Herrnhut: The Formation of a Moravian Community, 1722-1732

In June 1722, three families from Moravia settled on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf in Berthelsdorf, Saxony, and established the community of Herrnhut, which became the epicenter of the Moravian Church. This book by Paul Peucker investigates the origins of Herrnhut, arguing that it was intended to be a Philadelphian community uniting "true Christians" from all denominations. It was a separatist movement concealed behind the pretense of an affiliation with the Lutheran Church and a chosen historical identity. Peucker's analysis demonstrates how Herrnhut grew and thrived despite regulations against new religious groups and Count Zinzendorf's role in keeping it outside the state church. This history provides new information about the early years of the Moravian church and will be valuable to students and scholars of eighteenth-century religion, Pietism, and Moravian history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In June 1722, a remarkable event unfolded when three families from Moravia, a region in present-day Czech Republic, settled on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf in Berthelsdorf, Saxony. These families, known as the community of Herrnhut, embarked on a journey that would transform their settlement into the epicenter of a transatlantic religious movement that would captivate thousands of Europeans, American Indians, and enslaved Africans. The Moravian Church, born from this settlement, would go on to leave an indelible mark on world history.

Authored by one of the foremost archivists of the Moravian Church, this book delves into the origins of Herrnhut. Paul Peucker, in his insightful analysis, presents a compelling argument that Herrnhut was envisioned as a Philadelphian community, seeking to unite "true Christians" from diverse denominations. While it operated as a separatist movement, it cleverly disguised its separatism behind the façade of affiliation with the Lutheran Church and a chosen historical identity, known as the renewed Unity of Brethren. Peucker's meticulous research, drawing upon hundreds of documents from archives in Germany and the United States, unveils the remarkable story of Herrnhut's growth and success, despite the existing regulations that sought to restrict new religious groups. It sheds light on Count Zinzendorf's pivotal role in keeping Herrnhut outside the state church, and offers a fresh perspective on the Moravian church's later years.

Three centuries after Herrnhut's founding, this captivating history unveils fresh insights into the early years of the Moravian church. Peucker's work holds immense value for students and scholars of eighteenth-century religion, Pietism, and Moravian history. It provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between religious movements, social structures, and cultural identities, shedding light on the transformative power of faith and community.

In conclusion, the settlement of Herrnhut in 1722 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape the course of religious history. Through the lens of Paul Peucker's insightful analysis, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Moravian Church and its enduring impact on the world. It serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of religious unity in a diverse and interconnected world.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271092393