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Divine Truth
Quakers believe that God's truth is continually revealed to people, and that everyone has the capacity to discern that truth. Quakers believe that God's truth is accessible to everyone, and that each person has a direct relationship with the divine. This relationship is sometimes referred to as the "inner light" or "Christ within".
Here are some of the beliefs of Quakers regarding divine truth:
Revelation is ongoing:
Quakers believe that God's truth is not limited to the Bible, but that God continues to reveal truth to people today. Quakers believe that people should be open to learning new truths as they are revealed.
Truth can come from many sources:
Quakers believe that truth can come from many sources, and that they should welcome truth from different sources.
Truth is experienced:
Quakers believe that truth is learned through experience, and that people should strive to recognize the truth through their own experiences.
Truth is a guide:
Quakers believe that the truth guides people in how to live their lives, and that people should model God's truth in the world.
Truth is personal:
Quakers believe that each person has their own relationship with the divine, and that other people's experiences can help people recognize their own.
Christ Within
Quakers say "Christ Within" to express their belief that the spirit of Christ, or a divine light, is present within every individual, allowing them to access God's guidance directly through their own inner conscience, rather than solely relying on external religious teachings or practices; this concept is central to their faith and is often referred to as the "Inward Light.".
Key points about this belief:
Universal access:
Quakers believe this "Christ Within" is available to everyone, regardless of their religious background or beliefs.
Inner guidance:
They see this inner light as a source of spiritual insight and direction in daily life.
Historical context:
This concept was a foundational teaching of Quakerism, particularly emphasized by its founder, George Fox.
The Light
Quakers refer to "The Light" as a metaphor for the direct presence of God within each individual, often called the "Inner Light," which allows them to access divine guidance and truth through their own conscience and intuition; essentially, it means that everyone has the capacity to connect with God directly within themselves, drawing from the teachings of Jesus as "the light of the world" in the Bible.
Key points about "The Light" in Quakerism:
Origin:
This concept was central to the teachings of George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, who believed that everyone could experience this inner light.
Interpretation:
"The Light" is not seen as a mystical experience separate from God, but rather a way to access God's will in daily life.
Practical application:
Quakers often use phrases like "holding someone in the Light" to signify that they are thinking of them with positive intentions and praying for their well being.
Spirit
Quakers frequently use the term "Spirit" because it represents their core belief that everyone has access to the divine, or "Inner Light," which is considered a part of God's spirit present within each individual, allowing them to directly experience spiritual truth without needing an intermediary; essentially, they believe that "God" is accessible through the "Spirit" within each person.
Key points about Quaker use of "Spirit":
Inner Light:
This concept, central to Quakerism, is often referred to as the "Spirit" and signifies the divine spark present in every human being.
Direct experience:
Quakers believe that through the "Spirit," individuals can directly access spiritual guidance and understanding without relying on external authority figures.
No intermediaries:
Unlike some other religions, Quakers do not believe in needing priests or ministers to connect with the divine, as they believe the "Spirit" allows for a personal connection with God.
Inward Teacher
Quakers refer to the "Inward Teacher" as a way to describe the direct, inner access to God that they believe every person has, essentially referring to the "still small voice" within oneself that guides them through their own inner light, allowing them to experience God without the need for intermediaries like clergy or rituals; it's a central tenet of their faith where they believe everyone can access divine guidance through their own internal experience.
Key points about the "Inward Teacher":
Direct connection with God:
Quakers believe that the "Inward Teacher" allows for a direct, unmediated connection with God, rather than relying on external interpretations or religious leaders.
Inner Light:
This concept is often associated with the "Inner Light" which is another way of describing the divine presence within each person.
Silent worship:
Quaker meetings often involve periods of silence where individuals are encouraged to listen to their "Inward Teacher" for guidance.
Community discernment:
While individuals listen to their own inner voice, Quakers also value the collective wisdom of the community when making decisions, considering the "Inward Teacher" of others as well.
Quaker Beloved Community
The Beloved Community is a concept in Quakerism that refers to the idea of living in a just, kind, and loving world. Quakers believe that all people are made in the image of God and have access to direct communion with God. They strive to live in a "right relationship" with others, and to act as a unified force for good.
Here are some ways Quakers work to build the Beloved Community:
Set aside differences:
Quakers believe that everyone has "that of God within us" and that honoring others is a way of honoring God.
Be inclusive:
Quakers believe that the community should be inclusive of everyone, regardless of background, race, gender identity, or financial status.
Listen deeply:
Quakers believe that deep and committed listening is required to build the Beloved Community.
Take risks:
Quakers believe that building the Beloved Community requires taking risks together.
Educate ourselves:
Quakers believe that those with privilege need to educate themselves on their complicity in racism and other injustices.
Relinquish ownership:
Quakers believe that we should relinquish a sense of ownership in the outcome, and participate in the process as a shared journey.
Friend
Quakers refer to each other as "Friend" with a capital "F" because it is the preferred way to address a member of the "Religious Society of Friends," which is the formal name for Quakers; essentially, "Friend" acts as a respectful title within their community, signifying their shared belief system and equality among members.
Key points about this practice:
Formal name:
The official name for Quakers is the "Religious Society of Friends," so "Friend" is a way to refer to someone within that society.
Respectful usage:
Capitalizing "Friend" indicates a level of respect and shared identity among Quakers.
Origin of the term:
While the exact origin is debated, some believe it relates to the Bible verse in John 15:14, where Jesus refers to his followers as "friends".
Meeting
Quakers use "Meeting" with a capital M because it refers to their organized religious community or gathering, not just a casual meeting; it signifies the collective body of Friends coming together for worship or business, which is a central part of their faith and practice.
Key points about this usage:
Formal meaning:
"Meeting" with a capital M represents the whole Quaker community at a local level, like a "Local Meeting" or a larger regional "Yearly Meeting".
Worship practice:
A "Meeting for Worship" (lowercase "m") is the specific act of gathering in silence for spiritual reflection within a Quaker Meeting.
Distinction from casual use:
By capitalizing "Meeting," Quakers differentiate their religious gathering from a simple meeting in everyday language.
Holy Spirit
Quakers believe in the Holy Spirit as a partner in life, and that it is permanently present within people. They believe that the Holy Spirit:
Quakers believe that people can directly experience the divine nature of the universe, or the Holy Spirit, without the need for a priest or rituals. They believe that people should share any messages they receive from the Spirit.
Quakers also believe in the concept of the Inner Light, which is the idea that a part of God's Spirit is present in every human soul. The Inner Light is also known as "that of God in everyone," "the seed of Christ," or "the seed of Light". Quakers believe that the Inner Light helps people discern between good and evil, and that it opens people up to the unity of all human beings.
Religious Society of Friends of Truth
The Religious Society of Friends of Truth, also known as the Quakers, is a Christian group that originated in 17th century England:
Origins:
The Religious Society of Friends of Truth was established by George Fox, who believed that everyone has "that of God" within them. Fox and other early Friends sought to revive "primitive Christianity" by returning to the teachings of Jesus.
Name:
The group originally called themselves "Friends of Truth" because they considered themselves to be friends of Jesus. The nickname "Quaker" came from others who noticed that the group would shake or quake with religious fervor. The Quakers eventually adopted the nickname and now use the terms "Friend" and "Quaker" interchangeably.
Practices:
Quakers practice non-violence, careful listening, compassion, and social action. They believe in living under the "Inward Light", which is a direct apprehension of God without the use of creeds, clergy, or other ecclesiastical forms.
Beliefs:
Quakers believe that everyone has equal access to God's Spirit and that God cares for the marginalized. They also believe that decisions in the religious community should be made by the "sense of the meeting".