Millerites

Definition

The Millerites were a religious movement that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States, founded by William Miller, who predicted the Second Coming of Christ would occur on October 22, 1844. This group is often seen as a significant part of the development of new religious movements, as they represented a fusion of evangelical Christianity and millenarian beliefs, drawing followers who were eager for spiritual renewal and social change during a time of uncertainty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Millerites were primarily active between the 1830s and 1840s, gaining significant attention due to their prophetic claims about the end times.
2. William Miller used biblical calculations and interpretations of the Book of Daniel to arrive at his prediction for Christ's return.
3. The Great Disappointment led many Millerites to leave the movement, while others reinterpreted their beliefs and formed new denominations.
4. After the Great Disappointment, some former Millerites established the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which continues to exist today and retains key beliefs about Christ's second coming.
5. Millerism had a lasting impact on American religious thought, influencing other movements and contributing to the growth of apocalyptic and millenarian ideologies.

Review Questions

• What key beliefs defined the Millerite movement and how did they reflect the religious climate of 19th-century America?
  • The Millerite movement was characterized by its firm belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ based on William Miller's interpretations of biblical prophecy. This belief resonated with many Americans during a time of religious revival and social upheaval, reflecting a broader interest in millenarianism as people sought answers to existential questions. The urgency and fervor of Miller's message drew individuals from various backgrounds who were looking for spiritual renewal amidst rapid changes in society.
• Discuss the significance of the Great Disappointment in shaping the future of the Millerite movement and its followers.
  • The Great Disappointment was a pivotal moment for the Millerite movement that resulted from Christ not returning on October 22, 1844, as predicted. This event led to widespread disillusionment among followers, causing many to leave the movement entirely. However, it also prompted some believers to reassess their interpretations and create new religious frameworks, ultimately giving rise to denominations such as the Seventh-day Adventists. This illustrates how failures in prophetic movements can lead to new theological developments.
• Evaluate how the legacy of Millerism has influenced contemporary religious movements and apocalyptic beliefs in modern society.
  • The legacy of Millerism has significantly shaped contemporary religious movements by embedding apocalyptic expectations within various Christian sects and influencing modern millenarian groups. The emphasis on prophecy and anticipation of an imminent end times has continued to resonate with many believers today, affecting how they view global events through a spiritual lens. Moreover, the organizational structures and theological innovations that emerged from Millerism have served as templates for other movements seeking similar prophetic authority, illustrating its enduring impact on American religious thought.

Related terms

William Miller: The Baptist preacher who founded the Millerite movement, known for his calculations predicting the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Adventism: A branch of Christianity that arose from the Millerite movement, emphasizing the anticipation of Christ's second coming and often associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Great Disappointment: The term used to describe the aftermath of October 22, 1844, when Christ did not return as predicted by the Millerites, leading to a crisis of faith among followers.