A Family of Love: Another Look at Bethlehem's General Economy

abstract:A distinctive feature of life in early Moravian Bethlehem was the common household or "General Economy." From the beginning of the General Economy in 1742 until its end in 1762, every resident of Bethlehem worked for the common good without pay. In return, the community provided food, lodging, and clothing. At its height, more than 1,000 people were part of the General Economy. Much detail is known about how the General Economy functioned. Less is known about the reasons why Moravians practiced a common household, and where the idea for the Economy originated. Through a close reading of relevant texts and by comparing Bethlehem with other Moravian communities of the time, the author argues that the General Economy was very much part of the ideology of the early Moravians who followed the example of other radical Pietists of the time by separating from the established church and striving to gather true believers and organize them according to the example set by the early Christians. Practicing a common household was considered to be a high (but not necessary) goal of true Christianity.