The Pietist Option

Hope for the Renewal of Christianity

By: Christopher Gehrz, Mark Pattie III

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Historian Mark Noll has written that historic Pietism "breathed a badly needed vitality" into post-Reformation Europe. Now the time has come for Pietism to revitalize Christianity in post-Christendom America.

In The Pietist Option, Christopher Gehrz, a historian of Pietism, and Mark Pattie, a pastor in the Pietist tradition, show how Pietism holds great promise for the church-and the world-today. Modeled after Philipp Spener's 1675 classic, Pia Desideria, this timely book makes a case for the vitality of Pietism in our day.

Taking a hard look at American evangelicalism and why it needs renewal, Gehrz and Pattie explore the resources that Pietism can provide the church of the 21st century. This concise and winsome volume serves as a practical guide to the Pietist ethos for life and ministry, pointing us toward the renewal so many long for.

The Pietist Option introduces Pietism to those who don't know it-and reintroduces it to those who perceive it as an outdated and inward-focused spirituality, a nitpicking divisiveness, or an anti-intellectual withdrawal. With its emphasis on our walk with Jesus and its vibrant hope for a better future, Pietism connects decisively with the ideas and issues of our day. Here is a revitalizing option for all who desire to be faithful and fruitful in God's mission.

©2017 eChristian (P)2017 eChristian

Great Introduction to Pietism

If want to know more about pietism, this is your book. It's an easy read. It's not simply a book explaining pietism, but it's also a great book for small groups and personal devotions.

Great book on pietism and it’s impact

What a great idea to write a book that helps someone to embrace and use the good things about pietism and to avoid the extremes. I have read many awesome books on the subject that have included the writing of the people in the Pietist movement as well as the history. This is a great addition to all of that yet it doesn’t just leave the movement in the past.

Annoying and disappointing

So much to say, but I will keep it brief
Pietism should make sense, but this is not the right book for it. This is infected with theological and political liberalism. White Christians need not apply, in other words. The early chapters and their political bent were made obvious, and clouded the occasional great insight the book had.
Furthermore, the narrator had a voice that was distracting. It reminded me of a grandfather who whistles when he says the letter S. This made it difficult to focus.
Overall, an unfortunate listen.

Pietism Filtered by Political Stereotypes

I'm very interested in Pietism.
The political stereotypes of the first chapter don't interest me at all. Can't (or maybe shouldn't) a sound theology be apolitical? It is my hope and suggestion that instead of citing Pew Research Political Surveys, the authors should actually talk to their neighbors - the neighbors whose thoughts and votes are different than their own. Talking to your neighbor instead of about your neighbor - that is the beginning of true understanding.
I did not finish the book after the first and second chapters.