Philipp Spener

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Philipp Spener

Philipp Spener (1635-1705) was a German Lutheran theologian who is widely considered to be the father of Pietism, a movement within Lutheranism that emphasized personal piety and a more active faith.

Born in Rappoltsweiler, Alsace, Spener studied at Strasbourg and Basel before becoming a pastor in Strasbourg in 1663. In 1666, he was appointed court chaplain to the Elector of Brandenburg in Berlin, where he served for the rest of his life.

Spener was deeply concerned about what he saw as a decline in spiritual life and a lack of true piety in the Lutheran church. In response, he began to hold weekly meetings for Bible study and spiritual conversation, which he called collegia pietatis (colleges of piety). These meetings were open to all and aimed to encourage members to deepen their personal faith and commitment to God.

Spener's ideas were outlined in his seminal work, "Pia Desideria" (Pious Desires), published in 1675. In it, he called for a reform of the Lutheran church based on a return to the practices of the early church, including greater emphasis on personal faith and holiness, the importance of lay involvement in church life, and a focus on practical Christian living.

Spener's ideas were controversial and he faced opposition from some within the Lutheran church, who accused him of promoting a new form of mysticism. However, his influence was significant and Pietism became a major force within Lutheranism, spreading throughout Europe and influencing the development of Methodism and other Christian movements.

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