August Hermann Francke
August Hermann Francke, engraving.
Pietism
religion
Also known as: Pietismus
Pietism, influential religious reform movement that began among German Lutherans in the 17th century. It emphasized personal faith against the main Lutheran church’s perceived stress on doctrine and theology over Christian living. Pietism quickly spread and later became concerned with social and educational matters. As a phenomenon of personal religious renewal, its indirect influence has persisted in Germany and other parts of Europe into the 21st century. A brief treatment of Pietism follows. For full...