Who knew. I really thought they were a religious group that made great furniture and boxes and didn't know much else. I know a lot more now but they still required a contract where the recruits gave up their worldly goods and agreed to celibacy and living separate from members of the opposit sect. Families joined were torn apart with adults and children being sent to separate houses and husbands and wives being split. People weren't always able to stay in the order and left sometimes to get married or whatever. Now there are only 3 actual Shaker members left, 2 elderly women in their 70's or 80's and a slightly younger man. wowzer. end of an age and era.
Monday, July 27, 2009
early Shaker cult
Spent some time touring the Great Stone Dwelling today, a house built by Shakers way back when in Enfield, New Hampshire. What I learned today is that the Shakers really fit the definition of a cult per Webster: a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader. The members of such a religion or sect.
Who knew. I really thought they were a religious group that made great furniture and boxes and didn't know much else. I know a lot more now but they still required a contract where the recruits gave up their worldly goods and agreed to celibacy and living separate from members of the opposit sect. Families joined were torn apart with adults and children being sent to separate houses and husbands and wives being split. People weren't always able to stay in the order and left sometimes to get married or whatever. Now there are only 3 actual Shaker members left, 2 elderly women in their 70's or 80's and a slightly younger man. wowzer. end of an age and era.
Who knew. I really thought they were a religious group that made great furniture and boxes and didn't know much else. I know a lot more now but they still required a contract where the recruits gave up their worldly goods and agreed to celibacy and living separate from members of the opposit sect. Families joined were torn apart with adults and children being sent to separate houses and husbands and wives being split. People weren't always able to stay in the order and left sometimes to get married or whatever. Now there are only 3 actual Shaker members left, 2 elderly women in their 70's or 80's and a slightly younger man. wowzer. end of an age and era.
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