puritans?German Puritans?

Not really.Not really.

Similar to Puritanism in emphasis on Similar to Puritanism in emphasis on moral earnestness and experiential religion, butmoral earnestness and experiential religion, but

more quietistic, more quietistic, more mystical, more mystical,

more missions-minded,more missions-minded,less Calvinistic, less Calvinistic,

less theologically precise and less theologically precise and less interested in the polity and less interested in the polity and ceremonies of the state church.ceremonies of the state church.

What’s in a name?What’s in a name?

““Pietist” = from Latin Pietist” = from Latin pietaspietas, Greek , Greek eusebeiaeusebeia

Probably taken from the title of Spener’s Probably taken from the title of Spener’s book, book, Pia Desideria, Pia Desideria, or perhaps from the or perhaps from the name of his societies name of his societies collegia pietatiscollegia pietatis..

Given by Orthodox opponents as a term Given by Orthodox opponents as a term of mockeryof mockery

Pietists generally did not use the term Pietists generally did not use the term of themselves out of humilityof themselves out of humility

Modern AttitudesModern Attitudes

““Pietism is still generally associated with anti-Pietism is still generally associated with anti-intellectualism, hyper-individualism, and holy-intellectualism, hyper-individualism, and holy-group separatism; untouched by the group separatism; untouched by the Reformation, it lived off the ‘Eroticism of Reformation, it lived off the ‘Eroticism of medieval mysticism’ and the ‘Pharisaic medieval mysticism’ and the ‘Pharisaic irresponsibility’ of medieval monasticism.” ~ irresponsibility’ of medieval monasticism.” ~ Albert RitschlAlbert Ritschl

““Better with the Church in hell than with Better with the Church in hell than with pietists, of higher or lower type – in a heaven pietists, of higher or lower type – in a heaven which does not exist.” – Karl Barthwhich does not exist.” – Karl Barth

““A pietist is a man who studies the word of A pietist is a man who studies the word of God and, taking it for his rule of faith and God and, taking it for his rule of faith and conduct, leads an exemplary life.” – a 1conduct, leads an exemplary life.” – a 1stst gen. gen. pietistpietist

Where are they today?Where are they today?

Not a denomination, but a spiritual reform Not a denomination, but a spiritual reform movementmovement

Gave birth to new denominationsGave birth to new denominations– MoraviansMoravians– Church of the BrethrenChurch of the Brethren

Significantly shaped future onesSignificantly shaped future ones– Wesleyan / MethodistWesleyan / Methodist

Had a lasting reforming impact on existing Had a lasting reforming impact on existing onesones– LutheransLutherans– MennonitesMennonites

Are you a Pietist?Are you a Pietist?

No!No! Pietism properly refers to Pietism properly refers to Lutherans from the late 17Lutherans from the late 17thth to mid 18 to mid 18thth centuries sympathetic to the ideas of centuries sympathetic to the ideas of Spener and Francke.Spener and Francke.

Yes! Yes! Pietism in a broader sense can Pietism in a broader sense can also refer to any tradition that also refer to any tradition that emphasizes personal religious emphasizes personal religious experience and calls itself experience and calls itself “evangelical”.“evangelical”.

We’re not looking for a “model” church, but streaks of divine life and revival wherever we can find it, interwoven as it will always be with many flaws no matter where we look.

God has not seen fit to pour the full, unmixed glory of true Christianity into any one vessel, but has allowed different aspects of true Christianity to be grasped, emphasized and worked out in a variety of ways by different groups over the course of church history.

We are Christians first, Protestant second and Reformed third. With varying degrees of healthy criticism and measured carefulness, we can and should draw encouragement and help from all over the Christian spectrum wherever Christ has been loved, the fruits of Christian graces increased, the Bible and prayer held in high esteem, and a missionary zeal present; for there, surely the Holy Spirit has been at work in that part of God’s vineyard, and who are we to despise it?

““Pietistic” Movements Pietistic” Movements

1550 17501600 17001650

Puritanism (1555-1700)

Dutch Second Reformation (1600-1750)

German Pietism(1670-1760)

EvangelicalAwakening

(1735-1744)

Jansenism(1640-1713)

Quietism(1681-1697)

England &America

Holland

Germany &Scandinavia

France

Spain &Italy

Protestant

Catholic

Protestant

Orthodox Pietists

LutheranPietists

SeparatingPietists

MoraviansChurch of

the BrethrenOther small

splinter groupsRadicalPietists

ModeratePietists

Lutheran Reformed Anabaptist Anglican

HistoricalHistorical

OverviewOverview

Historical OverviewHistorical Overview

1.1. Dead Orthodoxy (1580-1700)Dead Orthodoxy (1580-1700)

2.2. Spener’s Reforms (1670-1705)Spener’s Reforms (1670-1705)

3.3. Francke & U. of Halle (1687-1727)Francke & U. of Halle (1687-1727)

4.4. Mack & the Brethren (1708-1729)Mack & the Brethren (1708-1729)

5.5. Zinzendorf & the Moravians (1722-1760)Zinzendorf & the Moravians (1722-1760)

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Condition of TheologyCondition of Theology

Luther held almost infallibleLuther held almost infallible

Symbolic books (Augsburg Confession, Formula of Symbolic books (Augsburg Confession, Formula of Concord)Concord)

Spiritual authority and power vested permanently in the Spiritual authority and power vested permanently in the church’s offices without regard to how a minister lives.church’s offices without regard to how a minister lives.

Opus operatum Opus operatum view of sacramentsview of sacraments

Theology was thought too high for the common peopleTheology was thought too high for the common people

Any talk of the Holy Spirit was treated as fanaticismAny talk of the Holy Spirit was treated as fanaticism

Dead OrthodoxyDead OrthodoxySlide 1/3Slide 1/3

“A de-Vaticanized Catholicism” “The symbolical books are, not only in

facts and doctrines, but also in other matters, that Divine truth which was delivered to the Church, and which is in all points binding.”

- Univ. of Wittenberg

Condition of the ClergyCondition of the Clergy

Clergy were subservient to territorial princesClergy were subservient to territorial princes

Seminaries taught polemics and Aristotelian Seminaries taught polemics and Aristotelian logic, to the utter neglect of biblical exegesislogic, to the utter neglect of biblical exegesis

Much of the clergy was unconverted and Much of the clergy was unconverted and morally bankruptmorally bankrupt

Sermons were dry polemics in the language Sermons were dry polemics in the language of the academyof the academy


“[Most ministers] have no understanding of true Christianity and are worldly, carnal, self-serving and arrogant.”

- Spener

Condition of the LaityCondition of the Laity

Rigid class distinctions Rigid class distinctions

Rampant drunkennessRampant drunkenness

Morally licentiousMorally licentious

Widespread belief in witchcraft, astrology, Widespread belief in witchcraft, astrology, alchemyalchemy

Mandatory but inattentive church attendanceMandatory but inattentive church attendance








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Philipp Jakob Spener (1635-1705)Philipp Jakob Spener (1635-1705)

Shaping InfluencesShaping Influences– Johann ArndtJohann Arndt– The Puritans (Bayly, Baxter)The Puritans (Bayly, Baxter)– Univ. of StrasbourgUniv. of Strasbourg– Travel in Reformed areasTravel in Reformed areas– Jean LabadieJean Labadie

Pastor in Frankfort (1666-1686)Pastor in Frankfort (1666-1686)– Church reformsChurch reforms– Extensive correspondence with the nobilityExtensive correspondence with the nobility– Founding of Collegia Pietatis (1670)Founding of Collegia Pietatis (1670)– Pia Desideria (1675)Pia Desideria (1675)– Spiritual Priesthood (1677)Spiritual Priesthood (1677)

Court Chaplain in Dresden (1686-1691)Court Chaplain in Dresden (1686-1691)– Adiaphoristic controversyAdiaphoristic controversy– Met August Hermann FranckeMet August Hermann Francke

Superintendent in Berlin (1691-1705)Superintendent in Berlin (1691-1705)

Spener’s ReformsSpener’s ReformsSlide 1/5Slide 1/5

Collegia PietatisCollegia Pietatis

1669 – suggests lay meetings from the pulpit1669 – suggests lay meetings from the pulpit

1670-1682 – Holds meetings in his home1670-1682 – Holds meetings in his home– Met twice a weekMet twice a week– Men and women in separate groupsMen and women in separate groups– Read and discussed the Bible with equal participation for allRead and discussed the Bible with equal participation for all– Sacraments were forbiddenSacraments were forbidden– Sprung up all over GermanySprung up all over Germany

1682-1684 – Spener becomes disillusioned1682-1684 – Spener becomes disillusioned– Groups had become a church within a churchGroups had become a church within a church– Groups became hyper-critical of the established churchGroups became hyper-critical of the established church– Groups become separationist, one emigrates to PennsylvaniaGroups become separationist, one emigrates to Pennsylvania– Spener had to write in support of the unique role of ministersSpener had to write in support of the unique role of ministers– Eventually gave up on the whole ideaEventually gave up on the whole idea


“…acted like a medicine which was more dangerous than the disease it was supposed to cure.”

- Spener

Pia DesideriaPia Desideria

1675 – Spener is asked to write the preface for a new 1675 – Spener is asked to write the preface for a new edition of Johann Arndt’s edition of Johann Arndt’s True ChristianityTrue Christianity

A set of practical, concrete proposals for reforming the A set of practical, concrete proposals for reforming the seminaries, churches and Christian homes to facilitate the seminaries, churches and Christian homes to facilitate the development of “an earnest, inner godliness.”development of “an earnest, inner godliness.”

Soon published by itself as Soon published by itself as Pia DesideriaPia Desideria, or “Pious , or “Pious Wishes”Wishes”

Ignited extensive discussion on his proposals throughout Ignited extensive discussion on his proposals throughout GermanyGermany

Divided into three parts:Divided into three parts:– A Conspectus of Corrupt ConditionsA Conspectus of Corrupt Conditions– The Possibility of Better ConditionsThe Possibility of Better Conditions– Proposals to Correct Conditions in the ChurchProposals to Correct Conditions in the Church


Pia DesideriaPia DesideriaPossibility of Better ConditionsPossibility of Better Conditions

Rom. 11 – conversion of IsraelRom. 11 – conversion of Israel

Rev. 18-19 – fall of Papal RomeRev. 18-19 – fall of Papal Rome

Biblical perfectionismBiblical perfectionism– ““we are not forbidden to seek perfection, but we are urged on we are not forbidden to seek perfection, but we are urged on

toward it… we are under obligation to achieve some degree of toward it… we are under obligation to achieve some degree of perfection.”perfection.”

– ““We do not understand the perfection which we demand of We do not understand the perfection which we demand of the church in such a way that not a single hypocrite is any the church in such a way that not a single hypocrite is any longer to be found in it… but that the church should be free of longer to be found in it… but that the church should be free of manifest offenses, that nobody who is afflicted with such manifest offenses, that nobody who is afflicted with such failings should be allowed to remain in the church without failings should be allowed to remain in the church without fitting reproof and ultimately exclusion, and that the true fitting reproof and ultimately exclusion, and that the true members of the church should be richly filled with many fruits members of the church should be richly filled with many fruits of their faith.”of their faith.”


Pia DesideriaPia DesideriaProposals to Correct Conditions in the ChurchProposals to Correct Conditions in the Church

Recover the Spiritual PriesthoodRecover the Spiritual Priesthood– More extensive use of the WordMore extensive use of the Word

Universal Bible ownership and daily readingUniversal Bible ownership and daily reading Consecutive reading instead of lectionaryConsecutive reading instead of lectionary Lay assemblies for mutual edification / Bible studyLay assemblies for mutual edification / Bible study

– Use of personal accountability partnersUse of personal accountability partners

Put a major pastoral emphasis on lovePut a major pastoral emphasis on love– Preach the indispensible necessity of love and the danger of self-lovePreach the indispensible necessity of love and the danger of self-love– Be gracious toward those with whom we disagreeBe gracious toward those with whom we disagree

Rethink the role of seminariesRethink the role of seminaries– Teach the necessity of godliness and emulate it in the professorsTeach the necessity of godliness and emulate it in the professors– Include courses in pastoral theology and practice into curriculaInclude courses in pastoral theology and practice into curricula– Have the students read also from the mystics, such as Tauler, Have the students read also from the mystics, such as Tauler,

Theologia GermanicaTheologia Germanica and Arndt and Arndt


“Every Christian is bound not only to offer himself and what he has, his prayer, thanksgiving, good works, alms, etc, but also industriously to study in the Word of the Lord, with the grace that is given him to teach others, especially those under his own root, to chastise, exhort, convert, and edify them, to observe their life, pray for all, and insofar as possible be concerned about their salvation.”

“They must become accustomed not to lose sight of any opportunity in which they can render their neighbor a service of love, and yet while performing it they must diligently search their hearts to discover whether they are acting in true love or out of other motives.”

"While we should indicate to [unbelievers and heretics] that we take no pleasure in their unbelief or false belief or practice and propagation of these, but rather are vigorously opposed to them, yet in other things which pertain to human life we should demonstrate that we consider these people to be our neighbors… regard them as our brothers according to the right of common creation and the divine love that is extended to all."

"Students of theology ought to lay this foundation, that during their early years of study they realize that they must die unto the world and live as individuals who are to become examples to the flock."

"The divine means of Word and sacrament are concerned with the inner man. Hence it is not enough that we hear the Word with our outward ear, but we must let it penetrate to our heart, so that we may hear the Holy Spirit speak there, that is, with vibrant emotion and comfort feel the sealing of the Spirit and the power of the Word."







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August Hermann Francke (1663-1727)August Hermann Francke (1663-1727)

Promising Hebrew studentPromising Hebrew student

1684 – Entered University of Leipzig1684 – Entered University of Leipzig

1686 – Founded 1686 – Founded Collegium Philobiblicum Collegium Philobiblicum for Mastersfor Masters

1687 – Penitential struggle & conversion1687 – Penitential struggle & conversion

1690 – 1690 – CollegiumCollegium banned, Francke driven out of Leipzig banned, Francke driven out of Leipzig

1691 – Invited by Spener to teach at the new University of 1691 – Invited by Spener to teach at the new University of HalleHalle

1691-1727 - Life’s ministry at Halle1691-1727 - Life’s ministry at Halle– Pastor of the town of GlauchaPastor of the town of Glaucha– Chair of Biblical Languages & Theology at Univ. of HalleChair of Biblical Languages & Theology at Univ. of Halle– Founder of many charities and institutionsFounder of many charities and institutions

Francke & U. of Halle (1687-Francke & U. of Halle (1687-1727)1727) Slide 1/4Slide 1/4

“Our mission as professors is to make students more learned and not more pious.”

-A seminary professor at Leipzig

Theological DistinctivesTheological Distinctives

Necessity of penitential struggle / dated conversion experienceNecessity of penitential struggle / dated conversion experience

Strictness / severity of disciplineStrictness / severity of discipline– Condemnation of theater, danceCondemnation of theater, dance– Highly restrictive of music in any formHighly restrictive of music in any form– Scriptural Rules for LivingScriptural Rules for Living

Do not speak muchDo not speak much Avoid trifling jests and anecdotesAvoid trifling jests and anecdotes Avoid speaking of yourselfAvoid speaking of yourself Avoid unnecessary mirthAvoid unnecessary mirth Engage in no unprofitable use of timeEngage in no unprofitable use of time Do not read trifling, useless booksDo not read trifling, useless books

Renewed DonatismRenewed Donatism– Efficacy of Word and sacrament depends on the instrument (minister)Efficacy of Word and sacrament depends on the instrument (minister)

Invisibility / non-institutionalism of the ChurchInvisibility / non-institutionalism of the Church

Francke & U. of Halle (1687-Francke & U. of Halle (1687-

1727)1727) Slide 2/4Slide 2/4

“God gives and works his light, kindness, Holy Spirit, life, etc. only through similarly illumined, kind, living, spiritual people. The Holy Spirit will not grace anyone through the Devil, but will rather work like through like.”

“I believe that the outward church of Christ, including all its gifts and sacraments, because of the breaking in and laying waste by Antichrist right after the death of the apostles, went up into heaven and lies concealed in the Spirit and in truth. I am thus quite certain that for fourteen hundred years now there has existed no gathered church nor any sacrament… the church is today a purely spiritual thing.


1727)1727) Slide 3/4Slide 3/4

Halle FoundationHalle Foundation

Began with an offering of $2.80 in a collection box, Easter 1695Began with an offering of $2.80 in a collection box, Easter 1695

Founded a constellation of institutionsFounded a constellation of institutions

3,200 people sheltered, educated or employed by the Institutions during Francke’s 3,200 people sheltered, educated or employed by the Institutions during Francke’s lifetimelifetime

Francke never asked for money, but depended solely on prayerFrancke never asked for money, but depended solely on prayer

Free boarding schoolFree boarding school

Classical school for paying Classical school for paying childrenchildren

Real-school / vocational school Real-school / vocational school **

Teacher’s clinicTeacher’s clinic

Orphanage *Orphanage *

HospitalHospital

Drug storeDrug store

Chemical laboratoryChemical laboratory

Home for unmarried womenHome for unmarried women

Home for widowsHome for widows

Homeless shelterHomeless shelter

Book-binderyBook-bindery

Printing shopPrinting shop

Bible Institute *Bible Institute *

LaundryLaundry

FarmFarm

Beer breweryBeer brewery

“A splendid capital with which something of importance can be founded; I will begin a school for the poor with it”


1727)1727) Slide 4/4Slide 4/4

International InfluenceInternational Influence

Sent Bibles, tracts and hymnbooks to Swedish prisoners in Sent Bibles, tracts and hymnbooks to Swedish prisoners in SiberiaSiberia

Heavy influence in ScandinaviaHeavy influence in Scandinavia

Danish-Halle Mission (1706-1845)Danish-Halle Mission (1706-1845)– King Friedrich IV of DenmarkKing Friedrich IV of Denmark– Ziegenbalg & Plutschau to India, 1706Ziegenbalg & Plutschau to India, 1706

Taught Tamil, Portuguese; conferences with the Brahmans; opened Taught Tamil, Portuguese; conferences with the Brahmans; opened schools; translated the Bible into Tamil; wrote a Tamil dictionary; schools; translated the Bible into Tamil; wrote a Tamil dictionary; established a seminary; began custom of sending regular missionary established a seminary; began custom of sending regular missionary reportsreports

Ziegenbalg left behind 355 convertsZiegenbalg left behind 355 converts

– 60 missionaries sent in the 1860 missionaries sent in the 18thth century century

Produced internationally important church leadersProduced internationally important church leaders– Muhlenberg -> Lutheranism in AmericaMuhlenberg -> Lutheranism in America– Zinzendorf -> Moravians world-wideZinzendorf -> Moravians world-wide

Moderate Pietists:Moderate Pietists:– John Albert Bengel John Albert Bengel

Father of Textual CriticismFather of Textual Criticism Forerunner of German rationalismForerunner of German rationalism

– Johann Freylinghausen & Gerhard TersteegenJohann Freylinghausen & Gerhard Tersteegen Prolific hymn-writersProlific hymn-writers

Radical Pietists:Radical Pietists:– Gottfried Arnold Gottfried Arnold

Impartial History of the Church and of HereticsImpartial History of the Church and of Heretics

– Eberhard Gruber Eberhard Gruber ““Inspirationists” Inspirationists” Amana Colonies Amana Colonies

– Friedrich OetingerFriedrich Oetinger Nature mysticismNature mysticism

Other Notable PietistsOther Notable PietistsSlide 1/1Slide 1/1

Mid-Late 1700s – Lutheran Pietism as an Mid-Late 1700s – Lutheran Pietism as an identifiable movement disintegrates:identifiable movement disintegrates:

– Halle slides into harsh legalismHalle slides into harsh legalism

– Danish-Halle mission withersDanish-Halle mission withers

– Radical pietism discredits the whole Radical pietism discredits the whole movementmovement

– Rationalism begins to overtake the Rationalism begins to overtake the seminaries and puts an end to both seminaries and puts an end to both Orthodoxy and Pietism at the same time.Orthodoxy and Pietism at the same time.

Pietism in DeclinePietism in DeclineSlide 1/1Slide 1/1







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Ernst Christoph Hochmann (1670-1721)Ernst Christoph Hochmann (1670-1721)

Vocal in biting criticism of the Lutheran ChurchVocal in biting criticism of the Lutheran Church

1693 - Expelled from Halle1693 - Expelled from Halle

1697 - Radicalized by contact with Gottfried Arnold1697 - Radicalized by contact with Gottfried Arnold

1700-1711 – Wonders around Germany for 12 years railing against the 1700-1711 – Wonders around Germany for 12 years railing against the Church; often whipped and imprisonedChurch; often whipped and imprisoned

1702 - Writes confession of faith in Castle Detmold1702 - Writes confession of faith in Castle Detmold– Believer’s baptism by trine immersionBeliever’s baptism by trine immersion– Love feast / feet washing / holy kiss Love feast / feet washing / holy kiss – PacifismPacifism– PerfectionismPerfectionism– UniversalismUniversalism

Took refuge in Schwarzenau where he befriended Alexander MackTook refuge in Schwarzenau where he befriended Alexander Mack

Though never one of the Brethren, his confession provided the Brethren Though never one of the Brethren, his confession provided the Brethren with their theologywith their theology

Mack & the Brethren (1708-Mack & the Brethren (1708-1729)1729)

Slide 1/4Slide 1/4

Alexander Mack (1679-1735)Alexander Mack (1679-1735)

Heavily influenced by Gottfried Arnold’s Heavily influenced by Gottfried Arnold’s HistoryHistory and Hochmann’s and Hochmann’s theological and ecclesiastical ideastheological and ecclesiastical ideas

Concluded that separation was necessary in order to practice Concluded that separation was necessary in order to practice biblical church disciplinebiblical church discipline

Schwarzenau, 1708 – Baptizes seven followers in the river Eder Schwarzenau, 1708 – Baptizes seven followers in the river Eder by Trine immersionby Trine immersion

Founds the Church of the BrethrenFounds the Church of the Brethren– Also called German Baptists, New Baptists or DunkersAlso called German Baptists, New Baptists or Dunkers– No creeds but the BibleNo creeds but the Bible– No traditions but what Jesus and the apostles didNo traditions but what Jesus and the apostles did– Love feasts, foot washing, trine immersionLove feasts, foot washing, trine immersion– For a short time also practiced community of goods and celibacyFor a short time also practiced community of goods and celibacy

Establishes four centers: Schwarzenau, Marienborn, Epstein and Establishes four centers: Schwarzenau, Marienborn, Epstein and CreyfeltCreyfelt


Slide 2/4Slide 2/4

Emmigration to AmericaEmmigration to America

1715 – Marienborn and Epstein congregations driven by 1715 – Marienborn and Epstein congregations driven by persecution to Creyfeltpersecution to Creyfelt

Marriage scandal at CreyfeltMarriage scandal at Creyfelt

1719 – Peter Becker leads group to Germantown, PA.1719 – Peter Becker leads group to Germantown, PA.

Creyfelt church disintegratesCreyfelt church disintegrates

1729 – Schwarzenau group emmigrates to Germantown, 1729 – Schwarzenau group emmigrates to Germantown, PA and Mack assumes leadership in AmericaPA and Mack assumes leadership in America

In several waves, 100% of Brethren left Europe for In several waves, 100% of Brethren left Europe for AmericaAmerica


Slide 3/4Slide 3/4

The Brethren in AmericaThe Brethren in America

Settlements in Pennsylvania and New JerseySettlements in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Johann Conrad BeisselJohann Conrad Beissel– Leader of the Conestoga area churchLeader of the Conestoga area church– Withdrew from Brethren as not pure enoughWithdrew from Brethren as not pure enough– Rebaptized his congregation once againRebaptized his congregation once again– Adopted a 7Adopted a 7thth day Sabbath observance day Sabbath observance– Formed the famous Ephrata celibate communityFormed the famous Ephrata celibate community

Splits in the 19Splits in the 19thth and 20 and 20thth centuries over opposition to: centuries over opposition to:– Musical instrumentsMusical instruments– Sunday schoolsSunday schools– Foreign missionsForeign missions– RevivalismRevivalism– TelephonesTelephones– AutomobilesAutomobiles

Currently 8 functioning denominations descended from Mack’s groupCurrently 8 functioning denominations descended from Mack’s group– Most prominent is the moderate Fellowship of Grace Brethren ChurchesMost prominent is the moderate Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches– Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, INGrace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, IN


Slide 4/4Slide 4/4







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Count Nicholas Lewis von Count Nicholas Lewis von Zinzendorf (1700-1760): ChildhoodZinzendorf (1700-1760): Childhood

Aristocratic familyAristocratic family

Raised by his godly grandmother Catherine von Gersdorf in a Raised by his godly grandmother Catherine von Gersdorf in a castlecastle

Spener was his godfather in baptismSpener was his godfather in baptism

Began seeking God at 4 years oldBegan seeking God at 4 years old

Heart ablaze by age 6:Heart ablaze by age 6:– Spent hours in prayer dailySpent hours in prayer daily– Soldiers incidentSoldiers incident– Preached sermons to his friendsPreached sermons to his friends– Cast love letters to Jesus out of his castle windowCast love letters to Jesus out of his castle window

Zinzendorf & the Moravians (1722-Zinzendorf & the Moravians (1722-1760) 1760)

Slide 1/4Slide 1/4

“If it were possible that there should be another God than Christ, I would rather be damned with Christ than happy with another.”

“I have but one passion – ‘tis He, ‘tis only He.”

Zinzendorf: EducationZinzendorf: Education

Sent to the classical school in Halle under Francke at age 10Sent to the classical school in Halle under Francke at age 10 Bullied for being too religiousBullied for being too religious At age 14, founded the Sacred Order of the Mustard SeedAt age 14, founded the Sacred Order of the Mustard Seed

– Love all menLove all men– Be true to ChristBe true to Christ– Bring the gospel to the heathenBring the gospel to the heathen

Founded six more societies while in his teensFounded six more societies while in his teens Sent to Wittenberg to be made more worldlySent to Wittenberg to be made more worldly

– Held prayer meetings, Bible study meetingHeld prayer meetings, Bible study meeting– All night prayer vigilsAll night prayer vigils– Founded more societiesFounded more societies– Chosen by the faculty as mediator between Wittenberg and HalleChosen by the faculty as mediator between Wittenberg and Halle

Tour of EuropeTour of Europe– Profoundly impacted by sight of painting of Christ in a Dusseldorf galleryProfoundly impacted by sight of painting of Christ in a Dusseldorf gallery

Testing at uncle’s houseTesting at uncle’s house MarriageMarriage Purchased Berthelsdorf from grandmotherPurchased Berthelsdorf from grandmother


Slide 1/4Slide 1/4

Christian DavidChristian David

Conversion from CatholicismConversion from Catholicism

Taken in by the PietistsTaken in by the Pietists

Returned to Moravia preaching everywhereReturned to Moravia preaching everywhere

Stirred up hidden remnants of the old Bohemian Brethren Stirred up hidden remnants of the old Bohemian Brethren (Hussites)(Hussites)

Persecution drives Christian David to ask Zinzendorf for Persecution drives Christian David to ask Zinzendorf for asylum at Berthelsdorfasylum at Berthelsdorf

1722 – takes a dozen Hussites to Berthelsdorf and founds 1722 – takes a dozen Hussites to Berthelsdorf and founds community of Herrnhut on a barren hilltop above the towncommunity of Herrnhut on a barren hilltop above the town


Slide 1/4Slide 1/4

Herrnhut under Christian David (1722-1727)Herrnhut under Christian David (1722-1727)

At first, the Herrnhutters are excited and joyfulAt first, the Herrnhutters are excited and joyful

Successive immigrations makes Herrnhut a Successive immigrations makes Herrnhut a patchwork quilt of discontents of every stripepatchwork quilt of discontents of every stripe

Division, envy, strife developsDivision, envy, strife develops

An fiery leader turns Herrnhut against Zinzendorf An fiery leader turns Herrnhut against Zinzendorf and the Berthelsdorf churchand the Berthelsdorf church

– Zinzendorf called “the Beast”Zinzendorf called “the Beast”– Entire Protestant church is “Babylon”Entire Protestant church is “Babylon”– Herrnhut and Berthelsdorf preachers rail against each Herrnhut and Berthelsdorf preachers rail against each

otherother– Christian David rebuilds his house outside the Herrnhut Christian David rebuilds his house outside the Herrnhut

compoundcompound


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Zinzendorf IntervenesZinzendorf Intervenes

May 1727 - Zinzendorf steps in and lays down the May 1727 - Zinzendorf steps in and lays down the lawlaw

– Theological disputes forbiddenTheological disputes forbidden

– All who sincerely seek holiness and love Jesus are to All who sincerely seek holiness and love Jesus are to be acceptedbe accepted

– Both communities repent and ask forgivenessBoth communities repent and ask forgiveness

August 1727 - Joint communion serviceAugust 1727 - Joint communion service– Spiritual joy fills all who are present at onceSpiritual joy fills all who are present at once

– Herrnhutters covenant to forever be a group known for Herrnhutters covenant to forever be a group known for their lovetheir love


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Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736)Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736)GovernmentGovernment

Discovered and implemented Discovered and implemented Unitas FratrumUnitas Fratrum ancient Order of Disciplineancient Order of Discipline

12 elders, 4 super-elders, 1 chief elder chosen by lot12 elders, 4 super-elders, 1 chief elder chosen by lot

Everyone given an office / assigned dutyEveryone given an office / assigned duty

A list of converted people was maintained; others A list of converted people was maintained; others expelledexpelled

Engagement allowed only in the presence of the Engagement allowed only in the presence of the elders and decided by lotelders and decided by lot


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Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736)Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736)CommunityCommunity

Established a schoolEstablished a school

All inhabitants divided into “choirs” by age, gender & All inhabitants divided into “choirs” by age, gender & marital status that lived in common buildingsmarital status that lived in common buildings

School-age children taken from their parents and raised School-age children taken from their parents and raised communally in a separate buildingcommunally in a separate building

Women wore simple dress with color-coded ribbonsWomen wore simple dress with color-coded ribbons

Strict schedule:Strict schedule:– 16 hours work16 hours work– 5 hours sleep5 hours sleep– 3 hours for meals and worship meetings3 hours for meals and worship meetings


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Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736)Herrnhut under Zinzendorf (1727-1736) WorshipWorship

Prayer & song meetings three times dailyPrayer & song meetings three times daily

Composed hymns impromptu during meetingsComposed hymns impromptu during meetings– Zinzendorf himself wrote 2,000 hymnsZinzendorf himself wrote 2,000 hymns

Practiced foot washing, love feasts, kiss of peace Practiced foot washing, love feasts, kiss of peace and casting of lotsand casting of lots

Assigned prayer rotations for unceasing 24-hour Assigned prayer rotations for unceasing 24-hour prayerprayer

– Continued unbroken for 100 yearsContinued unbroken for 100 years


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Moravian MissionsMoravian Missions

Zinzendorf’s state visit to Copenhagen (1731)Zinzendorf’s state visit to Copenhagen (1731)– Two eskimos from the failed Danish Greenland missinoTwo eskimos from the failed Danish Greenland missino– Anthony the slave from the CaribbeanAnthony the slave from the Caribbean

18 missionaries in first 25 years – more than all other Protestants in 200 18 missionaries in first 25 years – more than all other Protestants in 200 yearsyears

– Dober / Nitschmann to St. Thomas (1732)Dober / Nitschmann to St. Thomas (1732)– Stach / Boemish to GreenlandStach / Boemish to Greenland– Spangenberg to GeorgiaSpangenberg to Georgia– David Zeisberger to the American Indians (1734)David Zeisberger to the American Indians (1734)– Georg Schmidt to the Hottentots of S. AfricaGeorg Schmidt to the Hottentots of S. Africa– Others to mostly uncivilized peoples around the worldOthers to mostly uncivilized peoples around the world

Campaigned against slavery, cruelty; built schools, translated the Bible, Campaigned against slavery, cruelty; built schools, translated the Bible, taught people to read, organized churches that emphasized holy livingtaught people to read, organized churches that emphasized holy living

Forbidden to work where other Christian groups were workingForbidden to work where other Christian groups were working

In the first 130 years:In the first 130 years:– 100,000 members100,000 members– 41 missions41 missions– 1,199 missionaries1,199 missionaries


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A missionary “must be a man who felt within him an irresistible call; a man who loathed the lusts of the world, who burned with love to Christ, who was approved by all his Brethren, and whose face shone with the light of a Divine joy.”

Later YearsLater Years

1736-1750 – Exile in Marienborn1736-1750 – Exile in Marienborn– 1737 – Zinzendorf consecrated as bishop1737 – Zinzendorf consecrated as bishop– ““Warrior Band”Warrior Band”– 1743-1750 – “Sifting time”1743-1750 – “Sifting time”

1750 – Given authorized recognition by the government as 1750 – Given authorized recognition by the government as “Evangelical Moravian Unity of the Brethren”“Evangelical Moravian Unity of the Brethren”

Moravians in AmericaMoravians in America– 1740 – Spangenberg founds Bethlehem, PA1740 – Spangenberg founds Bethlehem, PA– Worked extensively throughout the coloniesWorked extensively throughout the colonies– Extensive Indian missionsExtensive Indian missions– Established four major settlements, one in Salem, NCEstablished four major settlements, one in Salem, NC– Do not grow much because of compound mentalityDo not grow much because of compound mentality

Impact on Wesley and the Evangelical AwakeningImpact on Wesley and the Evangelical Awakening

Today they have 825,000 members mostly in Germany, America Today they have 825,000 members mostly in Germany, America and Tanzania and are still active in missionary workand Tanzania and are still active in missionary work


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The Moravian Motto:

"In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; and in all things, charity"

german pietism “the world begins to feel a warmth from the fire of god, which thus flames in the...

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state church