QuakerInfo.com Forum

[michaeldavidjay]

Hello all, I'm a Friend from Kansas, I usually attend a programed EFI meeting, though when I have a chance I attend an unprogramed (still EFI) meeting. I would say that I'm an Orthodox Quaker -- Gurneyite with strong Wilburite sympathies.

As a Christian, I would say that I'm fairly orthodox (I agree with the Nicene Creed quite easily after reading Barclay and the creed.) I'm 'universalist' in the same sense that Barclay was.... Christ brought light to every man -- all men have at least the opportunity for salvation. I recognize that all judgment is given to the Son (not even the Father judges), so, I don't pretend to know the extent of salvation.

On my more optimistic days, I flirt with universalism. Unfortunately, I think of Fred Phelps, and I realize that if he saw someone other than him in heaven, he'd try to build hell for the other person -- so, we must be protected from Phelps (or if Phelps is right, he must be protected from us). I also think of Hitler... I think of all the people who want to seem Hitler burn... then I think, if Hitler is saved... what about all the people who cannot accept God's ability to forgive and to restore even the most vile person?... then, I wonder (hopefully) if there might be something to purgatory... (is there a place where people are made ready for heaven? -- actually, sometimes I realize that life on earth can be purgatory!) in the end -- I just look for Christ to help me live the life I have here on earth!

Mostly, I think that the gospel is about life here on earth. Eternal reward is nice, but it really does not affect my day to day life, or my faith. THe way I see it.... if my life is tied up with Jesus, then he'll make sure everything works out in the end.... and I don't have to worry about it.... not only that -- it makes living so much easier.

-------

I will be visiting friends in the Netherlands soon (Dec 28-Jan 25), looking forward to attending meeting.
_________________
Do Friends speak to today's condition, or are we only a historical footnote?

[Laurence17]

Hope Europe is going well for you Michael.
Enjoy your trip.

Let us know if coming over to London Uk wont you.

Recently an doctrinally orthorcox meeting has started meeting f w twice each month . Thought you may be glad to know. (But the rest of us don't bite !). : - )

best wishes

laurence

london
uk
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach

[BillSamuel]

There are a handful of small worship groups/meetings in the U.K. with a strong Christian orientation of the Conservative/Primitive bent - see the Friends Christian Renewal page. And I think there are still at least 1 or 2 of the old Orthodox semi-programmed Sunday evening meetings left, of which there were once a score or so. And I've heard rumblings that the Evangelical Friends who started work in Britain to reach out to a particular people group from an area of the world where the Gospel can't be proclaimed openly have attracted some who are not immigrants from that area. So there may be a lot more opportunities along Orthodox Quaker lines in the U.K. than most British Friends realize.
_________________
Bill Samuel, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Co-Coordinator, Friends in Christ

[michaeldavidjay]

I'm enjoying Europe so very much. I visited a nice meeting in Belgium. The messages that were given were interesting and useful. It was very good to hear that the secret to finding peace was to first seek God.

I'm thinking about becoming a university student in Europe -- I've friends here and I feel comfortable -- On Wed, I will visit a university -- on Thursday say goodbye to my friends and return home.

I won't visit England this time -- but I plan to in the future.
_________________
Do Friends speak to today's condition, or are we only a historical footnote?

[Pulpculture]

That's the great thing about unprogrammed meetings you can attend in any language speaking country - As long as God speaks your language all's well!
_________________
.


I said don't forget Burma!

[michaeldavidjay]

Yes -- it is the wonderful thing about unprogramed meetings -- all can worship and receive God's message, though I heard some of what a man named Peter said -- he sad a few words in English, perhaps for the foreigner's sake. (He greeted me and the two (non-quaker) friends who came with me at the door and told me where in the complex the meeting was. Antwerp meeting was very friendly to guests, though it would be impossible to find without Peter's help.)

I'm glad to say that I'm back in the States, and safe. My flight left during a gale, and it was a bit frightening. I have no idea why my flight was not canceled like the other flights.
_________________
Do Friends speak to today's condition, or are we only a historical footnote?

[acfriend]

How did everything go in Europe Michael?