Pietism and the Wisconsin Synod: an ongoing love-hate relationship

Abstract

Although the WELS has renounced Pietism, one can find its roots in Pietism, which still influences worship and attitudes toward congregation and family life. The Pietistic movement began in the 17th century in European Lutheran churches as a reaction against intellectualism. Theological debates were more significant among religious leaders rather than serving people’s spiritual needs. Philip Jacob Spener, credited as the founder of the German Lutheran Pietism, urged for more pious living. For example, Spener encouraged groups of members to meet to discuss Scripture (collegia pietatis). Despite the intent to motivate the rest of the congregation to live more sanctified lives, collegia pietatis only encouraged division within the congregation. However, the zeal for piety resulted in the zeal for missionary work. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Pietists eagerly answered calls for help from the New World. Pietists brought along the zeal to establish churches, later organizing the Wisconsin Synod with Muehlhaeuser as the first president. Muehlhaeuser disliked confessionalism, thinking it hindered the spread o the Gospel. Succeeding presidents Johannes Bading and Adolf Hoenecke, who were far more theologically trained than Muehlhaeuser, steered the Wisconsin Synod away from Pietism, severing the ties with Pietistic German mission societies. Bading used the new synodical magazine Gemeindeblatt to instruct pastors and members of the synod about the importance of the Confessions. With the aid from the Missouri Synod towards confessionalism, the two synods recognized one another as orthodox in 1868. However, the decline in attendance at worship, Holy Communion, and membership sparked a need for spiritual revival. Today, the demand for messages of practical application from the pulpit has risen. The WELS continues the dance of the balance of piety and orthodoxy without falling into Pietism or orthodoxism. In doing so, the WELS can serve people right the doctrines taught in the Bible.