Quakers?

There has not been an extensive discussion of the Friends since I have been on the board.

They range from Orthodox Quakers (honest to goodness) that are recognizably Protestant (some even baptize) to groups that resemble Unitarian-Universalists.

Some major divisions:

1. Evangelical Friends International: conservative, trinitarian, belief in the Bible as the authoritative word of God; mostly pastoral and evangelical.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

2. Friends United Meeting: Belief in the atonement, but vague in regards to Christology and most doctrines; no ordinances. Both "unprogrammed" and pastoral services that are "broadly Christian."

FRIENDS UNITED MEETING

3, Friends General Conference, probably the most "liberal group," which eschews any fixed doctrine and has a distinctive approach to gay members and mostly practice "unprogrammed" services.

As an example, present a bit of information on their view of scripture:

"Hence the Friends refused to make the Bible the final test of right conduct and true doctrine. Divine revelation was not confined to the past. The same Holy Spirit which had inspired the scriptures in the past could inspire living believers centuries later. Indeed, for the right understanding of the past, the present insight from the same Spirit was essential. By the Inner Light, God had provided everyone with access to spiritual truth for today.

This approach to the Bible seemed blasphemous to the traditional Christians, and the Quakers were often reproached for belittling the scriptures. They quite willingly denied the Bible the right to be regarded as the only and final rule. Yet they recognized in the Bible some positive worth, and in debate and for their own edification they cherished it and encouraged their children to become acquainted with it. Hence, in spite of their apparent downgrading of the Bible, they continued to receive from it instruction and guidance."

FRIENDS GENERAL CONFERENCE

In general, all Quakers share in informal (or "unprogrammed" worship (though some of the orthodox congregations would probably seem familiar to Baptists), pacifism, equality, democracy, religious liberty and a commitment to social justice.

The chief distinction of the movement, as espoused by George Fox, was the teaching of the Inner Light. As the Friends General Conference puts it:

"Briefly stated, the principle of the Inner Light is this: In every human soul there is implanted a certain element of God’s own spirit and divine energy. This element, known to the early Friends as 'that of God in everyone,' or the 'seed,' or the 'seed of Christ,' or the 'seed of Light,' means to them in the words of John 'the Light that enlighteneth every man who comes into the world.'

The Quakers believe that no first hand knowledge of God is possible except through that which is experienced, or inwardly revealed to the individual human being through the working of God’s quickening spirit. So George Fox, in his Journal, is repeatedly shown commending troubled questioners to the 'teacher within.' In his long, anxious search for eternal life and peace, he found no help until he learned to listen to the inner voice."

As a historical note, both the Friends and Baptists represented the Radical Left Wing of the Protestant Reformation and had vigorous disagreements (with lots of name calling) in 17th century England. The Baptists contended in very public debates with the Presbyterians on one side and the Quakers on the other. The Quakers did attract a number of recruits from the Baptists, which led to a legacy of hard feelings, much as the Baptist-Restoration Movement debate did in the 19th century in America.

More than you wanted to know, I'm sure ...

 

From the Friends United Meeting:

"One of the crucial testimonies of Friends is that the grace of God can be received directly by any person without the need for any human intermediary such as priest or pastor. Friends believe that Jesus Christ baptizes his followers directly with the Holy Spirit. Friends also believe that it is important to live in daily, inward, communion with God. No outward ceremonies can substitute for the inward reality of these experiences."

To most Quakers, there is no need of the outward form of the Lord's Supper and baptism; the goal is the spiritual reality, not the exterior sign.

As George Fox said:

" ... to know a Fellowship with Christ in His Death and Sufferings, is above the fellowship of bread and wine, which will have an end; but the Fellowship in the gospel and Holy Spirit hath no end."

"I told him the one baptism by the one Spirit Into the one body we owned; but to throw a little water on a child's face, and say that was baptizing and christening it, there was no Scripture for that."