Haugean movement

The Haugean movement or Haugeanism (Norwegian: haugianere/haugianarar) was a Pietistic state church reform movement intended to bring new life and vitality into the Church of Norway. At the time, the church was often seen as too formal and lacking energy. The movement aimed to change this by encouraging people to live with more purpose and care.

One key idea of the Haugean movement was the importance of personal effort, hard work, and saving money. Followers believed that by being diligent and careful with their resources, they could strengthen their faith and improve their lives. This movement helped many people feel more connected to their beliefs and inspired positive changes in their communities.

Background

The Haugean movement was named after Hans Nielsen Hauge, a person who shared his beliefs with others even when it was not allowed by law. At the time, people could only meet for religious services if a church leader approved, which many felt limited personal faith growth. Hauge believed everyone should feel free to learn about faith directly.

Hauge traveled across Norway, sharing his ideas and writing many books. Because of this, he was arrested and spent many years in prison. After being released, he continued to live and work in different places. His movement also encouraged equality, allowing women like Sara Oust to help lead and share messages too.

Impact

The teachings of Hauge greatly influenced Norway in many ways. In business, many Haugeans started new industries such as mills, shipyards, and textile factories. In politics, three Haugeans were part of the important National Assembly at Eidsvoll in 1814.

In stories and art, characters inspired by Haugeans often show strong qualities like purity and loyalty. For example, Solveig in Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen and the heroine in Synnøve Solbakken by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson are shown as members of Haugean families.

Hauge's ideas also reached other places. In 1817, a ship carrying German immigrants stopped in Norway due to bad weather. The Haugeans welcomed these people and shared their beliefs. After the Germans moved to America, they kept in touch with the Haugeans.

The influence of Hauge continued in North America, where many Norwegian immigrants brought his ideas with them. The first Norwegian Lutheran minister in the United States was a Haugean, and several church groups in America show this influence. Hauge is remembered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on March 29 as a person who helped renew the church.

Opposition

Some people did not agree with the Haugean movement. They thought it focused too much on doing good deeds to earn favor. Because of these differences, a group called the Strong Believers formed, led by a preacher named Knud Spødervold. In 1848, he wrote a book called Guds nådes husholdning ('The Dispensation of God's Grace') that criticized the Haugeans, the Moravian Church, and the Quakers. This led to strong disagreements between the two groups.

Main article: Works righteousness
Main articles: Strong Believers, Moravian Church, Quakers

Language

The Haugeans had their own special way of talking about their faith. They often used words from the Bible in interesting ways, giving some words like "desire" and "lukewarm" new meanings in their community. Their unique language helped them share their religious ideas with each other.