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Shakers last stand |
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#1 |
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Shakers last stand
This was a curious report on BBC news earlier.
A religious sect known as Shakers and formed in Manchester in 1747, fled to the US after persecution in Britain. One of it's members died on Monday at 89. The last remaining community is Sabbathday Lake, which now has only two members. This is not a surprise. The Shakers practice celibacy, in addition to pacifism, equality of the sexes and communal ownership of property. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.17bb861f9fd6 |
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#2 |
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They sound perfect, except perhaps for the celibacy
Although, reading the article "the sect grew both by converting adults and by raising orphaned children and, when they reached age 18, giving them the option to remain a member of the sect or to leave the community." Although this option is available to all children growing up in a family that practices a certain religion, at least this one seems to make it clear to them! Interesting - "Although it may sound like an old-fashioned religious sect by today’s standards, at one time the Shakers were considered progressive. As PBS noted, “Seventy-five years before the emancipation of the slaves and 150 years before women began voting in America, the Shakers were practicing social, sexual, economic, and spiritual equality for all members.” In their Southern communities, members freed all of their slaves in 1817 and began buying other black believers out of slavery" It sounds like they are too progressive even for these days, in some respects! ![]() ETA: I like their furniture! |
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#3 |
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If they lasted that long I suspect they cheated on the celibacy rule.
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#4 |
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If they lasted that long I suspect they cheated on the celibacy rule.
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#5 |
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Read the bit about adopting orphans, plus I imagine they had a convert or two on occasion.
I want to see the paternity tests. Converts to celibacy?? Get out of here.
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#6 |
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Adopting orphans eh? Likely story.
I want to see the paternity tests. Converts to celibacy?? Get out of here. ![]() They sound a lot better than some religious groups.
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#7 |
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It sounds like they are too progressive even for these days, in some respects!
![]() ETA: I like their furniture! I'd heard of the furniture as it's extremely well made and highly valued. I've no idea how much it costs but it certainly won't be cheap. It's not Ikea flat pack rubbish! edit; this gives some idea. A 10" hand turned maple wood bowl $80 (£65). ![]() http://maineshakers.com/product/bowl-10d2/ |
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#8 |
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It says where unlike the Amish which many often confuse them with, they embraced modern technology such as the internet. They even have a website! http://maineshakers.com/
I'd heard of the furniture as it's extremely well made and highly valued. I've no idea how much it costs but it certainly won't be cheap. It's not Ikea flat pack rubbish! so obviously just 'style' not 'real' ).
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#9 |
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Well, I was trying to put a positive spin on it
They sound a lot better than some religious groups.![]() They sound like good people and in advance of their time. Their demise is a loss. |
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#10 |
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You know me I am the eternal cynic.
![]() They sound like good people and in advance of their time. Their demise is a loss.
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#11 |
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Up The Shakers !
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#12 |
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#13 |
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I assume they split off from the Movers at some point...?
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#14 |
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I assume they split off from the Movers at some point...?
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#15 |
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Darwinism at work
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#16 |
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Peaceful , lovely big ol' building in Maine countryside- sounds good! How do I join?
... 'To join you must be sound of body and mind' oh...
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Although, reading the article "the sect grew both by converting adults and by raising orphaned children and, when they reached age 18, giving them the option to remain a member of the sect or to leave the community."
They sound a lot better than some religious groups.

