Rendsists

Rendsists were a small, obscure religious group that emerged in the late 19th century. The origins of the group are primarily traced back to the teachings of a charismatic individual known as Brother Elias, who claimed to receive divine revelations. These revelations formed the core tenets of rendist belief, which emphasized a communal lifestyle, pacifism, and a strict adherence to a puritanical form of morality.

The group never achieved widespread recognition and remained largely confined to a few isolated communities. Their practices were often described as austere, with a focus on manual labor and simple living. They eschewed many of the social and technological advancements of their time, believing them to be distractions from spiritual enlightenment. While they did not actively proselytize, individuals who encountered rendists sometimes reported being drawn to their perceived sincerity and dedication.

Internal disagreements and economic hardships contributed to the eventual decline of the rendist movement. By the mid-20th century, the organized rendist communities had largely dissolved, with most members integrating back into mainstream society or joining other religious fellowships. Today, rendists are primarily remembered as a footnote in the history of religious movements, notable for their brief existence and distinctive, albeit localized, spiritual path.