The term "Shaker" refers to a religious sect formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing. The Shakers emerged in the 18th century as an offshoot of the Quakers, founded by Ann Lee in England. They are known for their communal lifestyle, celibacy, pacifism, and a distinctive form of worship that includes ecstatic dancing, which led to their colloquial name, "Shakers."

Historical Context and Beliefs

The Shakers believed in the imminent second coming of Christ and emphasized living a life of simplicity, humility, and purity. They practiced communal living, where all property was shared, reflecting the early Christian community described in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."

Celibacy was a core tenet of Shaker life, as they believed that sexual relations were a distraction from spiritual devotion. This belief is reminiscent of Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 , where he discusses the benefits of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord: "I want you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the things of this world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided."

Worship and Practices

Shaker worship was characterized by vibrant and expressive forms of praise, including singing, dancing, and shaking, which they believed were manifestations of the Holy Spirit. This practice can be seen as an expression of the joy and freedom found in the Spirit, as described in 2 Samuel 6:14 , where David danced before the Lord with all his might.

The Shakers also placed a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and industry, believing that work was a form of worship. Colossians 3:23 encapsulates this ethos: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Shakers held a unique view of God, emphasizing both masculine and feminine aspects of the divine. This belief was rooted in Genesis 1:27 : "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." They saw Ann Lee as a female counterpart to Jesus, embodying the feminine aspect of Christ's spirit.

Legacy and Influence

Though the Shaker movement has dwindled in numbers, their legacy endures through their contributions to American culture, particularly in music, furniture design, and architecture. Their commitment to pacifism, equality, and communal living continues to inspire various Christian communities and social movements.

The Shakers' interpretation of Christian doctrine and their distinctive practices offer a unique perspective on living out the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing simplicity, community, and devotion to God.1. (n.) A person or thing that shakes, or by means of which something is shaken.

2. (n.) One of a religious sect who do not marry, popularly so called from the movements of the members in dancing, which forms a part of their worship.

3. (n.) A variety of pigeon.

Aristotle, a Man of Most Powerful Intellect, and Distinguished for ...
... us, the full brother of Pluto and Jupiter, armed with the iron trident, lord of
the fish, great and small, king of the depths of the sea, and shaker of the ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/31 aristotle a man of.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... spring up among themselves; let this be the order of things for a number of centuries,
and then let a man call in question the truth of Shaker miracles or ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... proverbial. These people choose their locations with great taste and judgment.
A Shaker village always presents a scene of beauty. We ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

Andromeda
... Titan, or Proteus' self, or Nereus, foeman of sailors: Yet would I fight with them
all, but Poseidon, shaker of mountains, Uncle of mine, whom I fear, as is fit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Shaker (1 Occurrence)
... their worship. 3. (n.) A variety of pigeon. Multi-Version Concordance Shaker
(1 Occurrence). Isaiah 14:16 Those who see you will ...
/s/shaker.htm - 7k

Shakes (11 Occurrences)

/s/shakes.htm - 9k

Troubler (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:16 Those who see you will be looking on you with care, they will be in
deep thought, saying, Is this the troubler of the earth, the shaker of kingdoms ...
/t/troubler.htm - 8k

Shaken (62 Occurrences)

/s/shaken.htm - 24k

Fate (138 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:16 Those who see you will be looking on you with care, they will be in
deep thought, saying, Is this the troubler of the earth, the shaker of kingdoms ...
/f/fate.htm - 37k

Who are the Shakers? | GotQuestions.org

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Shaker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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