Abstract:
Changes in the nature of the Salem Moravian ruling theology, from 'gemeinschaft' to 'gesellschaft', can be viewed in the context of rising dissent on military involvement, relationships between the sexes, and the rise of economic individualism. Between 1820 and 1850, Moravians in Salem were forced to permit residents to join the militia, ease the strict rules regarding courting and marriage, abandon the community landholding system, and allow residents to engage in the slave trade.