Truth unto Godliness

work by Pontoppidan

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July 14, 2026

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"Truth unto Godliness" is a significant work by Erik Pontoppidan, a Danish bishop and court preacher. This book is a commentary on Martin Luther's catechism and is noted for its ability to combine elements of both law and gospel, as well as orthodoxy and Pietism.1

The work was widely influential, serving as a national reader for many generations, particularly in Norway. It has been described as "layman's dogmatics" and continued to impact American Lutheranism well into the 21st century. Erik Pontoppidan's writing aimed to provide accessible theological understanding, blending established doctrine with a focus on practical piety and godly living.1

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Church of Norway
…work with a Pietistic emphasis, Truth Unto Godliness, an explanation of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism published in 1737 by Erik Pontoppidan, a Danish-Norwegian Lutheran professor and bishop, extensively influenced Norwegian religious life for about 200 years. A Pietistic revival from 1797 to 1804 was led by Hans Hauge, a peasant’s…
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…work with a Pietistic emphasis, Truth Unto Godliness, an explanation of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism published in 1737 by Erik Pontoppidan, a Danish-Norwegian Lutheran professor and bishop, extensively influenced Norwegian religious life for about 200 years. A Pietistic revival from 1797 to 1804 was led by Hans Hauge, a peasant’s…
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Protestantism
Denmark-Norway
…a lasting contribution with his Truth unto Godliness, a commentary on Luther’s catechism that combined law and the gospel, orthodoxy and pietism. Virtually a national reader for many generations, especially in Norway, this “layman’s dogmatics” continued to influence American Lutheranism into the 21st century.
Read More
…a lasting contribution with his Truth unto Godliness, a commentary on Luther’s catechism that combined law and the gospel, orthodoxy and pietism. Virtually a national reader for many generations, especially in Norway, this “layman’s dogmatics” continued to influence American Lutheranism into the 21st century.
Read More