Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
The peaceful quiet kind.
They actually have no service. Just a quiet meeting, often 30 minutes of silence.
But again, that's the traditional style of the Society of Friends (Quakers). There are, however, many Quaker churches that are nothing like that.

This is why a point-blank answer about the nature or style of Quakerism is almost impossible to answer in a few words.
 
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
But again, that's the traditional style of the Society of Friends (Quakers). There are, however, many Quaker churches that are nothing like that.

This is why a point-blank answer about the nature or style of Quakerism is almost impossible to answer in a few words.
All denominations have as much variety.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: SteveIndy
Upvote 0

SteveIndy

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Sep 27, 2007
421
178
75
Zionsville, Indiana
✟247,173.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I notice that there are several here who were quick to point out the oddness or reasons that disqualify the Quakers as "orthodox" or even Christian. These people might want to take a little time and consider that the plethora of extreme denominations that all consider each other unorthodox in one way or the other. The Quakers came to America and settled in Pennsylvania on land that William Penn purchased from the Indians. This was rather unorthodox considering the Puritans stole the land and then had to build forts to protect themselves from the "savages." History tells us that the Quakers lived in peace with the Indians for very many years until unchristian fear provoked them to do as the Puritans and carry weapons. They never carried weapons with them and the Indians would pass right by the peaceful Quakers on their way to attack the Puritans who did not believe the New Testament enough to "overcome evil with good." And, besides this, there really weren't any more unorthodox than Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin who linked arms with the state in all of their murderous attempts to make the peaceful religion of Jesus mandatory. Zwingli died with a sword in his hand trying to cut off food being delivered to a Catholic Canton, Luther promoted the murder of many by persuading the magistrate that the murdering of peasants in the German Peasants' War was a Christian act, and Calvin mercilessly condemned to death those who disagreed with him and enforced his own form of faith with an iron fist. But, the Quakers were peaceful, and they too were scorned for being different, and some were killed. The Quakers were the English version of the Anabaptists who were brutally burned, fed to wild animals, drown, their property confiscated, and chased from country to country. Didn't Christ tell His followers that all of that would happen if they followed Him. No, their ways are not orthodox and they appear funny to the Protestants and Catholics, but who are really the followers of Jesus? "Unless a seed of corn falls to the ground and die it remains alone." Check your history books; who are the true Christians? Today there are not many true Christians Quaker or otherwise yet it seems everyone is going to heaven, but Jesus posed the question, "Will I even find faith on the earth when I reurn?"
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
All denominations have as much variety.
No, they don't. Most denominations or 'families of faith' are now divided into rival church bodies but few of them have the range of differences that the Quakers do.

For example, one-third of American Quakers now belong to what they call Evangelical Quakers which are almost indistinguishable from a typical non-denominational Protestant church. That is 'light years' away from the style and belief system that various of us have described on this thread for the traditional Quakers.
 
Upvote 0

Anthony2019

Pax et bonum!
Supporter
Jan 25, 2019
5,957
10,894
Staffordshire, United Kingdom
✟748,645.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Single
Many years ago, I lived alone in a house as a tenant which was owned by Quakers. They used to come to the house from time to time to make sure everything was OK and they had a very gentle manner about them.

The time came when I was moving to a new town to be closer to where I worked. I had settled my bills and put down deposits etc on a new place, bought essential furniture etc, which left me struggling financially for a while. Shortly afterwards, I got a letter from my ex-landlady, enquiring how I was and whether I had settled into my new place OK. She told me a final phone bill had been sent to the old address. It was one of those things that escaped my mind when I was busy sorting out everything to move home, and the amount that was owed came as a bit of a surprise.

I contacted the ex-landlady to arrange for payment of the bill, and was going to pay back in a couple of instalments. However she told me if it was going to cause any hardship, she would prefer that I didn't pay and she would cover the cost. I did actually pay her the balance in full, but her thoughtfulness towards my situation has always stuck with me. I will always remember the fact that she was a very kind, empathetic and considerate person and the fact that she was a Quaker.

I must admit I know very little about the Quakers. What I do know is that I have met someone who is a Quaker who treated others well and that is the memory I will always have of them. Perhaps that is a good lesson for us all.
 
Upvote 0

Francis Drake

Returning adventurer.
Apr 14, 2013
4,000
2,508
✟184,952.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
UK-Independence-Party
I have often been intrigued by Quakers. Is anyone here one and what are people's thoughts about their way of Christianity?
My contact and experience of the Quakers is that they are no longer Christian in any way.
They are a liberal left pressure group, spouting all sorts of nonsense, but with no concept of God. I attended a local Friends Meeting House, and it was not an experience I shall repeat.
 
Upvote 0

timothyu

Well-Known Member
Dec 31, 2018
22,443
8,397
up there
✟303,892.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
This is why a point-blank answer about the nature or style of Quakerism is almost impossible to answer in a few words.
They are a liberal left pressure group

Again... there are four factions under the Friends moniker. Liberal, conservative, evangelical and pastoral. Nothing unique about that as compared to other denomination in the US.
 
Upvote 0

SteveIndy

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Sep 27, 2007
421
178
75
Zionsville, Indiana
✟247,173.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Many years ago, I lived alone in a house as a tenant which was owned by Quakers. They used to come to the house from time to time to make sure everything was OK and they had a very gentle manner about them.

The time came when I was moving to a new town to be closer to where I worked. I had settled my bills and put down deposits etc on a new place, bought essential furniture etc, which left me struggling financially for a while. Shortly afterwards, I got a letter from my ex-landlady, enquiring how I was and whether I had settled into my new place OK. She told me a final phone bill had been sent to the old address. It was one of those things that escaped my mind when I was busy sorting out everything to move home, and the amount that was owed came as a bit of a surprise.

I contacted the ex-landlady to arrange for payment of the bill, and was going to pay back in a couple of instalments. However she told me if it was going to cause any hardship, she would prefer that I didn't pay and she would cover the cost. I did actually pay her the balance in full, but her thoughtfulness towards my situation has always stuck with me. I will always remember the fact that she was a very kind, empathetic and considerate person and the fact that she was a Quaker.

I must admit I know very little about the Quakers. What I do know is that I have met someone who is a Quaker who treated others well and that is the memory I will always have of them. Perhaps that is a good lesson for us all.

Thank you for sharing this. The whole Protestant Church is pretty much stuck on doctrine and tradition and my experience with the commercial Church is that it is apostate from top to bottom. What I have found is that there are few authentic Christians who really follow Jesus. Mostly it is for show and entertainment.
 
Upvote 0

Daniel9v9

Christian Forums Staff
Chaplain
Supporter
Jun 5, 2016
1,928
1,714
38
London
Visit site
✟394,138.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
Married
God's word explains that the Bible is not required reading.
So you would need to define your terms better.
And you need to be specific when you are judging others.
Just to be fair, while you judge on appearance.


Romans 1:20
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Romans 1:19
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.

Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Psalm 33:6-9
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

Psalm 8:3
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

Romans 2:15
They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Psalm 119:90
Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

Deuteronomy 4:19
And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.

Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Job 31:26-28
if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand, this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above.

Matthew 5:45
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

A person is not required to be an expert in Scriptures to believe in the person and works of Jesus Christ. However, that does not mean that Scriptures are optional to the Christian, or that they are of equal value to other religious texts. Scriptures are truly God’s Word inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore the highest authority and judge of all doctrine. That's why they're sometimes called a "canon", which means "measuring stick". That is, every teaching should be measured against and subject to God’s Word, for all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work - and we are to declare the full counsel of God, which means fidelity to all of Scripture in its complete fullness - God's Law and Gospel. Very simply, in the Great Commission, our Lord Christ declares that we are to baptise and make disciples of all nations, baptising them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and we are to teach them to observe everything commanded by Him, which is all of the Scriptures.

God’s Law and Gospel are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, by means of the Scriptures. That is, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. If anyone who claim to be spiritual discerns, for example, that Christ is not God, they are not in the Spirit, for the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in the man Jesus the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily; He is God in flesh.

So, we judge people not by appearance, by God's Word.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Daniel9v9

Christian Forums Staff
Chaplain
Supporter
Jun 5, 2016
1,928
1,714
38
London
Visit site
✟394,138.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
Married
Well you explained why you think Quakers are not #1 so I wondered who is?

Well, I still don’t understand what you’re looking to quantify and how. I never said "Quakers are not #1", because a statement like that doesn't make any sense to my ears. Are you talking about faith? Salvation? The Church? Sanctification? Purity of doctrine? Etc

What I’m saying is very simple. If we ask any individuals, religious body or movement: “Is Jesus Christ your Lord and God?” If they answer yes, they answer in accordance with the Bible. If they answer no, then they deny God and His Word and are not a part of the Church. It’s a different religion. There’s only one way to the Father and that’s through the Son, who is fully man and fully God, as revealed to us by Himself and His apostles and prophets. And so, to believe in Jesus is binary - either we do believe or we don’t - there are no varying degrees of saving faith, as it’s the same work by the Holy Spirit through the means of the Gospel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pioneer3mm
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
A person is not required to be an expert in Scriptures to believe in the person and works of Jesus Christ. However, that does not mean that Scriptures are optional to the Christian, or that they are of equal value to other religious texts. Scriptures are truly God’s Word inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore the highest authority and judge of all doctrine. That's why they're sometimes called a "canon", which means "measuring stick". That is, every teaching should be measured against and subject to God’s Word, for all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work - and we are to declare the full counsel of God, which means fidelity to all of Scripture in its complete fullness - God's Law and Gospel. Very simply, in the Great Commission, our Lord Christ declares that we are to baptise and make disciples of all nations, baptising them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and we are to teach them to observe everything commanded by Him, which is all of the Scriptures.

God’s Law and Gospel are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, by means of the Scriptures. That is, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. If anyone who claim to be spiritual discerns, for example, that Christ is not God, they are not in the Spirit, for the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in the man Jesus the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily; He is God in flesh.

So, we judge people not by appearance, by God's Word.

We judge our own life in all things, but do not judge any other people.

Matthew 7:1
“Judge not, that you be not judged.

1 Corinthians 2:15
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
 
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
No, they don't. Most denominations or 'families of faith' are now divided into rival church bodies but few of them have the range of differences that the Quakers do.

For example, one-third of American Quakers now belong to what they call Evangelical Quakers which are almost indistinguishable from a typical non-denominational Protestant church. That is 'light years' away from the style and belief system that various of us have described on this thread for the traditional Quakers.

So you don't get around much. I understand.
 
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Well, I still don’t understand what you’re looking to quantify and how. I never said "Quakers are not #1", because a statement like that doesn't make any sense to my ears. Are you talking about faith? Salvation? The Church? Sanctification? Purity of doctrine? Etc

What I’m saying is very simple. If we ask any individuals, religious body or movement: “Is Jesus Christ your Lord and God?” If they answer yes, they answer in accordance with the Bible. If they answer no, then they deny God and His Word and are not a part of the Church. It’s a different religion. There’s only one way to the Father and that’s through the Son, who is fully man and fully God, as revealed to us by Himself and His apostles and prophets. And so, to believe in Jesus is binary - either we do believe or we don’t - there are no varying degrees of saving faith, as it’s the same work by the Holy Spirit through the means of the Gospel.

What you think people claim they believe has no bearing on their salvation.

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the proper time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Daniel9v9

Christian Forums Staff
Chaplain
Supporter
Jun 5, 2016
1,928
1,714
38
London
Visit site
✟394,138.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
Married
We judge our own life in all things, but do not judge any other people.

Matthew 7:1
“Judge not, that you be not judged.

1 Corinthians 2:15
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

There is only one judge and that is God, but the Church has a command to uphold the Gospel and God’s Word. For example, we cannot view the divinity of Christ with indifference, for Scriptures testify to that He is fully man and fully God, and that is the truth we hold to, and we must reject all other notions and novel ideas. 1 Corinthians 5:12 John 20:23 Galatians 1:8 1 John 4:1-6 Matthew 7:15-20

Again, all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
 
Upvote 0

Daniel9v9

Christian Forums Staff
Chaplain
Supporter
Jun 5, 2016
1,928
1,714
38
London
Visit site
✟394,138.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
Married
What you think people claim they believe has no bearing on their salvation.

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the proper time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Salvation in no one else but Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Whoever does not believe in Him does not believe in the one true God.
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
So you don't get around much. I understand.
If you have another idea about the Quakers, why not offer it and help out our inquirer? Sniping doesn't help anyone.

So far, the main "contribution" seems to have been something about the Church of the Brethren being descended from the Quakers--which it is not.
 
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Last edited:
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

timothyu

Well-Known Member
Dec 31, 2018
22,443
8,397
up there
✟303,892.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
There is only one judge and that is God, but the Church has a command to uphold the Gospel and God’s Word. For example, we cannot view the divinity of Christ with indifference, for Scriptures testify to that He is fully man and fully God, and that is the truth we hold to, and we must reject all other notions and novel ideas.

You found fault with The Friends. Yet in your own denomination do you follow Jesus as you suggested they don't?
Jesus told us the The Kingdom/governance of the Father was the good news. His Kingdom will come. His will would be done in earth as it is in heaven as we realized we were one with the Father and not apart and separate entities running around like mini gods. That prime focus seems to have taken a back seat to man's concepts of what was going on and who was what as they formed a religion and doctrines built in their own image that still kept us separated.

If someone wants to grow to be like Jesus then they are simply becoming one with the Father. What would the Adversary do? Encourage us to become one and realize what we are, or encourage us to remain separate and thinking of ourselves as unique, that being gods rather than simple extensions of God?

So what better fits the concept of this oneness? Sitting quietly amongst others understanding you are all the same or sitting in churches designed to be hierarchical and rather than loving all as self because they are you, seeking to save self .
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0