The Shaker Revival: How Rejecting Conventionality Could Shape Future Communities
Forget Silicon Valley’s utopian visions. The most radical blueprint for future living might be found in the 18th-century experiments of the Shakers, a religious sect that deliberately rejected core societal norms – and whose story is now being reimagined in Mona Fastvold’s striking new musical, The Testament of Ann Lee. While seemingly a historical curiosity, the Shakers’ emphasis on communal living, gender equality, and functional design offers surprisingly relevant lessons for a world grappling with loneliness, unsustainable consumption, and a search for meaning.
Beyond Celibacy: The Core Principles of Shaker Life
The Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, are perhaps best known for their strict celibacy. However, this practice wasn’t simply about religious devotion; it was integral to a broader philosophy centered on communal ownership, pacifism, and a rejection of worldly vanity. Everything was shared, labor was valued equally, and aesthetics prioritized utility. Their furniture, renowned for its minimalist beauty, embodies this ethos – a direct contrast to the hyper-consumerism that defines much of modern life. This focus on collective well-being and purposeful work resonates deeply with contemporary movements seeking alternatives to traditional capitalist structures.
The Allure of Intentional Communities
Interest in intentional communities – groups of people who choose to live together based on shared values – is surging. According to the Foundation for Intentional Community, the number of communities in North America has grown significantly in recent decades, driven by concerns about climate change, social isolation, and economic insecurity. The Shakers, in many ways, were pioneers of this movement, demonstrating the potential for creating self-sufficient, egalitarian societies. While modern intentional communities rarely adopt the Shakers’ celibacy, they often share a commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and a simpler way of life.
From Spirituals to Modern Dance: Reinterpreting the Past for a Future Audience
Fastvold’s film, with its blend of reimagined Shaker spirituals and contemporary dance, isn’t a historical recreation but a powerful exploration of the emotional and psychological forces that drove the Shakers. The film’s choreography, described as a fusion of “sinewy modern moves” and traditional patterns, visually represents the tension between repression and desire, control and liberation. This artistic approach highlights a crucial point: the Shakers weren’t simply denying pleasure; they were attempting to channel it into collective energy and spiritual experience. This concept of transforming individual impulses into communal purpose is particularly relevant in an age of increasing polarization and social fragmentation.
The Rise of ‘Sober Curiosity’ and Alternative Lifestyles
The Shakers’ rejection of alcohol and other forms of excess aligns with a growing trend towards “sober curiosity” and mindful consumption. More and more people are questioning the role of substances and addictive behaviors in their lives, seeking alternatives that promote well-being and connection. This isn’t necessarily about complete abstinence, but about making conscious choices that align with one’s values. Similarly, the Shakers’ emphasis on simplicity and functionality resonates with the minimalist lifestyle movement, which encourages people to declutter their lives and focus on what truly matters.
Lessons for a Fractured World: Equality, Pacifism, and the Female Divine
Beyond their unique lifestyle, the Shakers were remarkably progressive for their time. They embraced gender equality, allowing women to lead and preach – a radical concept in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were staunch pacifists, refusing to participate in war, and they believed in the inherent worth of every individual. Perhaps most strikingly, they prophesied the return of Christ as a female figure, challenging traditional patriarchal religious structures. These principles offer a powerful counterpoint to the inequalities and conflicts that continue to plague our world.
The Shakers’ story, as brought to life in The Testament of Ann Lee, isn’t just a historical footnote. It’s a reminder that alternative ways of living are possible, and that rejecting conventional norms can lead to surprisingly innovative and fulfilling communities. As we navigate an uncertain future, the Shakers’ legacy offers a compelling vision of a more equitable, sustainable, and meaningful world. For further exploration of intentional communities and alternative lifestyles, consider resources from The Foundation for Intentional Community.
What aspects of the Shaker philosophy do you think are most relevant to contemporary challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
