Nurture: The Distinctive Feature of Princeton Piety

Abstract

From its inception in 1812 to the early 20th century, Princeton Seminary articulated a distinctive piety of nurture consistent with its Calvinist orthodoxy. Princetonians countered the view of revivalists that demanded a dramatic conversion experience as evidence of the Christian life. They proposed instead development beginning at childhood, continuing through familial instruction, pastoral oversight, and faithful use of the sacraments culminating in adult profession of faith and mature Christian living.