### pietism (Latin pietas, graciousness) This was a flow of ides within the Lutheran church in the 17-18th centuries, which put the emphasis on individual religion and practical Christian life in contrast with theological debates. Their representatives tried to live in peace with members of other churches. Pietism appeared in Hungary by the mediation of students from the university of Halle at the beginning of the 18th century. The best-known Hungarian representative of this trend was the scientist polyhistor, Mátyás Bél (1684-1749). MA