The Netflix series Death by Lightning has reignited interest in the Oneida Community, a 19th-century religious group that practiced “Bible Communism” and scandalized America with its radical “free love” policies. Led by the enigmatic John Humphrey Noyes, this utopian experiment challenged Victorian norms—but were they progressive visionaries or a dangerous cult?
The Oneida Community: A Utopian Vision in 19th-Century America
Founded in 1848 in Oneida, New York, the Oneida Community was one of the most successful—and controversial—utopian societies in U.S. history. Rejecting traditional Christianity, Noyes preached “Perfectionism,” the idea that humans could achieve sinless perfection in this life. Members lived communally, sharing everything: property, labor, and even sexual partners.
Complex Marriage: Love Without Boundaries
The community abolished traditional marriage, calling it “selfish” and oppressive. Instead, they practiced “complex marriage,” where every man was spiritually married to every woman. Unlike unchecked promiscuity, relationships were strictly regulated:
- Older members supervised young couples
- Romantic favoritism was discouraged
- Birth control (via coitus reservatus) was enforced
Bible Communism: Where Faith Met Socialism
The Oneida Community blended Christian theology with socialist ideals:
- Shared wealth: All property was communal
- Collective labor: Members worked in farming, manufacturing, and later, silverware production
- Eugenics experiments: “Stirpiculture” encouraged selective breeding for “perfect” offspring
Noyes taught that Christ’s Second Coming had already happened spiritually, freeing believers from sin—a belief that outraged mainstream Christians.
From Religious Sect to Silverware Empire
Despite their radical views, the Oneidans were business-savvy. They launched successful ventures, including:
- Animal trap manufacturing (their first major industry)
- Oneida Limited, a silverware company that became a household name
By the 1870s, external backlash and internal strife led to their downfall. Accused of sexual deviancy and authoritarianism, Noyes fled to Canada in 1879, and the community disbanded in 1880—though their silverware business thrived for decades.
Legacy: Cult or Progressive Pioneers?
The Oneida Community’s influence persists in modern discussions about:
- Religious radicalism
- Alternative relationships (their “free love” model predated the 1960s sexual revolution)
- Communal living experiments
Death by Lightning spotlights their story, but the truth is even wilder than fiction. Were they ahead of their time or a manipulative cult? Historians still debate their legacy.
Final Thought: The Oneida Community dared to redefine faith, love, and capitalism in an age of rigid morality. Whether seen as heretics or innovators, their story remains a fascinating chapter in American religious and social history.
