Pietism

Pietism names an experiential approach to Christian spirituality that emphasizes personal holiness and the appropriation of faith over formal expressions of doctrine and theology. Since its late-17th century beginnings within German Lutheranism, the pietist movement has blended together tendencies of mysticism with mutual edification and formation, principally in the form of collegia pietatis—small groups devoted to prayer and scripture. Such social structuring is evident in Moravianism's Herrnut settlement, which itself which influenced Wesley and the subsequent shape of Methodism.