The Language of Devotion: Gospel Affection and Gospel Union in the Writings of Shaker Sisters.

"The Language of Devotion" is a study of spiritual motherhood among the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly called Shakers. More specifically, this study focuses on the expression of devotion to Mother Ann Lee, the sect's founder, on Eldresses who were regarded as spiritual mothers, and on Believers' devoted to one another. Additionally, I explore the meaning of spiritual motherhood, sisterhood, and devotion from the perspective of Shaker Sisters as revealed in their letters, poetry, memorials, gift songs, and miscellaneous writings. The dissertation is organized according to genre. Chapter One provides an historiographic context for the dissertation. Chapter Two presents the history of devine motherhood and devotion among the Society of Believers. Chapter Three examines Shaker sisterhood and its relationship to spiritual motherhood as revealed in the correspondence of Believers. Chapter Four examines the central aspects of Shaker spirituality, gospel affection and gospel union, through an analysis of acrostic poems. Chapter Five examines gift songs and rituals of the Shakers' period of revivalism known as "Mother's Work." Chapter Six explores the meaning of "A Mother in Israel," a designation given to Shaker Eldresses who were exemplary in their devotion and loyalty to the Society. My conclusion discusses the persistence of Shaker spiritual motherhood and Sister's involvement in social reform movements during the late-nineteenth century. The study is a history of Shakers from the perspective of female spirituality. It makes use of the extensive and varied writings of Shaker Sisters. Shaker women, in the social groups they formed, can be understood as female spiritual families, and studying them from this perspective will illuminate more completely the role of religion in the lives of American women.PhDReligious historyUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/161535/1/8720272.pd