Friday, July 31, 2009

On Pietism

(this is different, but related to the religious movement Pietism, related to Methodism)
I previously wrote on the tension between Legalism and Antimonialism.

There is a similar tension between Pietism and Antimonialism.

The pietist looks for outward signs of conversion (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10; Rom 6).

Piety is a good thing. As Christians (new men) we should show the effects of this new-ness. We should strive to be good examples (ambassadors) of our Lord (Col 3:17).

There should be something in our daily living which leads people to ask "the reason for the hope in us" (1 Peter 3:15).

Similarly, a nation of Christians should show it. The "Protestant Work Ethic" should be more than tradition or a drive to get more for ourselves. It should be driven by theology.

2 comments:

TheDen said...

This is another good post.

I once was asked by a priest, "before His ministry, how do you think Jesus approached His job for 12 years as a carpenter?"

Just something for you to chew on that fits in well with your post.

Hope you have a great holiday.

nedbrek said...

Thanks! You too.

Of course, this is just the set for the spike, we'll see how things look with the next post! ;)