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and other relevant terms defined
[New Latin UØtopia, imaginary island in Utopia by Sir Thomas More] (Encarta)
Spiritualism also mirrored nonscientific aspects of 19th century culture. It began in the "Burned-Over District," the region in Upstate New York that had experienced an overabundance of revivals during the first decades of the century. After these awakenings had exhausted themselves, other alternatives moved in to fill the gap. The revivals paved the way for Spiritualism (Kyle 67-69).
This follows the recruitment methods of Ann Lee and the Shaker Community. They would go to a town that had been visited by a revival and recruit the people who still felt sinful and unholy.
UTOPIA
COMMUNAL LIVING A way of life voluntarily shared by a small group of people who believe that they can live better together than they can alone. Communal societies have long existed as reactions against the prevailing social order. In the past they were established by religious groups or by political and economic reformers. In the United States, two religious communes– the Oneida Community and the Amana Society– became so prosperous that they were reorganized as business firms (Encarta).
MILLENIALISMConcerned with the future of the human community on earth and with the chronology of coming events, just as history is involved with the study of the record of the past. In particular, the American millennial look into the future relates to the Second Coming of Christ and a period of earthly bliss or progress. (Kyle 55)
SPIRITUALISMBasically refers to communicating with the dead. The first séance—that is, a "sitting" with a medium through whom the spirits reveal themselves—occurred at least as early as 1762. Most mediums were women. In the 19th century at a time when science was gaining strength, Spiritualism, along with some other nontraditional religions, tried to emulate the scientific method; more important, it often copied scientific language.
Encarta® 98 Desk Encyclopedia © & 1996-97 Microsoft Corporation.
Kyle, Richard. The Religious Fringe: A History of Alternative Religions in America. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill.: 1993.
Questions? Ask the Creator, JDML.