True Christianity: Book I

by Johann Arndt

Johann Arndt’s True Christianity was the most popular devotional work within the Lutheran tradition in the century following the Reformation. This book went through a number of editions in Germany, and has been translated into dozens of languages. Through a series of meditations, Arndt discusses the Christian life in practical terms, which were meant to be understood by the average layperson.Arndt’s writing was influenced by the Theologia Germanica, John Tauler’s sermons, and Thomas A Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ, along with the writings of Martin Luther. Significantly, Arndt mentored Johann Gerhard, who continued Arndt’s promotion of practical piety, while also providing a rigorous academic defense of Lutheran thought.

326 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

Johann Arndt (or Arnd), a German Lutheran theologian, wrote several influential books of devotional Christianity. Although reflective of the period of Lutheran Orthodoxy, he is seen as a forerunner of pietism, a movement within Lutheranism that gained strength in the late 17th century.

Reviews

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful & wonderful work by Arndt I see why it is a classic in the Lutheran tradition and highly recommend this work!

[Tobias Lansberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johann Arndt paints a picture of pious living that forcefully sticks to moral and Biblical principles without ever becoming a derivative purity code. He holds the internal spiritual work and the doing of the Word in tension, laying the groundwork for what it means to be a Christian - and the constant humility and dying to one's self that requires.

Highly recommend.

"Do not say in thy heart: “I have now a strong faith, fervent charity, much knowledge, many gifts;” for these suggestions are the tares, which the enemy of thy soul sows among the wheat while thou sleepest."