Philipp Jakob Spener (1635-1705) and Pietism

Philipp was a German Lutheran theologian who essentially found what woudl becme known as Pietism. He was later named ‘Father of Pietism’.

After a brief time at the grammar school in Colmar he moved on to Strasbourg in 1651. He studied philology, history and philosophy. He became the private tutor to the princes Christian and Charles of the Electorate of the Palantinate. He also lectured on philology and history at the university. From 1659-62 he visited various universities and commenced a study of Heraldry - which he pursued throughout his life. He returned to Strasbourg where he was appointed preacher without and pastoral duties. in 1666 he became the chief pastor in the Lutheran church at Frankfurt.

A prolific writer here he published his two main worksIn his most famous work Pia Desideria (1675) Philipp assessed contemporary orthodoxy’s weakness
and advanced proposals for reform. He gave 6 proposals.
(Read ‘Theology’ paragraph to see 6 proposals and also ’ Heart desire’).
In 1680 he wrote Allgemeine Gottesgelehrtheit and began the form of pastoral work which resulted in the movement called Pietism.

In 1686 accepted invitation to the first chaplaincy at Dresden. In 1691 he became rector of St. Nicholas in Berlin with the title of counsellor of the Marcher Consistory. Philippe died aged 70, on 5 th February 1705.

After Philipp the leadership of German Pietism passed to August Hermann Francke.

Pietism emphasized personal faith against the main Lutheran church’s perceived stress on doctrine and theology over Christian living. ( See notes)

Sources
wikipedia
Christianity Today
Britannica Online Encyclopedia