basis

Within heretical sects, the prophetic nature of its members is communication with divinity, usually centered upon a particular group-chosen leader. In the transition to a more established religious structure, the role of the original inspired leader becomes symbolic and theological. More members, then, have direct access to the divinity, through their religious leader.

Ann Lee, a 'fanatical' female religious figure in a small English sect of the eighteenth century, and Mother Ann, the maternal principle of divinity, became united in the American Shaker religion.

• Introduction

• Most modern

• conclusions

• persecution

• communism

• notion

• cohesive factor

• sect and religion

• Medieval heresy

• Although