Spener, Philip Jacob (1635-1705)
Place of Birth: Alsace
Description: Founder of German Pietism
Education: Educated in Strassburg, Basel, Geneva, Tubingen
Christian Work: Preached in Strassburg; preached, taught, wrote in Frankfurt; weekly meetings in his home (Collegia Pietatis from which name Pietists derived) for Bible study, prayer, discussion of Sunday sermon
Persecution: His book Pia Desideria (Heart's Desires) of 1675 provoked strong reaction from clergy; forced to stop preaching (Frankfurt); court chaplain to elector of Saxony (Dresden); joined August Hermann Francke (1688); resistance to his preaching forced Spener to leave
Later Christian Work: To Berlin where fruitful ministry and greatest work; founded U. of Halle (1694); promoted Sunday Schools, encouraged private devotions, stirred interest in missions; emphasis on personal spiritual life rather than mere acceptance of church doctrines; sponsored Zinzendorf’s baptism and visited his home
Beliefs and Teachings: His book Pia Desideria gave spiritual admonition for Christians – 1) Bible study in groups, 2) priesthood of all believers, 3) Christian life of loving service, 4) proper attitude in religious controversies, 5) need of personal conversion, 6) reformation of preaching and theological training
Writings: Pia Desideria, translated and edited by Theodore G. Tappert, Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1964; Peter C. Erb, ed., Pietists: Selected Writings, New York: Paulist Press, 1983
