Pietism and the Sacraments

Pietism and the Sacraments: The Life and Theology of August Hermann Francke, Volume 1, examines the religious thought of one of the most influential German Pietists. Peter James Yoder analyzes the life of August Hermann Francke, focusing on how a conversion-driven theology shifted the definition of sacraments. This scholarly work in the categories of Christianity and history uses Francke as a case study to explore the ecclesiological changes that preceded the rise of global Protestantism and evangelicalism.

Drawing from manuscript sermons and writings, this study provides a detailed look at eighteenth-century religious developments. The text challenges existing assumptions about Pietism and its impact on the Lutheran tradition and early modern German studies. By focusing on the sacraments, Yoder illustrates the rupture between Reformation dogmas and the evolving landscape of eighteenth-century religion, establishing a comprehensive reference for the history of Pietism.