Pietists: Selected Writings

The Classics of Western Spirituality

by Douglas V. Steere (editor), Elizabeth Gray Vining (preface)

xvi 348p large paperback with illustrated cover, nice clean copy with notes inserted in the back, a fresh copy

Genres: Theology, Church History, Mysticism, Religion, History, Christian, Poetry

366 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1983

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one who grew up cradled by evangelicalism, the Pietists have exerted their influence on my religious understanding; however, the denomination I now find myself in (Evangelical Covenant Church) is more explicit about its Pietist heritage. And so, I read to understand.

First a word about this edition. The Harper Collins Spiritual Classic Library series basically prints the same 'classic literature' that you find in Paulist Press's Classics of Western Spirituality, including the same translation for a great price. What is missing that the Paulist Press volumes have, is the lengthy critical introduction. Harper Collins substitutes for this by providing their own forwards for the series, written by people who have an appreciation for the contents of the book. Sometimes, these forwards are brilliant, like Marilynne Robinson's reflections on John Calvin, other times they are not, like Phyllis Trickle's reflections here.

This book presents selections from the writings of 8 pietists. They are in order, Phillip Jakob Spener, August Hermann Francke, Johan Anastasius Freylinghausen, Johann Friedrich Strack, Gottfried Arnold, Gerhard Tersteegen, Friedrich Christoph Oetinger, and Nicolas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Spener was my favorite, followed by Francke. The rest of these essays and hymns were hit and miss for me, especially because they tend to dip and dive into the otherworldly mysticism of radical pietism rather than the early real world engagement of the movement's founders (and Zinzendorf, got to give Hernnhut some props!).

[Lou Florio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for both its positives and negatives. As an historical retrospective, it helps reveal the theological wrestling within Lutheranism - a heart centered pietism verses a more perhaps cerebral, orthodox form and understanding of faith. Pietism is often criticized because the heart can mislead us. Yet without trust and love of the heart, can we truly have a living faith? Martin Luther was himself influenced by previous reformers but also previous mystics. Much as law and gospel are needed, heart and head go together too. In reading this text, you will encounter writings that will bolster your faith but also excesses where actions and works can be overly prioritized. It’s a fascinating collection of spiritual writings, but you might wish to read up on the characteristics of pietism to help you understand the nuances of the texts better.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MARVELOUS COLLECTION OF LATE 16th-EARLY 17th CENTURY

The Preface to this 1983 collection states, "Pietism is today considereD to have been one of the most influential Protestant reform movements since the Reformation itself."

Philipp Jakob Spener (1635-1705) noted, "I do not at all disapprove of the preaching of sermons in which a Christian congregation is instructed by the reading and exposition of a certain text, for I myself do this. But I find that this is not enough." (Pg. 31) He suggests we reintroduce "the ancient and apostolic kind of church meetings... One person would not rise to preach... but others who have been blessed with gifts and knowledge would also speak and present their pious opinions on the proposed subject to the judgment of the rest..." (Pg. 32)

He adds, "it is by no means enough to have knowledge of the Christian faith, for Christianity consists rather of practice." (Pg. 36) He recommends "the cultivation of true orthodoxy (not the vain reputation of an orthodoxy that consists merely of doctrinal statements but a living knowledge of effective Christianity) and what such orthodoxy is aimed at, namely, the inner man..." (Pg. 49)

With regard to the role of women, Spener states that women share in the priestly offices; "In Christ, therefore, the difference between man and woman, in regard to what is spiritual, is abolished... The apostles themselves make mention of those godly women, who worked together with them and edified their fellow men." He states that women are forbidden to teach only "in the public congregation. But that it is permitted to them outside of the public congregation is clear from the passages and apostolic examples cited." (Pg. 62)

August Hermann Franke (1663-1727) stated, "Following Christ begins in an interior way and it moves out into the exterior and this can be understood in the similitude of a tree. A tree cannot bear external fruit, it cannot blossom, it cannot even set a bud if it does not have sap in its roots." (Pg. 138) Another writer asserts, "Religion can be grasped without the conclusions of reason; otherwise no one could have religion except the person with intelligence. As a result the best theologians would be those who have the greatest reason. This cannot be believed and is opposed by experience." (Pg. 291)

This is a fascinating collection of writers who are often overlooked, and whose "inward" approach to spirituality has much to commend it to moderns.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading, whether you agree with all the varied views of the many differing Pietists in the years following the Thirty Years War. Much to give thought and prayer to as we seek the way of God for us today and learn what has gone before us.