Early German Pietism: The Positive and Negative Effects Spener had on Evangelicalism and how it Impacted Today’s Christianity
The German Pietist theology of Spener gave emergence to the Evangelical movement which had impacted Christianity through today and can inspire today’s Christian to work together in unity to carry the salvific message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Introduction Early German Lutheran Pietism was a movement born out of a war-weary land of devout orthodox Lutherans. One particular devout Lutheran known as the “Father of Pietism” comes to mind, Philipp Jakob Spener. Spener was born during the second half of the Thirty Years War. His parents dedicated him to God as a child and raised him in the way of the Lord. They gave him all the opportunity that he needed to become successful and he did. His life and ministry encouraged continued religious reform. Explored below is the person of Philipp Jakob Spener, Pietism, Evangelicalism, Moravians, the positive and negative effects of Spener on Evangelicalism and Moravians, and finally how Spener’s Pietism impacted today’s Amer...