Lecture Notes: Understanding Methodism and German Pietism

Introduction

• Main Contexts: English Reformation and parallel development in Germany
• Focus: German Pietism (capital 'P') as a renewal movement within the Lutheran Church

German Pietism

• Aim: Complete the Reformation initiated by Martin Luther
• Reaction: Post-Lutheran theology response similar to Armenians reacting to post-Calvin theology
• Lutheran Preoccupation:
  • Forms and orthodoxy (right doctrine/teaching)
  • Became rational, scholastic, and objectified

Key Concepts of Pietism

• Orthopathy: Right feeling, emphasizing personal faith and conversion
• Orthopraxy: Right practice, alongside orthopathy and orthodoxy
• Holistic Approach: All three concepts (orthopathy, orthopraxy, orthodoxy) are intertwined in pietist vision

Important Figures

• Jacob Philip Spener:
  • Founded the "Kolea Paitatis" in 1670: small groups for prayer, Bible study, discussions
  • Aimed for "heart Christianity" and personal holiness
  • Authored "Pia Desideria," the classic text of pietism
• Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf:
  • Spener’s godson and pupil
  • Leader of the Moravian Brethren in 1727

Spread of Pietism to England

• Influence on England: Rising immorality and irreligion led to religious societies
• Religious Societies: Patterned after "Kolea Paitatis"
• Key Figure: Anthony Horneck
  • German-Anglican minister educated in Germany
  • Founded religious societies in England
  • Influenced by German pietism

Development of Methodism

• Connection to Pietism: Religious societies laid groundwork for Methodism
• Evolution: Methodism began as a cluster of religious societies in England
• Impact: Expanded throughout England, influencing Anglican piety
• Evangelical Revival: Societies provided the matrix for the Moravians and Oxford Methodists

Conclusion

• Understanding Methodism involves recognizing its relation to religious societies and pietism
• Religious societies played a crucial role in the philanthropic and revivalist movements in England