---

Profile

Research

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Pietism Research (IZP) is the only institution of its kind in the world dedicated to researching Pietism in its European and non-European contexts. An integral part of the IZP's work is to examine the various facets and sometimes contradictory meanings of the term ‘Pietism,’ which has its origins in the 19th-century debates over its definition, particularly in Germany.

The study of "Pietism" is based on developments in the two rival Protestant denominations of the 17th and 18th centuries, which can be linked to names such as Johann Jacob Schütz, Philipp Jakob Spener, Johanna Eleonora Petersen, August Hermann Francke, Gottfried Arnold and Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. The IZP's research interests, which are currently active worldwide, extend to reform and renewal movements in Christianity, ranging from the Francke Foundations to the Moravian Church. The conflicts associated with the renewal and reform movements over the claim to ‘true’ or ‘authentic’ Christianity to justify positions critical of authority as well as such claiming authority, are also addressed. Last but not least, the centre's research profile includes the continuing influence of Pietist movements up to our time.

Another key part of the IZP's activities is the understanding that examining the controversial relationship between Pietism and the Enlightenment is essential to gaining a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the productive yet precarious role of religion in modern societies as a whole. On this basis, the research conducted at the IZP examines forms of community within and outside the church, including free churches and evangelical groups, as well as religious movements in the context of modern and contemporary esotericism. Furthermore, the role of Pietism (e.g. through mission) in the context of colonial rule is reflected upon.

In addition, the centre's research aims to examine the significance of religion in the discourse of knowledge and the formation of modern science, as well as the associated political and social dimensions, particularly with regard to the relationship between religion and power since the ‘long’ 18th century.

Halle as location

Founded in December 1993 and based at the Francke Foundations, the IZP continues to enjoy a special relationship with its location and offers its affiliated researchers a unique working environment: scientific staff and researchers affiliated with the IZP have privileged access to the archives and library of the Francke Foundations. The historical sites in Halle itself, the neighbouring IZEA (Interdisciplinary Centre for European Enightenment Studies), the University and State Library, the Leopoldina National Academy of Sciences, the Marienbibliothek offer excellent opportunities for independent research projects, especially those related to Germany and Central Europe. There are even more excellent archives, collections and libraries to be found in the neighbouring region between Leipzig, Weimar, Erfurt-Gotha.

Our Network

The quality and diversity of the IZP's work are institutionally guaranteed by the Executive Board and the International Scientific Advisory Board (IWP), which anchor the centre in current debates in the humanities and cultural studies. The IZP's Executive Board consists of its Managing Director and other professors from Martin Luther University. It ensures links to the local research landscape. The IWB contributes significantly to the IZP's international network. Its members currently include professors from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and the USA.

Themes, theories and methods of gender research are not only a natural part of the IZP's profile, but are also used as a source of inspiration for innovative questions and approaches beyond the subject matter itself. The connection between the field of research and the IZP is established by the work group Gender and Pietism.

International conferences

Among the events organised by the IZP, the International Congresses for Pietist Studies stand out. These take place every four to five years in Halle and are each dedicated to an overarching topic. The congresses attract researchers from all over the world and, with their numerous sections and supporting programme, represent the most internationally significant series of conferences in this field of research. The inaugural congress on the topic of ‘Interdisciplinary Pietist Studies’ took place in 2001. This was followed in 2005 by the II International Congress for Pietism Research (Pietism and Anthropology), in 2009 by the III (Experience), in 2013 by the IV (Pietism and Media), the 2018 V. (Emotion and Norm), and the 2023 VI. Congress (Travel and Religion). The VII. Congress will follow in September 2027.

Up