QuakerQuaker

Primitive Christianity Revived, Again

Purpose and Reason

I am new to all of this. I thank you all that I can be a part of this. Everyone that has posted has been a true blessing to me. I'm in the process of becoming plain and simple. My reasons are plain and simple in themselves. I have lived in this world for 50 years. To be honest, I do not feel as though I'm a part of it. The closer I draw to God the more I feel I'm a stranger in a strange land. My Father built this world. Its my home for now but in reality, I'm just visiting. For me, I consider myself in "radical open rebellion" to the ways of this world. When struck I offer the other cheek. This in a land that seeks revenge as the first order of buisness. Giving to those that others walk past who are well within their means to assist. Now, as to fashion and clothes. As I become plain it is nothing less than my statement that I am in "rebellion" to a world that has its priorities all mixed up. I don't want to be a part of this world. I am in it but not of it. I'm not intrested in its fashions or ideas of what's attractive. My outward expression of this will be plain dress. I will not experience an increase of Gods presence by doing this. Nor will I be a more mature Christian for it. My bottom line is I'm just not a part of this worlds value system and I am very much opposed to it. And I will peacefully "rebel" against it in this way. Do others share this same leading?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Smith on 12th mo. 13, 2010 at 7:39pm

Yes, but my counter-culture anti-materialism takes a less "obvious" form than many. I have not paid for a haircut in decades; I pay $5 for shoes that are out of style and nobody else wants them ( I do feel that "second-hand" shoes are not a good idea with my neuropathy); I buy the "seconds" at thrift stores; I wear a "uniform" of neutral colored pants and shirts so that any ones I grab "match." When I was teaching, on several occasions students would comment on my lack of color and style and I would gently explain that other things were much more important.

I have no issue with those who choose to wear "plain dress," but I believe there are alternatives that speak of an inner commitment that is consistent and reminds the individual, me in this case, every time a "new" purchase is necessary. In my interaction with colleagues and students over the years I have sought to treat each person with respect and honor "that of God" in a way that has lead to many meaningful conversations about my beliefs and actions. For what it is worth: When I was teaching in Friends Schools( 3 of them), I was often seen as one who didn't "fit" and ended up in difficulty with the administration. However, in the non-Friends Independent schools (4 of them) I was often recognized for bringing Friends values to the discussions and these were received with welcome.

Permalink Reply by Edward Biller on 12th mo. 13, 2010 at 8:18pm

Friend Smith, be good to your feet. You only get one pair and they have to last your entire life! Your leading is every bit of a pure heart and is as much a witness as the most plain person God has spoken to. There are many ways of being plain. Of this I am certain. No one way is "better" than another, but personal,as we are each led. To follow that is what's most important. My leading is extreme and I know that. I have had this issue before God in prayer for some time. The leading makes more sense when my obsessive nature to always "look good" is taken into account. God is reordering my priorities. Much of my life has been spent in sweat shop produced clothes and the environment was not always my biggest concern. Thank you for taking the time to reply. Your students are blessed to have you as their teacher!

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