Based on the teachings of John Hus 1373-1415, called Bohemian Brethren or Hussites.
Moravia is a territory in the later Czechoslovakia.
Persecuted by the Catholic Church after John Hus is executed.
Move to Germany
Come under the protection of Count Nicholas von Zinzindorf (1700-1760)
Zinzindorf organizes Moravians on his estate in 1727.
Part of the German Pietist Movement in reaction to Rationalism.
Influences John and Charles Wesley.
1742 Moravians recognized as a separate denomination against their wishes.
Missions
Organized the first Mission Society in 1732.
Sent 175 missionaries prior to 1750 to India, Africa, North America, and worked with Indians. Evangelized Jews in Europe.
Some Moravians sold themselves into slavery to evangelize the West Indies.
Music
First to develop use of stringed instruments in worship.
Zinzindorf wrote over 2000 hymns., e.g. Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (#193)
Early songbook called The Songs of Zion.
Developed the use of stringed instruments to aid worship
Zinzindorf wrote over 2000 hymns,
America
William Penn allows any religious group (Maryland for Catholics, Rhode Island for Baptist, most of New England for Puritans and most others for Anglicans.)
Moravians settled between 1735-1740 esp. near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Zinzindorf visits Pennsylvania in 1741 and tried to unite German groups.
Distinctive Beliefs
Oppose State church.
Have three church offices: bishops, elders, and deacons.
Emphasized unity, missions, and music.
Begin practices of:
1. Love-Feast: patterned after the Last Supper, footwashing, Simple Meal, Communion.
2. Watch-night: patterned after disciples in the Garden, stay awake and pray.
3. Class-meeting: small group meetings and study groups.
Today
About 510,000 Moravians in the world.
About 55,000 in the United States.
60% of members in Tanzania and South Africa reflects mission efforts
Moravians