An 18th-century religious sect, marked by apocalyptic visions and a departure from Christian morality.
The Zionites were a small Christian sect that emerged in Germany in the early 18th century as part of the broader Pietist movement. Their name derived from their belief in building a “New Zion” – a purified Christian community. The group originated from the Philadelphian Society, a collection of Christian dissenters and mystics based in England.
Founded in 1726 in Elberfeld, Wuppertal, by Elias Eller and Pastor Daniel Schleiermacher, the Zionites were influenced by millenarian ideas and believed in the imminent second coming of Christ. Eller, a factory foreman, developed an apocalyptic belief system based on visionary writings. The group practiced a form of mystical spirituality and sought direct divine revelations.
A key figure in the movement was Anna Catharina vom Büchel, a prophetess known for her visions and dreams. After the death of Eller’s first wife, he married vom Büchel, and they styled themselves as the “mother and father of Zion.” They prophesied that Anna would give birth to the male savior of the world. Although their first child was a daughter and their prophesied son died at age two, Eller managed to maintain the faith of his followers.
In 1737, the Zionites moved to establish the settlement of Ronsdorf, which prospered under their influence. Eller elevated Ronsdorf to the rank of a city by 1745 and became its burgomaster, reportedly ruling in a tyrannical manner. The group’s theological focus centered increasingly around Eller, and their initial Christian moral foundation was supplanted by a pursuit of sensual pleasures.
Johann Wilhelm Petersen, a Lutheran theologian, and his wife Johanna Eleonora von Merlau were influential early leaders associated with the Zionites, though the extent of their direct involvement is not entirely clear. The Zionites were also connected to other radical Pietist groups of the time.
The unexpected death of Anna in 1744 led to doubts within the group. Schleiermacher, then the pastor at Ronsdorf, distanced himself from Eller, confessing his errors and attempting to change Eller’s course. Despite these efforts, Eller maintained his influence until his death.
The sect continued under new leadership, including Eller’s stepson, Blockhaus. A new pastor chosen in 1768, along with his successors, gradually steered the inhabitants of Ronsdorf back to Protestantism. However, the effects of the Zionite movement were traceable into the 19th century.
The Zionites are remembered for their significant deviation from mainstream Christian doctrine, marked by apocalyptic beliefs and a shift towards more earthly practices. Their story highlights the complex dynamics of religious movements and the influence of charismatic leaders on the development of such sects.
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