More American Religions by Erica

My favorite religion, without fail, is Shakerism. I'm sure you know about their celibacy and their symmetrical homes, but did you also know they were technological innovators? They invented the flat broom, the clothespin, and what now indispensable gardening innovation? You'll probably see these at your local grocery store as well.

This group of villages in Iowa was started by German Pietists in the 19th century. You might only be familiar with their appliances, now produced by Whirlpool. What is the name of these "colonies"?

Complex marriage, male continence, and mutual criticism - these were the cornerstone of what New York-based community that dissolved in 1881 - although you might still be having dinner with them.

Among the most American of American religions, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day States bases its theology on a set of golden plates found at what geological landmark?

One of the first books to criticize this religion was published by the controversial Olympia Press in 1972. The subtitle is "How I Joined [redacted] and Became Superhuman." What "religion" am I talking about?

Persistent members of this group believe Jesus died on a torture stake, not a cross, and only 144,000 followers will join Christ in heaven - the rest of believers will remain in a lower, angel-like plane. Who are they?

There is a specific, dangerous practice done primarily by Holiness churches in rural Appalachia. Pastor Jamie Coots got his TV show cancelled when he died from doing what?

American Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite churches are direct descendants of what European religious movement, whose defining belief was that of adult, not infant, baptist - a radical thought in the 16th century

Vernon Howell was the leader of what Seventh-Day Adventist off-shoot? The government was absolutely complicit in the cover-up of the deadly raid of their compound.

Two denominations merged in 1961 - one that denied the existence of a triune God and one that denied everlasting damnation. What is the modern name of this non-creedal religion?

The Satanic Temple is one of the most successful religious activist groups out there, including successful lawsuits involving reproductive rights and church/state separation. What is the name of their horned goat idol?

And finally, James Randi has been a champion of the skeptic movement, producing several famous specials disproving people like mentalist Uri Gellar and faith healer Peter Popoff. How much money will he give you, today, if you can prove that you have actual psychic powers?