Baptistic Theologies, 2009

d. Thirdly, uplifting psalms and inspirational literature were published and distributed. 11 The Pietistic movement and the influence of the Moravian Brethren in particular made a strong impact on religious life in Norway during the 12 first part of the nineteenth century, as in other parts of Scandinavia. Pietism was focused upon deepening and strengthening the devotional life of people rather that upon correctness of theological definition or liturgical form. It would seem, indeed, that it was the Pietistic tradition pre-eminently 13 which carried on the principle of protest within Protestant Christianity. It would seem, then, that this experiential element within Reformation churches of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries should be seen in its essential oneness. Whether it occurred in England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia or North America; whether it is linked with a Calvinistic, Lutheran or Arminian Diesen, Norges Vekkelseshistorie gjennom 1000 ar, ET from Norwegian, p. 25. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid., p. 27. One such pastor was Henrik Gerner (1731-1738), from Vale, close to Tpnsberg. He became the leader of a great revival in the city and surrounding areas. He was strongly attacked by his own Bishop, Nils Dorf of Oslo. He was forced to leave his position and leave Vale. He left Norway and went to Denmark where he joined the Moravians. 11 The most important and best known book was written by Erik Pontoppidan at the behest of King Christian VI. Explanation became a teaching book for confirmations for generations. This book has influenced Norwegian Christian thinking in an unusually strong way. It has been translated as recently as 30 years ago. 12 Erik Ruden, An outline of Baptist Life on the European Continent (American Baptist Mission Society, 1963), p. 42. 13 F. Earnest Stoeffler, The Rise of Evangelical Pietism (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1965), p. 2. Baptist Beginnings in Norway 105 theology, its main features are always the same. 14 The great Pietists channelled their religious zeal into the creation of a way of life which was in itself intended to be a ‘protest against the prevailing conditions in the Church and in society.They were not satisfied to be merely baptized, married and buried in the Church.’ 15 Conclusion As Stoffler states, ‘One of the least understood movements in the History of Christianity has undoubtedly been that of Pietism’. It should be reiterated that Pietism truly should be seen as a major reform movement, the influence of which made itself felt in various phases of Protestantism during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It remained an important source of whatever religious dynamic was developed by Protestants around the world during and beyond that time. Its four characteristic emphases - on the experiential, the perfectionistic (holiness), biblical, and protest - have to a greater or lesse