Pietism

CR101 Radio - Podcast Network · Apr 11, 2026 · 11m

Pietism began as a reaction against cold formalism, but it quickly became a distortion of the Christian faith. By dismissing doctrine, theology, and systematic teaching as “dead knowledge,” Pietism reduced Christianity to emotional experience and private devotion. Being “born again” was emphasized, yet stripped of clear Biblical meaning, while catechism, preaching the whole counsel of God, and intellectual engagement with Scripture were sidelined. Faith became intuition and feeling rather than truth grounded in God’s revealed Word.

The long-term consequences were severe. Pietism weakened the…