Blackwell Reference Online

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Like many utopian communities in the New World , the Rappite Harmony settlements (Harmony, New Harmony, and Economy) trace their origins to eighteenth-century European religious conflicts. Similar to the Puritans of England, German Pietism sought to reform the Lutheran Church, emphasizing personal piety and the virtue of actively living a Christian life. Father George Rapp, a journeyman weaver and radical, broke with the Lutheran Church in 1785 and established his own congregation of approximately 4,000 followers. Rapp's congregation grew rapidly in the late 1700s, his followers peaking at 10,000 in 1800. Fearful of persecution, Rapp traveled to America in 1803 to seek a location where his congregation could settle and live along his principles. Like many religious separatists, Rapp was heavily influenced by apostolic teachings and Christian communal practice. In addition to holding property in common, Rappites believed sex to be sinful and members were required to practice abstinence. For Rapp, celibacy and communism would allow members to achieve perfection in preparation for Christ's reign. The members adopted a simple style of dress and all shared the labor tasks necessary for the community. This almost monastic lifestyle proved to be a relatively durable system. Rapp established the first Harmony community in Butler County, Pennsylvania, 30 miles north of Pittsburgh in 1805. ... log in or subscribe to read full text