Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stuart Masters on 10th mo. 18, 2009 at 9:57am

Hi Alice,

I think there are challenges for us in terms of both our words and our deeds; the truth of the Christ-centred Quaker way must be demonstrated in our message and in our life together. This is difficult when like-minded Friends are scattered and isolated.

In such a context, this may be the best place to start to build community.

Shalom,

Stuart.

Permalink Reply by Amelia Anne Schafer-Rutherford on 10th mo. 18, 2009 at 2:38pm

Yes, I am very interested in this type of discussion. Thank you and holding you and your in the Light, ASR

Permalink Reply by Alan Paxton on 10th mo. 18, 2009 at 5:40pm

Count me in too, Alice. Though I'm an infrequent attender rather than a Friend proper. It is the distinctive Quaker understanding of Christianity which attracts me to Friends, and its lack of expression in actually-existing-Quakerism in Britain that puts me off asking to become a member, at least for now. I'm not sure what it is I would be asking to join.

By the way, I'm now reading "Heaven on Earth: Quakers and the Second Coming" by Dandelion, Gwyn & Peat and am finding it well worth the effort.

Grace & Peace

Alan

Permalink Reply by Alice M Yaxley on 10th mo. 21, 2009 at 4:05am

I regret you find this deeply disturbing.

BYM is a christian body - it says so on the cover of QF&P our "book of CHRISTIAN discipline", & in advices 2 & 4, probably others. Where you have got the impression it's not? Everything in the Quaker way refers to our particular understanding of the story of Jesus, that's why we have Bibles and Bible study in Meeting Houses. Everyone is welcome whether they are christian or not but it would be untruthful for Friends to represent ourselves corporately as "not christian", though there are some members who do not understand themselves as christian.

Permalink Reply by Alice M Yaxley on 10th mo. 21, 2009 at 4:58am

I've edited the text you objected to above, I hope it's clearer what I meant now.

Permalink Reply by Heather Cawte on 10th mo. 22, 2009 at 8:57am

Hi, Alice - I'm here, but not saying much at present (health issues flaring up). I hope to contribute more when I get back to my normal level.

Permalink Reply by Peter Lawless on 10th mo. 22, 2009 at 2:32pm

I am sorry but I do not understand what is meant by 'actually-existing-Quakerism in Britain'. I do not deny Jesus and his teaching but find aspects of Christianity problematic as my reading of the Gospels present him to me as a Jewish reformer and teacher but somehow I feel that this is often overlooked and I wonder if he would accept the role he has been assigned by history. I have met too many in my life who have affected superiority by claiming that they are a Christian but I wonder would this have been his way? The master is not greater than the servant is s/he?
I became a Friend by virtue of my convincement during a Meeting 20+ years ago and feel that with that experience I am bound to say that I am a Friend. I see no value or virtue in adding anymore to that as in doing so by its very nature it is devisive. Things have happened that not necessarily all are in agreement with but does this discharge us from (attempting to) love one another? In saying this I am aware of the 'Advices and Queries' comment to the effect that I must bear in mind that I may be wrong.
In Friendship
Peter
BYM

Permalink Reply by Stuart Masters on 10th mo. 23, 2009 at 4:33am

Hi Peter,

Clearly Alan is best placed to explain what he meant by 'actually-existing-Quakerism in Britain.'

I came to Friends in Britain explicitly because of their open non-dogmatic and universalist character but since then have felt a strong and enduring leading towards the exploration of a modern and relevant vision of Christian discipleship rooted in early Quakerism and the wider historic peace church tradition. Part of this leading involves a feeling that something vital is missing from current Quaker faith and practice.

I want to find fellowship with others who share a similar perspective so that we can discern together where this leading is taking us. For me this does not entail a denial of the value or sincerity of other Quaker perspectives nor a desire to ignore the corporate discipline of BYM.

I don't see how this can be characterised as divisive when, within BYM there already exists a vast range of special interest groups. We either accept that special interest groups are part of the way we work or do away with them all together.

Shalom,

Stuart.

Permalink Reply by Peter Lawless on 10th mo. 23, 2009 at 12:20pm

Open your heart, mind and thoughts.
What do you find? How do you relate to this.
What sayest Thou?
Peter