look at the historical roots and the sociological and religious milieu of German Pietism. (1) Luther. The early Pietists espoused continuity with Luther and reform orthodoxy. Pietist writings were replete with quotations from the father of the Reformation, with special emphasis on the young Luther’s use of personal pronouns and his description of faith as a dynamic force which works through love. From his teacher Johann Dannhauer, Spener gained a thorough and appreciative knowledge of Luther.