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Notes on Quakerism “The Religious Society of Friends Values Both Inward Spiritual Life and Its Outward Expression in the World

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Notes on Quakerism “The Religious Society of Friends Values Both Inward Spiritual Life and Its Outward Expression in the World Notes on Quakerism “The Religious Society of Friends values both inward spiritual life and its outward expression in the world. In the ideal, Quakers do not wait for charismatic leadership but approach the world as everyday prophets who follow personal and communal leadings to promote social justice in the communities where they live. They seek to listen for the inward guidance of the Light of Christ not only in worship, but in their day-to-day lives.” ~ Quakerism: The Basics, by Margery Post Abbott and Carl Abbott What Do Quakers Believe? • Generally, Quakers believe that everyone has the potential to directly access the divine. Many of the particulars of how Quakers worship, act, and participate in the world stem from this belief. • Some Quakers use the acronym SPICES to describe the public expression of their inner convictions: (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship). • As with many faiths, Quakerism has branched in different directions over time. Groups of Quakers may call themselves a meeting or a church. Friends may deeply ground their worship in the Bible or worship as Quakers without believing in God at all. Quakerism in the 21st century is a small but global faith that has evolved significant theological diversity. How Do Quakers Worship? • Early Quakers in the 1650s and 1660s developed a style of unprogrammed worship based on spontaneous ministry and preaching rather than ritual and liturgy. Today, some Quakers continue to worship in this manner, while others incorporate times of silent expectant waiting into a service based on programmed elements such as Bible readings, music, and a prepared message by the pastor or other Friends. • Friends enter worship through a process of settling or centering. Unlike individual meditation, however, this practice is communal. The purpose of waiting in worship is not to empty one’s mind, but to open it to a larger presence, and to undertake that journey together. The whole experience is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Sometimes a message shared by one person powerfully speaks to another’s challenges or questions. There is both individual openness to God and a practice of community in Quaker worship. • During unprogrammed worship, people may share messages inspired by Bible passages or by Sufi poetry; they might comment on the problems of the world and share stories of personal 2 pain and struggles as well as more clearly “religious” or spiritual messages. An hour may pass with no spoken messages, a handful, or several. Commonly Asked Questions • Are the terms “Religious Society of Friends” and “Quakers” used interchangeably? Today, yes. The religion is formally known as the Religious Society of Friends. “Quaker” began as a term of ridicule, for the ways that some Friends were literally moved by the Spirit working through them. Early Friends chose to embrace the term and give it their own meaning. • Are Quakers Christians? The simple answer is “yes” for their first 250 years, and “it gets complicated” for the last century. Quakers originated in England as radical Christians who wanted to cast off the rituals and hierarchies that had grown up around Christianity. In the 21st century, most Quakers around the world are explicitly Christian. North American and British Friends have a wider range of theology and beliefs. • Are Quakers Pacifists? As a religious group, the Society of Friends is one of three historic peace churches, along with the Mennonites and the Church of the Brethren. As early as the 1660s, Quakers in England assured the government that they had no intention of getting involved in any civil wars or rebellions. That decision to stay out of the way of war has evolved into powerful advocacy for international peace. However, Quakers also believe that the ultimate decision about complicity and participation in violence is a matter for individual discernment. • Why do Quakers talk so much about light? The “inner light” is just one of many terms that Quakers use to describe their experience of God/the divine. George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, referred in his journal to “that Inward Light, Spirit, and Grace by which all might know their salvation” and to “that Divine Spirit which would lead them into all truth.” For some Friends, “spiritual energy” best describes their personal experience of that which enlivens and empowers them in seeking truth for themselves and in community. • Is Quaker Oats a Quaker Company? No. The term “Quaker” is used widely in commercial products which do not have any links to the Religious Society of Friends. Many Quakers are, however, engaged in business and many businesses, including Cadbury’s Chocolates, were started by Friends and remained in their families for generations. For more information, see Quakers: A Quick Guide, by Carl Abbott, available at https://www.fcnl.org/quakers-quick-guide .
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