Quaker Randomness.

[CelticRose]

Firstly feel free to post anything pertaining to Quakerism here. Basically I just wanted to tell someone that after years of being in a non denom church because that's all there was & I couldn't get to a local Meeting I am now hooked up with a Meeting & my first Meeting was just like coming home. Nothing but me & God, the peace, the silence, instead of bobbing up & down like a yo~yo till I can't hear myself think let alone hear God speak. That's all folks.

 

[Crazy Liz]

cool

 

[Brendan1000]

I wanted to say that I have a strong positive feeling towards the Quaker beliefs. The concept of a truly equal society is something I have such a great respect for and I came to the realization today that this might be my true religious path althought I don't really have much background in it. I've done the reading and it seems to be rather unique and very special. I hope the Inner Light shines for you all.

 

[Crazy Liz]

Welcome, Brendan1000!

I hope you'll hang around and dialogue with us more.

 

[Tsadde]

Is it possible to be a noisy praising joyful Quaker?

 

[Crazy Liz]

Is it possible to be a noisy praising joyful Quaker?

Sure. But at some silent meetings you might make other people uncomfortable.

 

[Sphinx777]

The Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers, was founded in England in the 17th century as a Christian religious denomination by people who were dissatisfied with the existing denominations and sects of Christianity. Historians generally credit George Fox with being the principal co-founder or most important early figure. The Society of Friends is counted among the historic peace churches.

Society members are known as Quakers or Friends.

Since its beginnings in the United Kingdom, Quakerism has spread to other countries, chiefly Australia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ireland, Kenya and the United States. Although the total number of Quakers is relatively small, approximately 350,000 worldwide, there are places, such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Newberg, Oregon; Greenleaf, Idaho; Whittier, California; Richmond, Indiana; Friendswood, Texas; Birmingham, UK; and Greensboro, North Carolina in which Quaker influence is concentrated.

Unlike many other groups that emerged within Christianity, the Religious Society of Friends has tended away from creeds, and away from hierarchical structure.

The various branches have widely divergent beliefs and practices, but the central concept to many Friends is the "Inner Light". Accordingly, individual Quakers may develop individual religious beliefs arising from their personal conscience and revelation coming from "God within"; further, Quakers feel compelled to live by such individual religious beliefs and inner revelations.

Many Quakers feel their faith does not fit within traditional Christian categories of Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant, but is an expression of another way of experiencing God.

Although nearly all Quakers throughout history and many today consider Quakerism to be a Christian movement, some Friends (principally in some Meetings in the United States and the United Kingdom) now consider themselves universalist, agnostic, atheist, realist, humanist, postchristian, nontheist or Nontheist Friend, or do not accept any religious label. Calls for Quakerism to include non-Christians go back at least as far as 1870, but this phenomenon has become increasingly evident during the latter half of the 20th century and the opening years of the 21st century, and is still controversial among Friends. An especially notable example of this is that of Friends who actively identify as members of a faith other than Christian, such as Islam or Buddhism.

 

[GregorytheGood]

I have recently joined the Friends Meeting of Austin, and I am soooo happy to have found such a genuine group of Wonderful Christian People!
After my first experience with Quakers some five years ago, I didn't quite get it, and thought it was a bit wierd. Now, I am so thankful and so moved by the deeply moving Worship and Ministry and, honestly, by the Presence of God.

I have long been dissatisfied and sometimes even disgusted by many experiences in various churches, and the overwhelming presence of greed, apathy, nationalism, etc., so I feel like I have found the closest thing to genuine Christianity yet. Anyhow, now I'm rambling... Here are some of the key Christian beliefs/values that I've found exemplified by the Quakers: (in no particular order)
-though they shun any official creed or dogma-

Keeping oneself from being wrapped up in the world, or, simplicity in lifestyle
Being selfless and giving to all
Being non-violent, even when attacked
Not taking pride in worldly kingdoms (nations) or rulers
Treating all people as equals regardless of wealth or status
Being good stewards of the Earth
Being compassionate, as God is compassionate, towards all living things
Caring for those in need and those less fortunate
Caring for prisoners, sinners, and those who harm us
Not swearing or making oaths, but letting our yes be yes and our no be no
Being humble, ready to listen and slow to speak
Being forgiving and merciful

 

[QuakerOats]

I have recently joined the Friends Meeting of Austin, and I am soooo happy to have found such a genuine group of Wonderful Christian People!
After my first experience with Quakers some five years ago, I didn't quite get it, and thought it was a bit wierd. Now, I am so thankful and so moved by the deeply moving Worship and Ministry and, honestly, by the Presence of God.

I have long been dissatisfied and sometimes even disgusted by many experiences in various churches, and the overwhelming presence of greed, apathy, nationalism, etc., so I feel like I have found the closest thing to genuine Christianity yet. Anyhow, now I'm rambling... Here are some of the key Christian beliefs/values that I've found exemplified by the Quakers: (in no particular order)
-though they shun any official creed or dogma-

Keeping oneself from being wrapped up in the world, or, simplicity in lifestyle
Being selfless and giving to all
Being non-violent, even when attacked
Not taking pride in worldly kingdoms (nations) or rulers
Treating all people as equals regardless of wealth or status
Being good stewards of the Earth
Being compassionate, as God is compassionate, towards all living things
Caring for those in need and those less fortunate
Caring for prisoners, sinners, and those who harm us
Not swearing or making oaths, but letting our yes be yes and our no be no
Being humble, ready to listen and slow to speak
Being forgiving and merciful

Welcome, Dave. I love that you brought this up because although, as you said, Quakers generally steer clear of confining creeds, and dogmatic statements, there are still certain things that make a Quaker, a Quaker, and you've brought up some good, defining characteristics. Although, how each one is applied may vary (i.e. There are different degrees of non-violence, how simplicity is applied, etc.)

 

[GregorytheGood]

Thanks for the response, QuakerOats!

My name is Greg, but you can call me Dave if you want to. (LOL)

Glad to meet you (actually, I'm glad to meet any Christian on these forums)
Peace be with you,

 

[QuakerOats]

Thanks for the response, QuakerOats!

My name is Greg, but you can call me Dave if you want to. (LOL)

Glad to meet you (actually, I'm glad to meet any Christian on these forums)
Peace be with you,

Oh wow, I really pulled that one out of thin air, didn't I? Sorry about that! It must have been the early morning.