pietism
/ˈpaɪ.ɪ.tɪz.əm/
noun
- A movement in 17th-century German Lutheranism that emphasized personal faith, Bible study, and a devout Christian life over formal church doctrine.
- Many hymns written during the period of pietism focus on personal relationship with God.
- The historian traced the influence of pietism on later evangelical movements in Europe and America.
- Pietism encouraged believers to form small groups for prayer and Bible reading outside of regular church services.
- An attitude or style of religious devotion that stresses heartfelt emotion and personal piety, sometimes seen as overly sentimental or strict.
- Her approach to faith was marked by a gentle pietism that valued daily prayer and kindness.
- Critics accused the group of pietism for focusing too much on feelings and not enough on social justice.
- The novel satirizes the pietism of small-town religious communities in the 19th century.
Synonyms