Piety and Modernity: Dynamics of Religious Reform in Northern Europe, 1780-1920

The "long" nineteenth century saw the introduction of devotional organizations as a means of channeling popular religion. This era also witnessed the translation and publication of devotional books, journals, and pamphlets on a massive scale. Piety and Modernity explores the nature of pious reforms in such areas as liturgy, saint cults, pilgrimage, confraternities, hymns, and Bible translation, with an emphasis on the changing patterns in religious expression at the collective and individual level, the growing influence of home missions, and the relations between piety and print culture. While individual piety was often connected with the authority of church leaders and confessional teaching, the long nineteenth century gave rise to new forms of individualism, involving grassroots initiatives. This volume offers a rich overview of a range of interrelated national practices concerning piety in the nineteenth century.

Contributors: Ingunn Folkestad Breisteinn, Ansgar College and Theological Seminary, Kristiansand; Mary Heimann, University of Strathclyde; Janice Holmes, The Open University in Ireland; Anders Jarlert, Lund University; F. A. (Fred) van Lieburg, University of Amsterdam; Hugh McLeod, University of Birmingham; Peter Jan Margry, Meertens Institute, Amsterdam; Tine Van Osselaer, University of Leuven; Bernhard Schneider, Trier University; Johs. Enggaard Stidsen, University of Copenhagen