Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ Shines a Light on Oneida’s Bizarre Free Love Cult

Netflix’s new series Death by Lightning dramatizes the assassination of President James Garfield. The show delves into the life of his killer, Charles Guiteau. Guiteau was a member of the Oneida Community, a radical 19th-century religious sect. The series portrays the group’s controversial “free love” practices.

This depiction brings a forgotten American utopian experiment back into the spotlight. The Oneidans aimed for spiritual perfection through a unique social and sexual structure. Their story is far stranger than the show’s brief scenes suggest.

The Real Rules of Oneidan “Complex Marriage”

The Netflix series shows open sexual activity among the Oneidans. In reality, their system was highly regulated and private. According to historian Ellen Wayland-Smith, it was not the “orgiastic sex” people imagine.

The community practiced “complex marriage.” This meant every man was considered married to every woman. Sexual encounters were not spontaneous. Members had to file a formal request through an appointed matchmaker.

This strict hierarchy controlled all relationships. Young members were initiated by older, experienced partners. The community’s leader, John Humphrey Noyes, held the ultimate authority. He believed this system could bring them closer to godly perfection.

A Religious Mission for Earthly Immortality

John Humphrey Noyes founded the group after being expelled from Yale Theological Seminary. He developed a theology called Perfectionism. Noyes claimed that Christ had already returned and that sin was abolished for true believers.

He argued that monogamous marriage was a form of slavery. He believed it caused social ills like adultery. Noyes saw sexual energy as a divine “electricity” that could be shared to achieve purity.

He even told his followers they could become immortal. He pointed to the fact that no one in their early community had died as proof. This belief fueled their unconventional social experiment.

The Surprising Corporate Legacy of a Free Love Cult

The Oneida Community eventually collapsed under external pressure. After it dissolved, the members formed a joint-stock company. This company became Oneida Community Limited, a silverware manufacturer.

The company grew to become a household name. By 1983, over half of all flatware sold in the U.S. was made by Oneida. This successful business is the most enduring legacy of the utopian group.

Their radical beginnings were largely forgotten. The company’s officers once secretly burned a truckload of community archives. They wanted to hide the cultish origins of their respected brand.

The story of the Oneida Community is a fascinating chapter in American history. Death by Lightning offers a new glimpse into this unique social experiment. The group’s journey from free love to fine silverware remains a compelling tale.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was the Oneida Community?

The Oneida Community was a religious utopian group founded in the 19th century. It was based in New York and practiced a form of communal living. The group is known for its unique system of “complex marriage.”

Did Charles Guiteau really belong to the Oneida Community?

Yes, historical records confirm Charles Guiteau was involved with the group. He was a member on and off between 1860 and 1866. The community reportedly found him egotistical and he did not participate much in their social life.

What is “complex marriage”?

Complex marriage was the Oneida practice where every man was married to every woman. It was not a free-for-all; it was a highly regulated system. Sexual encounters required formal approval from community leaders.

What happened to the Oneida Community?

The community disbanded in 1880 due to internal dissent and external pressure. Its members then formed a successful silverware manufacturing company. This company became the well-known Oneida Limited brand.

Is the Netflix portrayal of Oneida accurate?

The show takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect. The open, communal sex scenes are an exaggeration of their private practices. The core facts about Guiteau’s membership and the group’s beliefs are historically grounded.