Historical analysis of the Shakers

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

8 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

06/02/2009

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Humanities/philosophy

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 16.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction
The proof of the second coming and Shakers belief
Hymns displayed imagery of Ann Lee
Narrative history of experience in America
The efforts of popular revivalism and enthusiast religion
Strengths and legacy of Shaker religion
Worship and gender in Shaker religion
Shaker communism
Realized eschatology
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

The early Shaker belief system rested on an understanding that Christ's second coming had arrived. The founder of the sect, Mother Ann Lee, experienced a mystic vision of Christ while imprisoned. This vision was of the Christ and his church on earth. The early shakers believed Ann Lee was the bride of Christ, and in this spiritual marriage Ann Lee and Christ had become one. Ann Lee was the second coming. Because of this dispensation, there was sufficient grace in the world for true believers to become perfect. The power to forsake sin was described by a member as, "We materially differ from others in not only confessing our sins, but in receiving power to forsake them. We have experienced the second coming of Christ."

shakers believed the proof of the second coming was in the apostolic gifts manifested by some of the shakers. These spiritual gifts included speaking in tongues and the ability to cast out demons. The sect held distinctive worship, singing distinctive words as well as dancing in the worship service. shakers believed that dancing was a gift of God in the church. "Dancing is the gift of God to the church, or the way in which it has been led. In this exercise we receive that strength, and consolation to which the world are total strangers.