Philip Jakob Spener on Pietism

As a response to the dry orthodoxy of 17th Century Lutheranism, Spener penned these six points:

1. The Word of God must be more widely stuidied by the people. To this end he proposed discussions under the pastor's guidance.

2. The universal priesthood of all believers needs new emphasis. All Christians should exercise this privilege by testifying, instructing and exhorting each other.

3. Mere head knowledge is not Christianity, but such knowledge must be translated into action.

4. More love and gentleness between the Christain denominations is needed in polemics.

5. The schooling of the clergy must include training for personal piety as well as intellectual knowledge.

6. Sermons should be preparaed with less emphasis on rhetorical art and more on the edification of the hearers.