John Humphrey NoyesCommune leader, philosopher
B. 1811 D. 1886 Testimony: In their Own WordsCharles sat speechless, looking before him; but as the accusations multiplied, his face grew paler, and drops of perspiration began to stand on his forehead. The remarks I have reported took up about half an hour; and now, each one in the circle having spoken, Mr. Noyes summed up. He said that Charles had some serious faults; that he had watched him with some care; and that he thought the young man was earnestly trying to cure himself. |
Actions
- Trained as a minister
- Believed that Jesus' "Second Coming" had occurred in 70AD, and therefore, humans were living in heaven and therefore can't and shouldn't sin. He believed that if you submitted to God's will, then everything you do will be sinless.
- Established Oneida Community, a town with communal living, open marriage, and an emphasis on perfection.
- There was no private property ownership and no traditional "families" in the Oneida Community
- Children in the Oneida community were raised by the community, not by the parents of the child.
- All members of the community participated in "mutual criticism" where the community told you your undesirable character traits in front of the entire group
- The community dissolved in 1881 after Noyes fled the country to escape arrest; neighbors protested against the community and members of the community disagreed about various practices.
- Believed that Jesus' "Second Coming" had occurred in 70AD, and therefore, humans were living in heaven and therefore can't and shouldn't sin. He believed that if you submitted to God's will, then everything you do will be sinless.
- Established Oneida Community, a town with communal living, open marriage, and an emphasis on perfection.
- There was no private property ownership and no traditional "families" in the Oneida Community
- Children in the Oneida community were raised by the community, not by the parents of the child.
- All members of the community participated in "mutual criticism" where the community told you your undesirable character traits in front of the entire group
- The community dissolved in 1881 after Noyes fled the country to escape arrest; neighbors protested against the community and members of the community disagreed about various practices.
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