Gerhard Tersteegen (1697-1769) Described as a "quietistic Pietist" Tersteegen said of his own writing that its purpose was "to awaken, to revive, to strengthen a secret life in Christ." This introspective approach to Christian living struck a responsive chord
Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) was directly involved with the founding of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Like the leaders of the German communal societies Zinzendorf had an implicit faith in God and himself. He died with these words: "I have submitted to the will of my Lord, and He is satisfied with me." The picture of Zinzendorf presented here does not do justice to the man. There can be no question of Zinzendorf's altruism and religious zeal and devotion. But he never forgot, and did not let others forget, his high station in life. In many ways this also held true for men like Rapp, Baeumeler and Keil, who retained firm leadership of their respective groups to the end of their lives. Their position in the community, their lifestyle, and their process of decision-making was in marked contrast to that of the Hutterian leaders. Johann Heinrich Jung (1740-1817), better known as Jung-Stilling. The word "Stilling" comes from the (Biblical) "stille," meaning "quiet." Jung-Stilling on one occasion listed his favorite Scriptural passages. These account not only for his name but also for his popularity among Pietists generally and communalists in particular. The passages are: And that ye study to be be quiet (in German, stille), and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, as we command you. Thess. 4:11 . . .that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Tim. 2:2. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Pet. 3:3-4. Jung-Stilling's two main leitmotives in life were Naechstenliebe and Selbstverleugnung (love of neighbor and self-denial). These themes were ever present in his literary works. They no doubt often served to reinforce the faith of his Christian readers, including wavering society members who did not always find the task of living in communal togetherness easy. The lives, ideals, and writings of these early German Pietists give an indication where most of the German-American communal societies, especially their leaders, received much of their sustenance, comfort, and encouragement. It was in Pietism that they found their spiritual roots. -VICTOR PETERS, The German Pietists: Spiritual Mentors of the German Communal Settlements in America, ---In [email protected], <dhamiltony2k5@...> wrote: The new Jerusalem . . . where thee will not be harmed by pagen, Turk or stranger, for the whole world will be one, and will have no enemies. ~Paracelsus The European Satsanga, and the forming of the Western ashram-like village: Spirituality from individual spiritual experience to living room satsangas, meetings, and intentional community... In iteration: Excerpts from: The German Pietists: Spiritual Mentors of the German Communal Settlements in America Victor Peters Professor of History Moorehead University Moorehead, Minnesota Communal Societies, The Journal of the Communal Studies Association http://www.communalstudies.org/communal-societies-vol-1-1981 http://www.communalstudies.org/communal-societies-vol-1-1981
