Primitive Christianity Revived, Again
Liberal Friends practice waiting worship and emphasize community and the authority of the Inner Light over specific faith statements. Tag: liberal
Members: 257
Latest Activity: 6th month 23, 2022
A phenomenon of the late 19th century, liberal Friends currently form about 20 percent of the global Quaker population. Meetings for worship among liberal Friends are unprogrammed and monthly meetings are generally permissive in terms of belief, tending to be liberal in their politics. [Adapted from the Historical Dictionary of Friends.]
Started by Howard Brod. Last reply by William F Rushby 10th month 18, 2020. 20 Replies 3 Likes
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Friends,
Please read the Quaker Universalist Fellowship call for blog posts on Christian universalism: www.quakerquaker.org/profiles/blogs/quakers-christian-universalism-...
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.
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.
I would say the common denominator is that we believe in peace and equality.
Does anyone have suggestions or ideas how to respond when someone who is not a Quaker asks- "What do Quakers believe"?
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
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