QuakerInfo.com Forum

[Deadeye]

Under a thread entitled Guidance, I asked for help and recieved intreaging answers. As I continue I need to pose a dilema: the enigmatic nature of Quakerism.
With Quakers so reluctant to judge, with physical forms unimportant, with enourmous latitude for individual beliefs, with individual Quakers so reticent about the specifics of their own beliefs -
How can Quakerism claim to be an organization capable of uniting individuals in a defined belief system?
In a practical sense, The Religeous Society of Friends seems to verge on disfunctional.
In a spiritual sense, the accepted beliefs are so diverse as to defy any rational justification of their exisiting together under a single roof.
The future seems bleak if individual members are so reluctant to discuss the details of their own beliefs out of fear of suggesting a definative explaination of the very belief system they embrace.
I humbly suggest that what I've described is, in fact, NOT true. However, for someone on the outside looking in, this is very much what is percieved and I think you've heard this before.
Historically, The Friends never had a problem defining their beliefs. Now it seems taboo.
Can someone explain why belief in light is kept so obscure?
It is an engima to me that I can't quite define so pardon me if this ramble is scattered. Please pardon if the tone seems defiant - it IS questioning but only with the greatest respect and the deep desire to understand.

[orPowers]

To be blunt, I think the problem is an over sensitivity to reactions to the traditional "exclusiveness" of mainstream Christianity: the idea that one has to know and confess Jesus in order to have a right relationship with God. Earlier Quakers had no trouble saying "The light of Christ," but they were dealing with a social situation which was nominally primarily Christian, though Barclay DID make it clear that people could come to an understanding of the Way in their own light without ever hearing the name of Jesus. What we face now is much more diverse, and much of that diversity is hostile to perceived attitudes of superiority of "Christians." When I say that I believe that the Way is most perfectly embodied in the ministry and teachings of Jesus, I try to make it clear that such a view in no way excludes insights by other people and/or faith traditions, and also that much of "Christianity" does not present the message of Christ well at all, in doctrines or practices.
The other side of the coin is that the Way is pretty simple and not much structure is going to attach to it in any exclusive or definable manner. About the best way to talk about it is in how it is manifested in our lives and attitudes toward others rather than a set of precepts.
I hope that addresses your question

In His Love,
orPowers
_________________
Romans 8:38-39

my blog: http://mild-side.blogspot.com/

[avalon]

Hi Deadeye,
Let me begin by saying that I'm new to the Quakers and have been attending for only about 6 months.

[Laurence17]

How can Quakerism claim to be an organization capable of uniting individuals in a defined belief system?

Friend it makes no such claim and has no such aim.

Discipleship --deeds not notions would be the key......


Following the Way ---

of the Testemonies (Peace,Equality, Truthfulness....)
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach

[aspirit]

Deadeye
I have just read your post, so hopefully the situation you were writing about has been resolved? As a relative new-comer to Quakerism, about three or four years, I can relate to your findings... I felt as if after years of searching traditional religion I stumbled onto Quakerism through a questionable test on Beliefnet.. When I began reading about Quakerism I was amazed. There are a lot of disenfranchised people in America I know, don't realize they can have the Spirit of God (or Divne) with out, "American Christianity". Most people I speak to don't have a clue what Quakerism is or was, or that it still exsists..I believe most people don't know they can seperate Christ, (if thats who they follow) from the American portrayal of him. I have often wondered why, Quakers are not more known?..I am the last person to offer answers but I have noticed some of the same tendencies where I attend meeting...I think what Lawrence-17 mentioned, about the statements of faith, sorry I can't remeber the exact phrase he used, was intersesting.. The things listed being peace, love, etc...For me that offered an answer. Those are the things that are important, so we should be able to talk about everything else...Sorry I am not a scholar, not even close...But I personally have gone through some tough periods lately in life and have been uncomfortable with the outlets affored to "discuss" them. You are a brave soul.
Aspirit

[Frank]

Those who approach the Friends from other traditions sometimes are disconcerted because they're used to operating within denominations that have specific follow-the-dots formulas for propelling one's self to glory. Do "this" and "that" will happen. Even those denominations that focus on a "personal" relationship with Jesus Christ are experiencing that relationship within a structured setting with boundaries. And the focus in those denominations often seems to be on after-life, not on THIS LIFE.

Adapting to Quaker-ism's shortage of boundaries and emphasis on the heaven we occupy now rather than a heaven we cannot experience or understand until by the grace of God we're there requires time and patience. We're accustomed, after all, to being shut up in our little boxes --- not to blowing the lids off those boxes and allowing the Light to flood in.

[Laurence17]

Wow! Yes.

Thanks for these recent post apsirit and Frank
best wisehs to all on their own journies
Laurence
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach

[Neil Kiernan]

Personally, I think the Quaker tendency to not be as judgemental is why they will survive. Think about all the unpleasent things done in "Christ's name" that were resaults of man taking it into his own hands to judge what was holy and what was not? Wars, persecution. Etc.

I think there is another positive effect of it as well. That being that Quakers are much more approachable. I know if I were ever to convert back to Christianity that is where I would go.

[CelticNorth]

It may be that the indiviudal resposnibility needed to find the inner light within one's self is in a burden to some. While the Society of Friends is Christ centered in its mainstream, at the human level, it is each individual who must experience and define wihtin themselves the ultimate meaning of their lives. No organized religion can do that for you, so whether one professes a Quaker belief system or not, the journey is still your own. And what a marvleous one it is!

[Deadeye]

thanks so much for the wonderful replies. As time has passed, I've visited some different meetings, broadening my experience. The issue I raised has been somewhat resolved - in part by the replies here, in part by experience, in part by reflection, in part by listening. I was using 'normal' thinking in a spiritual environment. My social insecurities created misinterpretations of what I was encountering.
I'm now rather excited... umm, not quite the right word..about following my own path within (and outside of) the Quaker setting.
My thanks to all..

[Laurence17]

How wonderful Friend.
I am delighted.
the light of grace shines in (your) humble heart


May you be well.
May you be happy

May all creatures be well
May all beings be happy
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach