God's Glory, Neighbor's Good: The Story of Pietism

The historical roots of modern-day Evangelicalism, which emphasizes spiritual rebirth and personal fidelity to Scripture, lie in Pietism, a 17th-century religious movement inspired by the work of theologian Philipp Spener. Pietism resonated with Christian reformists who saw their religion being divided into sects that adopted violent, even murderous, positions towards one another. Pietism was an effort to return to Christian basics—such as loving one's neighbor—while also eventually encouraging progressivism in the areas of women's rights and universal education. During the 17th and 18th centuries, a number of leaders advanced Pietism, which had reached some rarefied heights embraced by Scandinavian royalty—among other powerful and wealthy groups. The practice spread to Moravia, where some Lutherans emigrated, and ultimately was the focus of missionary work in such far-flung places as Greenland. Pietism was also a facet of Christian devotion in the most rustic American colonies, and while the movement finally waned in the 19th century, its larger imprint is still very much evident today. Combining archival materials with scholarly interviews, this informative documentary offers an illuminating lesson about a historically important branch of the Christian faith. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)