Yes, the Shakers held a profound belief in Jesus, viewing him as a central figure in their theology, though with a distinct and unique interpretation.
Shaker Beliefs Regarding Jesus
The Shaker faith, officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, recognized Jesus as a fundamental part of their spiritual lineage. However, their understanding of Christ's manifestation extended beyond traditional Christian denominations.
Jesus as the Male Manifestation of Christ
Shakers believed that Jesus was the male manifestation of Christ. They understood him to be:
- Born of a woman.
- The son of a Jewish carpenter.
- The founder of the first Christian Church.
This perspective affirmed Jesus's historical existence and his divine role in initiating the Christian faith.
The Dual Nature of Christ
Central to Shaker theology was the belief in a dual, male and female, manifestation of Christ. While Jesus represented the male aspect, they believed that the female manifestation appeared later through their founder.
| Aspect | Jesus (Male Manifestation) | Mother Ann Lee (Female Manifestation) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Inaugurated the First Christian Church | Inaugurated the Second Christian Church (the Shaker community itself) |
| Origin | Born of a woman, son of a Jewish carpenter | Daughter of an English blacksmith |
| Significance | Represented Christ's first coming and male divine principle | Represented Christ's second coming and female divine principle |
The Second Christian Church
For the Shakers, the coming of Mother Ann Lee, their spiritual leader and founder, marked the establishment of the second Christian Church. They believed Mother Ann was the female manifestation of Christ, completing the divine revelation that began with Jesus. This belief positioned the Shakers themselves as the true embodiment of this second, complete church, moving towards a perfected state of humanity.
In essence, Shakers did not deny Jesus but rather integrated him into a broader, more expansive understanding of Christ's presence and ongoing work in the world, culminating in their own community.
