Quakers

[Historicus]

Hi Friends

I've been interested in the Society of Friends for quite some time and have done a little research about Quakerism. I just have a few questions.

1. Why are you a Quaker?

2. As a Quaker, do you generally accept the traditional Christian beliefs (Trinity, Jesus died, risen, coming again, etc.)?

3. How do you worship? If you could briefly explain what a typical meeting is like I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[QuakerOats]

Hello svdbygrace! I'll attempt to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

1. I am a Quaker because after a lot of study and reflection, I believe Quakerism is that path which 'speaks to my condition' on the deepest level spiritually, though I also maintain a relationship with the Unitarian Universalist tradition of my childhood.

2. Before I answer this question, please keep in mind that each Quaker will have their own individual response. A good many Quakers do accept all that you've listed, but some do not. It really depends on the branch of Friends that you're speaking about, and again, on the individual themselves. As for myself, I tend toward a liberal to moderate theology. I do not believe in the exclusivity of the Holy Trinity, nor in a literal, bodily resurrection. As to whether or not Jesus is coming again, I cannot say.

3. Traditionally, a Quaker meeting is held in silence with a member only standing to speak as they feel lead to do so. A great deal of the liberal and smaller conservative traditions have continued to uphold this practice, but there are others that do not, such as the evangelical branch of Friends. These groups often employ ministers and services are conducted much like other Protestant churches.

Quaker Finder : Finding local Quakers & Quaker Meetings is a good place to find a meeting, unless of course you've been there already.

 

[Historicus]

Hello svdbygrace! I'll attempt to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

Thank you, Friend

1. I am a Quaker because after a lot of study and reflection, I believe Quakerism is that path which 'speaks to my condition' on the deepest level spiritually, though I also maintain a relationship with the Unitarian Universalist tradition of my childhood.

Thanks for sharing! So I'm guessing that me retaining my Methodist tradition would also be OK and possibly even remaining part of that tradition?

2. Before I answer this question, please

keep in mind that each Quaker will have their own individual response. A good many Quakers do accept all that you've listed, but some do not. It really depends on the branch of Friends that you're speaking about, and again, on the individual themselves. As for myself, I tend toward a liberal to moderate theology. I do not believe in the exclusivity of the Holy Trinity, nor in a literal, bodily resurrection. As to whether or not Jesus is coming again, I cannot say.

I'm theologically conservative I guess for the most part, maybe moderate on a few issues, or even liberal. I've heard that the Yearly Meeting closest to me by far (Ohio Yearly Meeting - Conservative) is more theologically conservative? Some even wear "Plain Dress" and continue the "Thee's and thou's". I'm not sure that branch of Friends is where I would most fit in.

3. Traditionally, a Quaker meeting is held in silence with a member only standing to speak as they feel lead to do so. A great deal of the liberal and smaller conservative traditions have continued to uphold this practice, but there are others that do not, such as the evangelical branch of Friends. These groups often employ ministers and services are conducted much like other Protestant churches.

Thanks for describing this. I didn't understand the diffrence between the programmed and nonprogrammed traditions.

Quaker Finder : Finding local Quakers & Quaker Meetings is a good place to find a meeting, unless of course you've been there already.

Thanks again... I managed to find a meeting about 50 miles away. So it's not that far. In fact Meeting is held in an Episcopal Church. I'm not sure what Quaker group it is whether it is liberal or not. There's also a few others ones within about 80 miles. It's a "Worship Group" is this the same as a Meeting?

In Friendship,
SvdByGrace

 

[kiwimac]

Hello svdbygrace! I'll attempt to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

1. I am a Quaker because after a lot of study and reflection, I believe Quakerism is that path which 'speaks to my condition' on the deepest level spiritually, though I also maintain a relationship with the Unitarian Universalist tradition of my childhood.

2. Before I answer this question, please keep in mind that each Quaker will have their own individual response. A good many Quakers do accept all that you've listed, but some do not. It really depends on the branch of Friends that you're speaking about, and again, on the individual themselves. As for myself, I tend toward a liberal to moderate theology. I do not believe in the exclusivity of the Holy Trinity, nor in a literal, bodily resurrection. As to whether or not Jesus is coming again, I cannot say.

3. Traditionally, a Quaker meeting is held in silence with a member only standing to speak as they feel lead to do so. A great deal of the liberal and smaller conservative traditions have continued to uphold this practice, but there are others that do not, such as the evangelical branch of Friends. These groups often employ ministers and services are conducted much like other Protestant churches.

Quaker Finder : Finding local Quakers & Quaker Meetings is a good place to find a meeting, unless of course you've been there already.

Great answer.

 

[QuakerOats]

Thanks for sharing! So I'm guessing that me retaining my Methodist tradition would also be OK and possibly even remaining part of that tradition?

You're quite welcome. I don't see why you couldn't be be a participant in both traditions. Then again, I'm not one opposed to 'mixing things up.' I believe God calls each of us to our own path, drawing us to him in a manner suited to each of us as individuals. Thus, I don't believe it's at all unusual to discover that we may on occasion find ourselves straddling the line between traditions, and/or identifying with more than one.

I'm theologically conservative I guess for the most part, maybe moderate on a few issues, or even liberal. I've heard that the Yearly Meeting closest to me by far (Ohio Yearly Meeting - Conservative) is more theologically conservative? Some even wear "Plain Dress" and continue the "Thee's and thou's". I'm not sure that branch of Friends is where I would most fit in.

Yes, I believe that the Ohio Yearly Meeting is the smaller, more conservative branch of Friends. However, plain dress and speech are not a prerequisite for the meeting. From what I gather, most in the meeting do not dress plainly or observe plain speech. The Quaker blogosphere is a good way to get acquainted with some of the traditions and meetings.

Thanks for describing this. I didn't understand the diffrence between the programmed and nonprogrammed traditions.

Thanks again... I managed to find a meeting about 50 miles away. So it's not that far. In fact Meeting is held in an Episcopal Church. I'm not sure what Quaker group it is whether it is liberal or not. There's also a few others ones within about 80 miles. It's a "Worship Group" is this the same as a Meeting?

In Friendship,
SvdByGrace

No problem at all. A worship group is the same thing as a meeting, yes. Why the differentiation? No idea. lol Personal preference in wording I suppose.

 

[Historicus]

You're quite welcome. I don't see why you couldn't be be a participant in both traditions. Then again, I'm not one opposed to 'mixing things up.' I believe God calls each of us to our own path, drawing us to him in a manner suited to each of us as individuals. Thus, I don't believe it's at all unusual to discover that we may on occasion find ourselves straddling the line between traditions, and/or identifying with more than one.

OK...thanks.

Yes, I believe that the Ohio Yearly Meeting is the smaller, more conservative branch of Friends. However, plain dress and speech are not a prerequisite for the meeting. From what I gather, most in the meeting do not dress plainly or observe plain speech. The Quaker blogosphere is a good way to get acquainted with some of the traditions and meetings.

Thanks for the link. Looks like a lot of excellent information.

No problem at all. A worship group is the same thing as a meeting, yes. Why the differentiation? No idea. lol Personal preference in wording I suppose.

You Quakers are so Friendly!

 

[CelticRose]

Quakerism also speaks best to my condition though I adhere to more traditional Christian theology ~ Christ, the son of God; physical resurrection; immaculate conception etc.

There are many *lone Quakers* who are unable to attend meeting regularly & there are several on~line forums that address this concerne.

I also attend [when I am able] an unprogrammed meeting , where worship is mostly in silence. Most of the other worshippers would be non~Christian.

 

[kiwimac]

I live 1.5 hours from the local MM so I am a *Lone Quaker* but I don't have a horse named 'Trigger' or 'Silver' nor anyone called 'Kemosabe!"

 

[QuakerOats]

lol I'm also a 'Lone Quaker,' actually. Our local meeting is about an hour away as well.

 

[Historicus]

I received a book from the Friends World Committee on Consultation entitled "Isolated Friends". Its got a lot of great information in it and resources. The more and more I have prayed about this, the more I am beginning to know that it does speak to my condition as well.

When did you feel comfortable calling yourself a Quaker/Friend? Did this happen before or at the time you joined the SoF?

 

[QuakerOats]

I think I began considering myself a Quaker roughly about year after discovering Friends. I suppose it seems quite a long period of reflection, but I wanted to be certain it was the path I was called to. I've had experiences in the past where I basically jumped head-first into a religion, so to speak, so I decided to make this one different. Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone should wait that long. The question is actually a matter of contention amoung some Friends. There are some who believe that one shouldn't consider themselves a Friend until they've officially joined a meeting, but I hold that God does not refrain from calling us to a path simply because we have no physical fellowship with like-minded folk. I think that if you've studied it, have prayed about it and really feel that Quakerism is the path for you, then as soon as you take that step in both your head and your heart and say 'I believe in what this path has to offer me and will do my best to be guided by it,' you are.

 

[Ignatius the Hermit]

I belong to the Wider Quaker Fellowship (for 'lone' Quakers)--and hold to the more traditional views espoused by George Fox.

 

[Historicus]

I belong to the Wider Quaker Fellowship (for 'lone' Quakers)--and hold to the more traditional views espoused by George Fox.

I also recently joined the WQF.

I think I began considering myself a Quaker roughly about year after discovering Friends. I suppose it seems quite a long period of reflection, but I wanted to be certain it was the path I was called to. I've had experiences in the past where I basically jumped head-first into a religion, so to speak, so I decided to make this one different. Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone should wait that long. The question is actually a matter of contention amoung some Friends. There are some who believe that one shouldn't consider themselves a Friend until they've officially joined a meeting, but I hold that God does not refrain from calling us to a path simply because we have no physical fellowship with like-minded folk. I think that if you've studied it, have prayed about it and really feel that Quakerism is the path for you, then as soon as you take that step in both your head and your heart and say 'I believe in what this path has to offer me and will do my best to be guided by it,' you are.

Thanks for sharing. I am continuing to pray and reflect about this.

 

[QuakerOats]

You're welcome.

 

[Ignatius the Hermit]

I also recently joined the WQF.

Welcome friend to WQF. Though it doesn't replace going to an actual meeting, it does help keep you connected. I've edified by the quarterly matireals which are sent out on several occasions.

 

[Mick116]

I began my Christian walk with a conservative evangelical fellowship known to many as the "Plymouth brethren", or the "open brethren", although they wouldn't use these labels themselves. Like Quakers, they practise a form of free and open worship, albiet a much more conservative expression.

After a crisis of faith I found myself drawn to sacramental worship, and I began investigating Eastern Orthodoxy; I still appreciate the beautiful worship: candles, icons, incense and the Liturgy of John Chrysostom, but eventually ended up in a traditional Anglican parish with my wife.

More recently, I've been drawn to the the Quaker idealism and spirituality, although I retain my appreciation for sacramental worship and liturgy. It's not uncommon to find me attending Mass at a local Catholic church during the week, and then worshipping in silence at a Quaker meeting on Sunday. My wife is keen on a local Lutheran parish with the entire spectrum of Christian spiritualities represented: sacramental, mystical, contemplative, enthusiastic and scripture-centred. This diversity of worship traditions alive in a single parish is quite inspiring, and this church is probably the closest thing we have to a home parish at the moment.

As you can see, my faith journey to date has been influenced by a very wide variety of traditions: evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Quaker, Lutheran and Wesleyan. Seems I've taken a tentative step in nearly every corner of Christendom...

 

[Ignatius the Hermit]

I began my Christian walk with a conservative evangelical fellowship known to many as the "Plymouth brethren", or the "open brethren", although they wouldn't use these labels themselves. Like Quakers, they practise a form of free and open worship, albiet a much more conservative expression.

After a crisis of faith I found myself drawn to sacramental worship, and I began investigating Eastern Orthodoxy; I still appreciate the beautiful worship: candles, icons, incense and the Liturgy of John Chrysostom, but eventually ended up in a traditional Anglican parish with my wife.

More recently, I've been drawn to the the Quaker idealism and spirituality, although I retain my appreciation for sacramental worship and liturgy. It's not uncommon to find me attending Mass at a local Catholic church during the week, and then worshipping in silence at a Quaker meeting on Sunday. My wife is keen on a local Lutheran parish with the entire spectrum of Christian spiritualities represented: sacramental, mystical, contemplative, enthusiastic and scripture-centred. This diversity of worship traditions alive in a single parish is quite inspiring, and this church is probably the closest thing we have to a home parish at the moment.

As you can see, my faith journey to date has been influenced by a very wide variety of traditions: evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Quaker, Lutheran and Wesleyan. Seems I've taken a tentative step in nearly every corner of Christendom...

I found myself smiling when reading your comments here. I too have been influenced across a broad spectrum of Christian traditions. But I find myself drawn to the Quakerism in ways which at times is difficult to articulate. This is a journey that we're all on together, and at times seemingly by ourselves as well. But the truth is, it the Lord; The WAY, the Truth, and the Life that is leading us all the time. May He continue to bless us as we continue to walk with Him along lifes road.

 

[Mick116]

I found myself smiling when reading your comments here. I too have been influenced across a broad spectrum of Christian traditions. But I find myself drawn to the Quakerism in ways which at times is difficult to articulate. This is a journey that we're all on together, and at times seemingly by ourselves as well. But the truth is, it the Lord; The WAY, the Truth, and the Life that is leading us all the time. May He continue to bless us as we continue to walk with Him along lifes road.

Amen.

Thank you.

 

[Dionysiou]

You know what i like about quakers, they stand up for whats right, they follow a love thy neighbour regime to the T, and best of all they focus on the Holy Spirit. That ol chap George Fox would have been a great man to talk too. Not to mention you guys were a driving force in helping abolish slavery. I cant say this for all quakers though because over the years some have fallen into permissive sentimentality, for example: encouraging gay marriage. So i would say some of the quakers who stay true to how you began are doing well.

 

[sampro94]

over the years
some have fallen into permissive sentimentality, for
example: encouraging gay marriage. So i would say
some of the quakers who stay true to how you began
are doing well.

Permissive sentimentality? I think not. We have embraced the Christ-inspired tradition of accepting EVERYONE, regardless of their lifestyles. On a second note, where love is, God is (can't remember the exact Bible passage); so therefore where there is gay love, there is God.