Comment

Comment by Ken Baxter on 4th mo. 10, 2013 at 7:27pm

Good question, Richard. I'm a fairly new Quaker. When someone asks me about what Quakers believe, my quick answer is that we 'seek the Light' by waiting silence. I then acknowledge that this probably seems vague and quirky to those who haven't done it but that it works for me. I then add that the lack of dogma, rituals, and clergy are important also. And I invite them to meeting. Some people seem intrigued when I tell them that Quakerism is considered one of the most mystical religions. 

Comment by John March on 4th mo. 6, 2013 at 10:02am

There is a lot of diversity in the wider Quaker fellowship, so one thing that can be said is that we don't all have the same theology. Within the limitation of words, we find broad unity in the sense that the Devine inflowing (however we define or experience) it is present in every person and in the creation and that it is by minding the Light that we learn to know that inflowing and so to walk cheerfully over the land speaking to the Light in everyone and bring goodness into the world.  For a deeper look, I'd recommend Pink Dandelion's Quakerism.  

Comment by Caroline Gulian on 4th mo. 6, 2013 at 9:52am

I would say the common denominator is that we believe in peace and equality.

 

Comment by Howard Brod on 4th mo. 6, 2013 at 7:57am

I just say there are no doctrines pre se; just the belief that there is that of God within each individual. And our religious practice is to simply experience God in our lives.

Comment by Allison Letts on 4th mo. 6, 2013 at 7:56am

@richard I wrote a blog post about it--but I'm not clear by any means. http://qvsvolunteers.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/how-i-talk-about-quak...

Comment by richard morgan on 4th mo. 6, 2013 at 4:54am

 Does anyone have suggestions or ideas how to respond when someone who is not a Quaker asks- "What do Quakers believe"?

Comment by AMY ADAMS SQUIRE on 2nd mo. 12, 2011 at 4:43pm

A QUESTION FOR MORE EXPERIENCED FRIENDS THAN I: Do Quakers observe liturgical seasons, such as Lent, Easter, Advent, and Christmas, as other Christians do? Blessings. FRIENDSAM

Comment by Paula Deming on 2nd mo. 11, 2011 at 11:24am

Jeremy, I am no longer an isolated Friend, but when I was, I really could have used some connections. I believe the internet is your friend here--a special tool that I did not have available to me when I was isolated. Here on the web you can find companionship and much to read--part of my current daily practice. I also find that reading queries helps immeasurably. You can find all sorts of queries online from various yearly meetings. BYM has a wonderful set of queries.

If you don't have a copy of Faith and Practice, I recommend you get one. Read it to pieces. I like PYM's, but I also have an old dog-eared copy from BYM, which is all I had when I was isolated.

Whatever you do, read, read read. You will need to discern for yourself what kind of material suits you, by understanding your own spiritual path. What suits you would be all wrong for an Evangelical Friend, perhaps, and vice versa. Try browsing the FGC bookstore (and Pendle Hill) online. ~In the Light, Paula

Comment by AMY ADAMS SQUIRE on 2nd mo. 9, 2011 at 11:17pm

Have done. Many thanks, Friend Stephanie.

Comment by Stephanie Stuckwisch on 2nd mo. 9, 2011 at 10:49pm

Amy, there is a North End Worship Group under the care of University Friends (UFM). I don't have any details on when or where they meet. You could try contacting UFM. You can Google them to find their website.

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