Comment by Laura Scattergood on 12th mo. 26, 2014 at 10:16pm

It isn't what I like or don't like.  There are many cultural things that I may like but feel go against Quaker testimonies.  There was a time when competitive sports were frowned on among us and the Olympics still make me wince with their brash pride and G-d  mocking spirit.  Fourth of July celebrates war.  This isn't about choosing from a menu as to what we like or don't like.  This is about Quaker testimony

Comment by MaryBeth Smith on 12th mo. 27, 2014 at 9:42pm

This kind of reminds me of the story about William Penn, asking George Fox if, now that he (Penn) was a Quaker, he could continue to wear his sword, a mark of a military man as well as a gentleman of the time. Fox replied, "Wear it as long as you can." 
As someone new to Quakerism, I can imagine that everyone has to start where they are, and grow into these testimonies. This year, I have been the happiest I have been in years at this time of year. :-) I'm grateful for the testimony of simplicity (for starters) for helping me to let go of the emotional and spiritual clutter of the so-called "holiday season." Work in progress.

Comment by Laura Scattergood on 12th mo. 28, 2014 at 12:05pm

Good point MaryBeth.  Generally, I suppose certain things drop out of one's life, slowly, such as a sword at one's side,   With no need for fanfare.  David,   The world worships family and community, the world recognizes a "New Year " and the world recognizes seasons.  That's fine.  But I am not required to integrate those things into my experience.

Family and "community",  if one has either,  are spheres of duty and affection, but do not form the essential structure of this walk.

Normally, I withdraw from many things without fanfare or commentary. When people are excited about sports or the Olympics or marriage or church activities or mainstream media or holidays etc.  I remain neutral.  But since this is a site for Quakers, it seems okay to comment from a different perspective.

It isn't about what I like or don't like, and it isn't about trying to stretch this walk into a "one size fits all" faith that incorporates what everybody 'likes".

Comment by Laura Scattergood on 12th mo. 28, 2014 at 12:14pm

P.S.  If I fade from this conversation it is because my laptop has gone into the desert to contemplate, e.g. actually it is barely functioning and so at any point I will stop commenting when the machine goes down, not because I have flounced off in a huff. So, I may fade out for a couple of months and by that time many other matters will have come to the table and been dismissed.  toodle-ooo

Comment by MaryBeth Smith on 12th mo. 29, 2014 at 3:28pm

No worries, Laura! Here's to a refreshment of your computer!

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