Shakers
A long-lasting celibate utopia, which believed the end times had already begun
1747 - present
The Shakers were one of the most famous utopias in American history. They believed that the second coming of Christ was already happening through them and banded together to form communities throughout the northwestern United States. In accordance with this apocalyptic vision, they saw themselves as the Kingdom of God on earth, embracing celibacy, perfectionism, pacifism, and communal ownership of property.
After the industrial revolution, the Shakers struggled to keep up with modern technology. For this reason and their commitment to celibacy, membership started to decline, and the organization officially closed its doors in 1965. Today, just a few Shakers still exist in a small community in Maine, and defunct villages are popular tourist attractions that remind visitors of simpler times.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Other
Founder: Ann Lee ("Mother Ann")
Founded: 1747 in England
Size: 6,000 members in 19 communities (1840)
Location: United States
Also called: Shaking Quakers; United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing (USBCSA); United Society of Believers
Believed that the second coming had already begun, so believers had to live out the heavenly kingdom by living lives without sin (source)
Mother Lee predicted that the Shakers would dwindle to no more than five members, then would overcome all nations. As of 2017, only 2 Shakers still exist (source, source)
Shakers practiced communal living and shared everything in common (source)
Separation from the world is one of the four highest Shaker virtues (source)
Other info:
Members gave up their slaves and paid for the freedom of slaves owned by nonmembers (source)
Highly efficient and invented hundreds of devices to reduce their workload, including the clothespin and circular saw (source)
Although the organization officially stopped accepting members in 1965, one community is still open to receiving additional members (source, source). At least one member has denied that these new converts should be considered Shakers (source)
Since their celibate lifestyle prevented them from having children, Shakers adopted several orphans. If the orphans chose to get married, they would leave the community with a blessing, a sack of flour, a horse, and $100 (about $3,000 adjusted for inflation, as of 2020) (source)
Believes that God is both male and female (source)
Shaker worship services were very lively and included elaborate organized dances, almost like a party (source)