RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF THE SHAKERS

I recently visited a National Historic Landmark in Pittsfield, Massachusetts called the Hancock Shaker Village. It brings the Shaker story to life and preserves it for future generations. The Shakers are one of the most intriguing social and religious movements in American history. The Shaker population reached its peak of 5,000 in the mid-19^th century. Today, it has disappeared because they were celibate and did not procreate. Believers gave up private property and worked for the common benefit of the group. Sexual relations were prohibited and men and women lived in strictly enforced separation. They attempted to transform sexual energy into creativity, thereby facilitating a mystical awakening. They were called Shakers because of the whirling, dancing, and other ecstatic movements that would overcome them during worship. This was thought to be a spiritual and physical means of shaking off their sins. The Shakers have disappeared but their cultural contributions are still with us. They were fascinating but misguided people. Now, you know that rock and roll dancing was invented to get rid of our sins!