Christian
Shakers (United Society of Believers, historical)
27/40· HighConfidence: High
Communal Christian tradition founded by Mother Ann Lee (England 1747; America 1774). Distinctive celibacy mandate has driven the community to near-extinction. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village (Maine) is the surviving community.
CLCI radar
High Control
BITE breakdown
Behavior Control8/10
Information Control6/10
Thought Control6/10
Emotional Control7/10
Modifiers (+0)
0 — historical communal Christianity; near-extinction by celibacy mandate.
Founded
1774 (USA)
Members
Fewer than 5 surviving members
Active in
USA
In context
The Shakers practised communal property, celibacy, ecstatic worship (the eponymous 'shaking'), and gender equality. Mother Ann Lee was venerated as the female embodiment of Christ. The celibacy mandate has driven near-extinction; only Sabbathday Lake remains active.
Timeline
- 1747Mother Ann Lee's English movement begins
- 1774Shakers arrive in America
Sources
- Stephen J. Stein, 'The Shaker Experience in America' (1992)
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.
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Disclaimer. This profile is an educational summary based on publicly available reports. Many members of this group do not experience the patterns described. Individual congregations and chapters vary widely. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a licensed therapist or the International Cultic Studies Association.