Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was a unique colonial town. It was the
first permanent outpost of the Moravians in North America and
served as the headquarters for their extensive missionary efforts.
It was also one of the most successful communal societies in
American history. Bethlehem was founded as a "congregation of the
cross" where all aspects of personal and social life were
subordinated to the religious ideal of the community. In Community
of the Cross, Craig D. Atwood offers a convincing portrait of
Bethlehem and its religion.
Visitors to Bethlehem, such as Benjamin Franklin, remarked on
the orderly and peaceful nature of life in the community, its
impressive architecture, and its "high" culture. However, many
non-Moravians were embarrassed or even offended by the social and
devotional life of the Moravians. The adoration of the crucified
Jesus, especially his wounds, was the focus of intense devotion for
adults and children alike. Moravians worshiped the Holy Spirit as
"Mother," and they made the mystical marriage to Christ central to
their marital intimacy. Everything, even family life, was to be a
form of worship.
Atwood reveals the deep connection between life in Bethlehem and
the religious symbolism of controversial German theologian Nicholas
von Zinzendorf, whose provocative and erotic adoration of the
wounds of Jesus was an essential part of private and communal life.
Using the theories of Rene Girard, Mary Douglas, and Victor Turner,
Atwood shows that it was the Moravians' liturgy and devotion that
united the community and inspired both its unique social structure
and its missionary efforts.
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