COLLEGIA PIETATIS

(Latin: schools of piety), conventicles of Christians meeting to study the Scriptures and devotional literature; the concept was first advanced by the German Protestant reformer Martin Bucer, an early associate of John Calvin in Strasbourg. Philipp Jakob Spener adopted the idea a century later in an effort to counteract the corruptions of the church and to implement a program of reform that revolved around Bible study, spiritual exercises, and personal piety. This led to a religious revival in many German states and influenced not only the church but also society in general. Because of their emphasis on the practice of a pious life, Spener and his followers were called Pietists.