visit to Bethlehem, PA

[Susan Unger]

Last Friday [the 3rd] my family and I went to Bethlehem, PA for their Christmas celebrations that they hold every weekend in Advent. The city was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741 by a religious group called the Moravians or Unitas Fratrum. We went on a evening bus tour of the city, walked around their shops, ate at an Irish teahouse and I went to a Putz. They are a pre-Reformation group founded by Jan Hus, a Bohemian priest in the 1400s. Since my father's grandparents are from Bohemia, we were extra inspired to visit.

The highlight of the day was attending the Central Moravian Church's Advent/Christmas service. The Moravians are very big on music and specifically allowing God's word to speak to the congregation through music. It was so heavenly! Their main instruments used in their services are an organ [this church has a pipe with over 3,000 pipes] and brass instruments.

They are also known for their 'Moravian Star' and 'Moravian Candle'. You can see both in the pictures below. The three people are singing the Moravian Christmas Carol Morning Star, which is in my signature line.

[Mike Schutz]

Thanks. We have visited the Moravian communities, not only in Bethlehem, but also in the Winston-Salem, NC area.

Of course, the Moravians had a strong influence on John Wesley.

[John Kennedy]

Thanks. We have visited the Moravian communities, not only in Bethlehem, but also in the Winston-Salem, NC area.

Of course, the Moravians had a strong influence on John Wesley.

It's interesting that you mentioned Wesley. Subsequent to his Aldersgate experience, he had a theological falling out with them. But there was still another connection. Normally, when we think of Wesleyan hymnody, the works of Charles come to mind - after all, he produced 7,ooo+ hymns. John, however, was no slouch in this respect.

Although there are no original hymn texts attributed to him, a look though most standard hymnals (you remembered those stodgy old things that contained such magificent expressions of the faith), especially those that are Methodist related, will reveal quite a number of Moravian hymns translated from ther German by John. He had to have been a gifted poet, as well as a skilled linguist, to accomplish that.

[Susan Unger]

It's interesting that you mentioned Wesley. Subsequent to his Aldersgate experience, he had a theological falling out with them. But there was still another connection. Normally, when we think of Wesleyan hymnody, the works of Charles come to mind - after all, he produced 7,ooo+ hymns. John, however, was no slouch in this respect.

Although there are no original hymn texts attributed to him, a look though most standard hymnals (you remembered those stodgy old things that contained such magificent expressions of the faith), especially those that are Methodist related, will reveal quite a number of Moravian hymns translated from ther German by John. He had to have been a gifted poet, as well as a skilled linguist, to accomplish that.

Knew about the hymns but didn't know about the falling out. What happened?

[Jeremy Smallwood]

Wesley had some disagreements with the Moravians over assurance of pardon and degrees of faith. The Moravians held firmly that one was not pardoned unless one had full assurance of pardon. Wesley felt uncomfortable with that, suspecting that full assurance of pardon was a matter of one's sanctification. They would not allow anyone to participate in the means of grace or sacraments (including Wesley) until they demonstrated their assurance with all of the fruit(s) of the Spirit. Wesley was also alarmed at their separatism. Wesley was a churchman, and believed in the catholicity of the faith. I think these were the biggest issues at stake for Wesley. He did was indebted to the Moravians for their piety, and he used their system of connected discipleship as the basis for his societies, classes, and bands.

[Bill Morrison]

Have these backward Moravians not received the memo? Organs are bad. No one will come to your church unless you rip the organ out and replace it with a praise band. Besides, who could worship God when they have to look at women who have white rags on their heads?
(Susan: I hope it is obvious that I do envy your experience in attending this beautiful service!)

BILL

[Susan Unger]

Have these backward Moravians not received the memo? Organs are bad. No one will come to your church unless you rip the organ out and replace it with a praise band. Besides, who could worship God when they have to look at women who have white rags on their heads?
(Susan: I hope it is obvious that I do envy your experience in attending this beautiful service!)

BILL

Thanks for the reassurance there at the end. I wasn't sure. The woman on the right is in the role of Benigna Zinzendorf, the daughter of the Count.

And you are right to be envious. The music is very anointed. We purchased several CDs, especially one just of the organ music. I noticed when she played in the service, that my ever present anxiety and migraine lessened greatly. I thought it was just the service. But when I listen to the organ CD at home, my anxiety and migraines lessen again. So, now I am listening to her music over and over even while I sleep. I wake up with more peace and a sense of God's healing work done in the emotional wounds that I have had for decades.

This is the cd - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rkowens

[Susan Unger]

Wesley had some disagreements with the Moravians over assurance of pardon and degrees of faith. The Moravians held firmly that one was not pardoned unless one had full assurance of pardon. Wesley felt uncomfortable with that, suspecting that full assurance of pardon was a matter of one's sanctification. They would not allow anyone to participate in the means of grace or sacraments (including Wesley) until they demonstrated their assurance with all of the fruit(s) of the Spirit. Wesley was also alarmed at their separatism. Wesley was a churchman, and believed in the catholicity of the faith. I think these were the biggest issues at stake for Wesley. He did was indebted to the Moravians for their piety, and he used their system of connected discipleship as the basis for his societies, classes, and bands.

I noticed in the tour of the city at night the frequent mention of only Moravians were allowed in certain areas. I wonder how much of their theology has changed or remained the same. I know that they are not so exclusive anymore since Moravian College is open for anyone.