A few years ago I randomly got myself into a Quaker meeting in England when I was there on my holiday. They are an amazing bunch of people. I saw them having a smart attitude towards life in general, and an extremely peaceful and kind attitude towards other people. When I got home I did some research and found a lot of amazing achievements through history by Quaker people, inspired by their desire to help the needy. Keep up the good work, you people! I love you all!
srekauq- thought so, typical of the religious response. Quite prepared to lie to children and quite prepared to condition their young minds into delusional thinking, but not prepared to offer the proceeds to help them. I rest my case.
@24414330 ....there's nothing typical about his/her response to your bludgeing demand of proceeds made from these simply made and a joy to watch vid clips . Y dont U , my dear Mr survivor of religious abuse , practice what u preach upon them ...... yourself . lol...
The full set of Watford Quaker videos are now available with English and German subtitles on a DVD price £6 (including VAT and UK postage) Contact info@justfilm.co.uk
This is a really lovely film. Thank you for making it.
On the internet I have mostly found items relating to Quakers are actually about Evangelical Quakers. This is the first I have found wholly relating to my experience of Quakerism. Thank you for the peace your video has given me. :)
BeeJayEm1- now theres a post, try sending that to the pope. The suffering the catholic church has inflicted on others be it through, crusades, inquisitions, burning at the stake, limbo, witch hunts, fascism, supporting Hitler, anti-birth control, sectarianism, murdering astronomers, child abuse and homophobia, makes it a vile institution. Go tell that to the 1 billion.
Fenric71- further to my last post, srekauq is an example of the point I am trying to make, from previous posts if his views are challenged, he either censors posts he doesnt agree with or flags them as spam, while trying to come over as very understanding
Fenric71- further to my last post, srekauq is an example of the point I am trying to make, when challenged he either censors posts he doesnt agree with or flags them as spam, while coming over as very understanding
Fenric71, Hi be very careful, what most quakers say and what they actualy do are two different things. If you are comfortable practicing whatever beliefs you have at the moment with like minded people, then I would suggest sticking with that. My experience of quaker meetings, are that class, bigotry, discrimination and elitism, bubble away just below the surface. Best wishes and peace and happiness to you.
@24414330 I have NO church anymore and it seems it will stay that way. I have had it with organised religion, they lure you in then hurt you bad. They wonder why no LGBT people go to church or believe in God. How on earth can they wonder that when they act as they do. My mum and dad are Catholic but brilliant and try to work within the church to change it, good luck I told them, but they love me for who I am and they are proper Christians I'm sure the're out there I 'm too tired to find them
I have been chased out of churches because of my sexual orientation and gender identity, being a gay transman is not easy and to not be able to be with people to worship if that is the right word has made my life even more hard. I am happy with who I am and I know I am worth more than those churches made me feel. What I want to know is.... do I have a place in the quaker community? Or will it turn out to be the same again?
@srekauq Too be honest I think you are wrong, most churches might say you are welcome, but a lot say its ok as long as you are not in a relationship, thats when all of the turning against people seems to start. I work for a LGBT centre (as a volunteer) and have heard many many stories that would shock.... I did not go today I just was too scared... I hope and pray I make it sometime.
@fenric71 I'm Roman Catholic and on behalf of the 1 billion of us out there I just want to apologise if my Church has ever made you feel anything other than loved. God bless you, I hope you find the light :)
@BeeJayEm1 I had a light but the church exstinguished it. I am sure there are great Catholics who are disgusted by what is happening in the church today, my parent being two of them. I will not go into a church with a leader that calls us "dangerous" and " inherently evil" sorry but the Pope needs to change and then so does the church. Thank you for your kind wishes though, they are very much appreciated. God bless
I think the Quaker beliefs are beautiful, and I've held them in solitude for about 10 years. But I'm from a part of the American Southeast where they're very sparse (far moreso than Baptists or Methodists, at least). Is anyone else in this position, and if so, how do you cope with it? Though I know this question sounds silly, do you ever feel like someone whose Quakerism isn't really validated or "real" because you don't have access to a meeting house, or at least a few like-minded souls?
@RationalDischarge Oh not at all. If you share the same beliefs and have the connection with God, a distance can never separate you from being a Quaker. I live in a rural area and the nearest meeting is hours away. Think of meeting as a shared worship time, where you are surrounded by loved ones as you explore God. It is a time to share your thoughts, but not a 'qualification' event. Even praying in a quiet room every Sunday would be great. There are also many resources online! Good luck!
Teaching comes from listening to each other and reading what others have written. Our bible study group studies the Gospels so, yes, Jesus is there. Quaker thinking (there are no Quaker beliefs as such) is based on the life and teaching of Jesus but only some Quakers would call themselves Christian.
quakers started off as part of a religious christian revival. Is there any teaching? I noticed a lot of cultural pluralism in this video, Is jesus still there? Do they teach him or has this become too old fashioned?
I met a Quaker once who was/is a famous drag-queen who dresses in blackface. He was a hateful, racist, right wing extremist how spared nothing to insult me at ever chance he could, even without knowing me very much. He did that constantly. So, I came here already having a bad opinion of the Quakers. True story. His name is Chuck Knipp, and I've never met a more insulting individual.
@jbearden Hi, I am really sorry to hear that. Quakers are just people so they can do hateful things as well as good things. Hopefully, if people try to live by Quaker principles their lives will reflect that. Obviously not in this case.
@srekauq Thanks. The guy is a Quaker minister. It was very ironic, and very strange. I didn't think all Quakers were the same way, no, not at all. However, it did leave a bad impression on me that I don't think I'll ever get over. I'll try not to judge, but that's not going to be very easy to do.
@jbearden Heck, "Quaker minister" itself means so little. Quakers don't have the kind of clerical hierarchy like you'd find in most Christian denominations. You sure he wasn't some sort of Independent Baptist or Calvinist?
@srekauq Hi sir, please note that the previous comment we do not know if he/she said was a lie or a fact. However I think quakers is a place for meditation, similar to buddhism and I have nothing wrong with that, I know many famous business people are run from quaker background and I think its this "networking" and thinking is what is the important factor. And this is the important key.
@jbearden Is this a joke? Personally, ethically, and theologically Quakers seem to be about as compassionate, pacifist, and tolerant as it gets. I guess there are nutters in every group.
How does one hear His Word in silence? How does one preach unless called? Romans 10:13-14 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
I don't know much about Quakerism, but it seems like a good road to have your rig on.
Maybe someone with more knowledge on the subject can answer this question.
How open are quakers to other religions? They seem like a pretty openminded bunch. For example, how would a buddhist or a sun/nature worshipper do if active and living harmoniously in a quaker community? The whole silent hour is beautiful i think, and sounds to me like a kind of social or group meditation.
@crwalpole Well the thing about Buddhism is you can be both a Buddhist AND a Christian (regardless of what Christian Branch, e.g; Catholic, Protestant etc) Since Buddhists don't worship a God, nor believe in any God.. :P
I have a question. I went to a meeting house that was formerly a stop for the underground rail road in Philadelphia. It is called the Johnson House. I was recording with a digital recorder during a tour. What is the Quaker's belief on life after death? I captured spirit voices through out tour (what is called EVP)
@lynda514@lynda514 Hi, I don't think there is a "Quaker" view on this. My own opinion is that people can and do "live" after they have died – in the memories of those who loved them. That's good enough for me.
Quakers are totally a strange bunch. Not gonna lie, I went to a quaker meeting once or twice and you guys are a bunch of fucking nutters.
Which isnt a bad thing. I will take a quaker over a strict christian or militant athiest anyday. I have the utmost respect for the group and its safe to say a quaker is usually pretty damn intelligent. But they still come across as nutters.
@LitaniTilSatan666 People often insult what they don't understand. I can see how it looks crazy. I am not a quaker but I'm starting to understand it and I think I want to join it :)
@sweetbutdaring I didnt mean to insult anyone. The thing about a lot of quakers I know is that they are all - I dont really know how to put this - stuck somewhere above the clouds in there own little perfect world, while still acknowledging the worlds problems in this strange way. Its really not for me.
And I am not stereotyping. I have had enough expereince with quakers to judge. It really is that way.
God is awesome, beautiful, present, magnificent and our friend! I want to shout out to this wonderful Lord and Savior, rather than be quiet!! My Bible, which by the way, is the same Bible found anywhere else, says in Psalms 150 that we should praise Him with sounds and our voices! This same Bible, the word of God, does not show, ANYWHERE none of this practices seen in this society! Jesus is the answer! Religion is nothing but religion. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! John 14.6
Your bible says a lot of things I'm sure you don't do, though. Also, it says "Be still and know that I am God." And what's that saying of Jesus about not being like the Pharisees and blabbing on making a show with your prayers for all to see? Just saying you might be picking and choosing in your condemnation of these folks and your self-satisfaction about your own ways.
There are some Quakers called Jesus Christians. It is really disgusting what they are doing. Why are you Quakers allowing these people to kidnap youth in other countries and take them into Australia? Why aren't you helping their families get them back? Now they are setting up public floggings and you are not doing anything to help us get our kids out of Australia! You Quakers include Nick and Kate Croft and Anita Walker who are running a hate site to attack all the critics of that hateful cult!
It looks like us, the Southern Baptists, will have to declare a state of WAR on the quakers. Be warned, we worked hard to develop thermonuclear weapons in the western U.S.A. We now use GPS (unlike quakers). We microwave our food and drive large fuel guzzling trucks just to visit our friends across the street. Seriously, Quaker Oats is owned by the Pepsi people and since they condone the homosadism movement I won't eat Quaker Oats. This place looks really boring! Get a rock band! John 3 16
@pjotrvl (continued)... Some people may fall asleep, though I've yet to hear snoring. The silence is really a time of listening - listening for the Spirit (whom you may call God, Goddess, etc.) speaking to you. Some people may speak in more than one meeting, but the majority don't speak at each each meeting. People may be led to speak by the Spirit, or feel a particular prayer is significant and so read that out, or they may speak for another reason
@pjotrvl they are not all veggies, though a number of Quakers believe that non-violence applies to animals too and are vegetarians or vegans. What they think about abortion is down to the individual Quaker. Quakers support the gay community with open arms. The meetings for worship last about an hour, but anyone who is inspired by the Spirit to speak is free to do so (I was once and I did speak, though with some stuff that wasn't from the Spirit as well as what was). Continued...
@pjotrvl its my understanding that the main concept is that you are free to do whatever you want as long as you remain silent and let whatever you think is your concept of God to reach you. I believe they follow the rules of Christianity. So whatever your average christian might believe that's what quakers believe. As far as being veggies, I doubt it..
@CamiloSanchez1979 As a quaker, I really don't think that 'what christians believe is what quakers believe', especially young quakers. Christians have very set beliefs.
Quakerism - Basically you don't believe in violence, you believe god made everyone equal and you just live your life as peaceful and happily as you can.
hmmm dont think that would be for me, i like to do this sometime, but i dont think i could do it as a base of my worship, im more into charasmatic worships
I am reminded of the story in the Bible, where the widow drops a single coin in the collection plate for the temple, and the rich man drops several coins making a lot of noise; whereas Jesus said that the widow gave more because the amount she gave was a greater percentage of her total wealth compared with the offerring of the rich man.
.
This talks about a qualitive difference compared with a quantitive difference.
@CoastakaMichael As a Quaker I have to disagree I am afraid. There is probably more unity in the Anglican Communion. Unity in Quakerism is often a result of cultural homogeneity. Unlike Anglicans, for example, Quakers in Britain don't even try to have unity with, say, their Kenyan or South American sisters and brothers.
For physical evidence of God.... To the calmly curious- For physical evidence of a second intelligence within yourself-Vivid Dreams onset, plus repeatable handtingles- search YouTube on LAY GNOSIS 1 BEGIN HERE site truebluehealerDOTcom-Regardless of beliefs-Even atheist testimonials, including doctors from 4 countries. 10-12 mins gets you started. A growing list of triggered 12 month gnostic veterans contactable. And its FREE
I'm grateful to the person (or people) involved in posting these videos. At the heart of Quakerism seems to be the hearts of its adherents reaching toward the heart of God; to my way of thinking, there is no more authentic means of spiritual living.
I once met a Quaker who told me he was an atheist and another who said Jesus wasn't the Son of God....why join a religious society with Christianity at its very roots if you don't believe in Jesus as Saviour or even God Himself?!
@Bronzewhaler82 Cos that is the whole point!!! Yes, it started out from christianity, but quakerism is moving with the times and that's what's so great about it.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
That's the one trouble with modern Quakers, because they have no creed and welcome all regardless of what they believe they have allowed their sect to become a haven for wishy-washy ex-catholics and religious refugees who have a strong prejudice against organised religion and want to believe in whatever God their egos create without the inconvenience of any kind of structured belief system. Its a real shame but I honestly feel UK Quakers cannot claim to be a Christian group anymore
God created ALL things including the galaxy we happen to live in, our planet, the continents (including the American continent), all plant life, animals and humans (including the Americans). Just because other races of humans(besides your own) call God by a different name, it does not mean that they don't love Him has much as we do.
Yahweh is middle Eastern actually... I don't follow the indigenous American religion of the Great Spirit (although may seem similar) because simply the God who revealed himself progressively in Palestine all those thousands of years ago said that all other religions were simply idolatry.
There are massive contradictions between religions, they can't all be true. And you haven't considered whether there may be a way God has chosen to be worshiped- rather than any way we would like.
@Blighnaut , they sound very much like the Bahai faith. They believe they are part of all faiths. Including Hindi, Buddah, Muslum etc etc. are they the same?
@metaljingo Thats ok that you believe that. Theres no need to fight about that Quakerism believes that its ok to be athiast agnostic it doesn't matter. I know some people who consider themselves quakthiasts
For a long time, I really didn't know what kind of Christian I considered myself to be until I read the writings of George Fox and John Woolman. Now, I consider myself of a primitive evangelical quaker.
I think the only significant difference between this group and Unitarians is that they hold silent, unprogrammed meetings whereas the Unitarians hold programmed services and have paid ministers. Other than that, there doesn't appear to be many other differences because both of these groups are pretty much "universalist" and all over the theological spectrum when it comes to beliefs (or lack thereof).
One other difference I th ink is that Quakers of all viewpoints all seem to recognize a transcendent intelligence that participates in human affairs. Some Unitarians are secular humanists, and disbelieve in any sort of divine being.
True Quakerism is Christ-centered and is not anything like what this video is about. In fact, I have no clue what this video has to do with Quakerism. For more information about true Quakerism, I would refer viewers Christ-centered Quaker Web sites. By the way, Quakerism was commonly referred to as "Primitive Christianity Revived." It's clear from this video that this group of people doesn't see it that way.
Unprogrammed meeting as depicted in this video is far older than the newer evangelical (more like typical Protestant churches) worship. Quakerism, like all religions, has undergone change, groups breaking off (evangelical churches, for example), and differences in understanding of The Ineffable. Stampguy01 does NOT speak for all Quakers, nor should anyone.
of course, the inner light speaks to others differently. I as much praise your inner light for showing you Christ who teaches you to be thoughtful and peaceful, so do I praise the light that shines in others who don't come from a Christian faith.
Of course, I mentioned nothing of the bible. I think Jesus was a fantastic man. A great individual. Believing that he is the son of god is nonsense and the bible was written by men who never knew Jesus.
You cant claim he never said that, he was recorded over and over by his disciples. He was crucified FOR claiming that. Why would they crucify him if he hadn't?
If Jesus claimed to be the son of God, yet wasn't- he was either a lunatic, or a liar. You can not say he was good if he mislead so many people, and lied so horribly.
But, what if what it was true? Then he really is the one God sent, who we have rejected.
You cant take a middle ground, he didnt leave that option open for us.
The bible was written by men who never met Jesus hundreds of years after his death. Facts always get the way of a good religion. I claim that Jesus never claimed to be the son of God, that others have taken his name and used it to create a disgusting aggressive religion. I CAN claim that he was a good man and other men did horrible things in his name. Quakerism does not require that you believe in the stories of the Bible or Jesus. You're welcome friend!
Marks Gospel was written as early as 50 AD. The following Gospels were written by the apostles (men who were the chosen followers of Jesus and had the spirit of God) within the 1st century.
The bible was NOT written hundreds of years after Jesus' death by obscure writers, the scripture professes to have been "theopneustos" - Breathed out by God, God was intricately involved in it's creation
Liberal Quakerism does not require that you believe in the biblical accounts merely because it has no
concern for what is true, only for what is accepted and most comfortable to it's followers.
If something is truly true, does it have to be comfortable? Why exactly do you reject the biblical stories when they talk about.. judgement for example? Is there any reason we have to think God should not judge?
And if we were to say that some teaching of the Bible is of Jesus and some is of men, how are we able to discern what is and isn't? How come we don't say the wrathful parts are written by God
and the love by unenlightened men? If we are to question the authenticity of certain parts of the Bible, surely all of it must be subject to the same scruteny.
In the same way, if we are to accept any of it- we must accept ALL of it, because if any of it is from God- he would ensure that his word is not corrupted. As I said before- All scripture is God-breathed.
Unfortunately I must conclude that by Jesus' own standards, you are not his disciple.
This group of so-called "Quakers" are heretical in the sense that they call themselves Quakers but don't practice Quakerism. I really don't have any idea why these people call themselves Quakers. It's embarrassing, actually. True Quakerism is rooted in Christ and has nothing whatsoever to do with Buddhism. But I guess we see this type of thing a lot nowadays. There's people who call themselves Catholics but are only Catholics in name only. Same holds true for this bunch.
the inner light shines on others differently. I'm sure, of course, that the spirit in you and the word of god will always make you a welcoming person to those who have come to quakerism from other religious practices.
Yes i am that guitarist and am now 14, have just passed grade 7 with distinction, am still going to quakers...your comment really made my day thanks lol :)
Thanks for the link. Interesting - i missed the re-opening so it is good to see your record. Before the fire I recorded (audio only) a funeral meeting from the balcony.
Take a look at my video of Jordans Quaker Meeting House when it re-opened on Saturday 13 September 2008. There was also an exhibition about the restoration of the Meeting House. Also featured are William Penn and his family's grave stones.
can someone help me....i need to know how the quakers had their church services in the 1900s!!? is it still the same or how has it changed??? plz help!!
it has really been the same. the 1900s were only 10 years ago. so nothing has really changed. i would say things are pretty much the same as they were in hte days of william penn.
anyone can say those terms. but i think where you question is coming from is the confusion with amish. they do live old fashioned. quakers may if they choose and may not. it's up to the induvidual
do quakers believe that you should never be in the military? or that those who fight are doing something wrong? even if it is in defense for your country?
No. It is a question of personal conscience and each individual Quaker can make his/her own decision, although the peace testimony certainly supports anyone who takes a pacifist stand. Many Quakers have refused to join the military and others have joined but in a non combative role. It is up to the individual.
in such a way. Please look through the actual history of Christian spirtiual Tradition and what is required to achieve a state of such discernment of 'the Light". It doesnt just happen because a group is based upon such a relationship. Please also look more deeply how "Light" develops in Christian thought (and pre-christian).
Such theological grounds as Quakers have is fine, BUT naive to the extreme if ignorant of what grace inspired effort is needed to, in integrity, live such grounds.
But I think that Quakers do face the dark side, which is why "the light" is so important to us. The light reveals the truth about ourselves and what you call our 'sin'. Is it subjective or objective truth? That depends on whether we are distorting the light. No doubt you think are. Maybe, but are you in a position to judge?
Its not a matter of judgement, so please domt use discursive tactics to colour my position. An observation can be made without it being distorted by "judgement".
So how do you know when Light isnt being distorted as MY light. Again we seem in the vortex of subjectivity: what the Light is for me, the construct of Light that I make, that of me that I alone permit to be exposed to my own construction.
Its all too easy and entrapping. It would take a person of great spirtiual maturity to live ...
The testimonies are a quaker imperative but some individual churches (across the denominations) pay equal heed to the underlying gospel values.
Because the word 'sin' has been used to manipulate and control it is not a term I use although its true meaning, a turning away from God often through reliance on inflated ego or money, is a Quaker concern (see Advices & Queries 1, 9, 17). My reading of the Gospels shows me that Jesus focused more on healing than sin and I think Quakers do the same.
Hmm, control comes in many guises. Yes "sin" has been used this way, but in Quakers a prideful refusal to deeply face such limitation can also be a control. A tyranny of the sanguine if you like.
Contemporary Quakers too often react to extremes, throw out the baby with the bath water. A deep consideration of sin leads to the wonder of Grace, a true freedom.
A refusal to look at the underlying and primordial tendency to diversely turn from God is actually a stunting, locked in pleasantness.
I am curious as to why you think that Quakers' beliefs are not founded upon encounter with the Other but upon myriad idolatries of self. Surely the temptation for self deception exists for all believers, not just Quakers? In fact we are encouraged always to examine ourselves whenever we meet for worship. (Advices & Queries provides a robust defense against self worship).There is no group definition of truth. We wait on God and minister to each other.
Yes self deception isnt the sole temptation for Quakers, very true. My concern for Quakers is that beciause "that of God in each" is so little understood in Quakers -its scriptural foundation, its development in Eastern Christianity and in (especially) scholastic and medieval mystical theology-it is too easy to confuse what is speaking within. Hence my deep concern about Quaker resistance to intellectuall understanding core tenets.
You are right - I doubt whether many Quakers have studied the scholastic and medieval mystical theology behind the idea that we walk cheerfully over the world answering "that of God" in those we encounter. Nor would many know much about its development in Eastern Christianity. But we have found that with this idea in mind it's a bit more difficult to despise someone, to cultivate enemies or simply to think in terms of THEM and US. We can break free of the vicious circle of despair and hatred.
Well, its not much good having such an idea in mind and responding to all around you under an understanding of that idea if you dont actually know what the idea entails. How on earth can you appreciate that of God in each without understanding what this means in regards to each and in relation to God? Its not a matter of enabling respect for each ( as a fellow in creation this should be a given), that of God within isnt about that.
The only semblance of Tradition against which to test whether a concern is "Spirit led" is the testimonies and shared values. But here again, what is disctinct to these in relation to other denominations? Well, nothing.
So what do these rest on? If, as you say, upon central teachings of Jesus, why do you pick and choose which central teachings? Sin, in its diverse manifestations, was/is a central concern for Jesus as obstacle to Kingdom of God. But this has been abandoned by Quakers. Why?
this too can be just as subjective, each and all "listening" for the truth as determined by that group, possibly ignorance feeding ignorance. There is no objective Tradition, vital continuum, against which to seek truth.
Ironically this seeming freedom of subjective truth usually results in paralysis in which "Quaker process" drags on and on, not as a result of true listening, but because of the results of group ignorance: they simply dont know how to verify the authenticity of a concern.
I like how you draw a distinction between worshipping Christ and following Christ. A key distinction, and one that can result in the Good News being lost.
But srekauq, the problem still is Quaker beliefs. I do know that there is no Quaker creed per se, but as I have already said, these "beliefs" are too often not founded upon encounter with the Other but upon myriad idolatries of self. What moves/inspires individual Quakers is taken as something valid. Yes it may be tested by the group but...
Quakers have no creed, aussiewastland. Individual Quakers have beliefs and we hold certain values in common, all of them central to the teachings of Jesus.
If you doubt that the church (to which I still belong) has largely ignored Jesus and set up a religion in his name just open your eyes! There are very many exceptions of course, of which St Francis is prime, but at some point (c300AD- Emperor Constantine?) the church seemed to give up following Christ and began worshipping him instead.
and as I have said before srekauq good works are not the sole preserve of Quakers. Your stubborn adherence to the constructed dichotomy between "heart" and "mind" is merely an evasion from actually explaining the foundations of Quaker beliefs. You do have actual beliefs, which actually fiunction as dogma insofar as the liberal anti-thought culture of Quakers sets up a cultural dogmaticism, and (as I see in your attitude to the mainstream), an unfounded superiority.
Your Quaker smugness is showing srekauq, but as with things Quaker it is based on ignorance: how can you say that Quakers take the Gospel and such testimonies more seriously than the "mainstream church" (whatever that means)? Where is your data for this? Or are you following the usual Quaker practice of your being expressive of truth merely by virtue of it being uttered?
Its no use living on the achievements of early Quakers, those prophetic ones are dead and far removed from todays Friends.
Of course the testimonies are not unique to Quakers! But they (and the Gospel) are taken more seriously here than in the mainstream church. Quaker history shows that a disproportionate number of them have been involved in living the Gospel (e.g fighting slavery, prison reform, caring for the poor and sick, finding creative ways to resolve conflict). Could this be because they "live in their hearts, not their heads" and are therefore more open to the spirit of God?
your comment is typically Quaker. I shall paraphrase for you: what attracted you to Quakers was the need for a vacuum in which you don't have to actually engage and encounter the wider Christian continuum. You wanted to reinvent the wheel, create your own dogmas, your own authority free from the wealth of wisdom that has accumulated over millenia.
How can anyone "live in their hearts"? What sacchrine nonsense.If that means living without thought and in mindless ecstatic immersion in emotional whim then God help such an opiated life.
Here is one of the main problems of such ersatz spirtuality. There is no such binary split to a healthy and whole spiritual response. Rather we simply love that which we come to know, how else can love be and mature? It is laziness and immaturity to preach otherwise.
What first attracted me to Quakers was the freedom from dogma, a respect for individual spiritual journeys and a lack of speech when there was nothing say. Then I discovered the Testimonies: equality, truthfulness, peacemaking, simplicity, seeking the Light within. Here was the very heart of the Gospel that the Church had turned its back on for 2000 years, while it grew powerful and controlled others through its obsession with sin. Many Quakers do not own Christ yet through their lives he lives.
I have not read, nor do I intend to read, a library full of Quaker literature. I happen to have 3 higher education degrees, but that does not make me anything spiritually. Wisdom is innocent, simple and sometimes what 'some' might see as 'stupid'. I fear also that those less 'intelligent' in the world will not come to Quakerism because of 'religious yuppy' language. That of god in everyone! Not the 'intelligent'! Notice the '' every time I mention intelligent ...
Yet it is still the question bangura4uk of what thought lies behind and permeates the action? Many people do good works, not just Quakers, but what is it that is manifest in the work? What is it that makes this work a distinctively Quaker one in contrast to one of no difference to anyone else's? This requires an intellectual understanding , reflexively deepened by its manifestation in works, this requires that the work be an act of worship by you in your entirety, reflective, intelligent, aware.
Very good questions but not sure that a forum allowing 500 characters per post is much use! (despite various attempts on these threads)I could make recommendations from the vast library of Quaker literature but perhaps you have already explored this? I could also say that I do find a distinctive witness in the whole that is Quaker testimony, worship and life but that striving for distinctiveness 'per se' is not the point.....
Indeed it is a very bold question, made more bold when the utterer speaks from the vacuum of elevated ego. This doesnt mean that mindless repetition of credal statements is valid either because both are in their own way expressions of mindlessness and of ego worship. However Quakers too often speak from this vacuum in mere prideful reaction to credal authority, like children having a rebellious tantrum against authority for its own sake.
Apologies for the tedious repetition of my previous post due to a youtube glitch that indicated my comment was not added. I'll try not to read anything into it!
A few years ago I randomly got myself into a Quaker meeting in England when I was there on my holiday. They are an amazing bunch of people. I saw them having a smart attitude towards life in general, and an extremely peaceful and kind attitude towards other people. When I got home I did some research and found a lot of amazing achievements through history by Quaker people, inspired by their desire to help the needy. Keep up the good work, you people! I love you all!
spr1ng0ni0n 2 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
taniran3-hello my dear!
24414330 1 week ago
srekauq- thought so, typical of the religious response. Quite prepared to lie to children and quite prepared to condition their young minds into delusional thinking, but not prepared to offer the proceeds to help them. I rest my case.
24414330 2 weeks ago
@24414330 ....there's nothing typical about his/her response to your bludgeing demand of proceeds made from these simply made and a joy to watch vid clips . Y dont U , my dear Mr survivor of religious abuse , practice what u preach upon them ...... yourself . lol...
taniran3 1 week ago
srekauq i hope you are going to donate the proceeds of your DVDs to the child survivors of religious abuse.
24414330 2 weeks ago
@24414330 No
srekauq 2 weeks ago
The full set of Watford Quaker videos are now available with English and German subtitles on a DVD price £6 (including VAT and UK postage) Contact info@justfilm.co.uk
srekauq 2 weeks ago
This is a really lovely film. Thank you for making it.
On the internet I have mostly found items relating to Quakers are actually about Evangelical Quakers. This is the first I have found wholly relating to my experience of Quakerism. Thank you for the peace your video has given me. :)
struth001 3 weeks ago
@struth001 Thank you for your kind comments.
I think we in Britain are in the minority - most Quakers worldwide are more Evangelical.
srekauq 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
BeeJayEm1- now theres a post, try sending that to the pope. The suffering the catholic church has inflicted on others be it through, crusades, inquisitions, burning at the stake, limbo, witch hunts, fascism, supporting Hitler, anti-birth control, sectarianism, murdering astronomers, child abuse and homophobia, makes it a vile institution. Go tell that to the 1 billion.
24414330 4 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Fenric71- further to my last post, srekauq is an example of the point I am trying to make, from previous posts if his views are challenged, he either censors posts he doesnt agree with or flags them as spam, while trying to come over as very understanding
24414330 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Fenric71- further to my last post, srekauq is an example of the point I am trying to make, when challenged he either censors posts he doesnt agree with or flags them as spam, while coming over as very understanding
24414330 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Fenric71, Hi be very careful, what most quakers say and what they actualy do are two different things. If you are comfortable practicing whatever beliefs you have at the moment with like minded people, then I would suggest sticking with that. My experience of quaker meetings, are that class, bigotry, discrimination and elitism, bubble away just below the surface. Best wishes and peace and happiness to you.
24414330 1 month ago
@24414330 I have NO church anymore and it seems it will stay that way. I have had it with organised religion, they lure you in then hurt you bad. They wonder why no LGBT people go to church or believe in God. How on earth can they wonder that when they act as they do. My mum and dad are Catholic but brilliant and try to work within the church to change it, good luck I told them, but they love me for who I am and they are proper Christians I'm sure the're out there I 'm too tired to find them
fenric71 3 weeks ago
I have been chased out of churches because of my sexual orientation and gender identity, being a gay transman is not easy and to not be able to be with people to worship if that is the right word has made my life even more hard. I am happy with who I am and I know I am worth more than those churches made me feel. What I want to know is.... do I have a place in the quaker community? Or will it turn out to be the same again?
fenric71 2 months ago
@fenric71 I would be amazed if any Quaker Meeting in Britain didn't welcome you, whatever your sexual orientation, mine certainly would.
To be fair, I think most churches would, too. You must have been unlucky.
srekauq 2 months ago
@srekauq Too be honest I think you are wrong, most churches might say you are welcome, but a lot say its ok as long as you are not in a relationship, thats when all of the turning against people seems to start. I work for a LGBT centre (as a volunteer) and have heard many many stories that would shock.... I did not go today I just was too scared... I hope and pray I make it sometime.
fenric71 1 month ago
@fenric71 I am sorry you find it so.
I hope you do find an inclusive community where you feel welcome.
srekauq 1 month ago
@srekauq Thanks, I am going to try and go just trying to build up the courage!!! If there are people like you there I will be sorted!
fenric71 1 month ago
@fenric71 Good luck!
srekauq 1 month ago
@fenric71 I'm Roman Catholic and on behalf of the 1 billion of us out there I just want to apologise if my Church has ever made you feel anything other than loved. God bless you, I hope you find the light :)
BeeJayEm1 1 month ago
@BeeJayEm1 I had a light but the church exstinguished it. I am sure there are great Catholics who are disgusted by what is happening in the church today, my parent being two of them. I will not go into a church with a leader that calls us "dangerous" and " inherently evil" sorry but the Pope needs to change and then so does the church. Thank you for your kind wishes though, they are very much appreciated. God bless
fenric71 3 weeks ago
@fenric71 :) x
BeeJayEm1 3 weeks ago
I think the Quaker beliefs are beautiful, and I've held them in solitude for about 10 years. But I'm from a part of the American Southeast where they're very sparse (far moreso than Baptists or Methodists, at least). Is anyone else in this position, and if so, how do you cope with it? Though I know this question sounds silly, do you ever feel like someone whose Quakerism isn't really validated or "real" because you don't have access to a meeting house, or at least a few like-minded souls?
RationalDischarge 2 months ago
@RationalDischarge Oh not at all. If you share the same beliefs and have the connection with God, a distance can never separate you from being a Quaker. I live in a rural area and the nearest meeting is hours away. Think of meeting as a shared worship time, where you are surrounded by loved ones as you explore God. It is a time to share your thoughts, but not a 'qualification' event. Even praying in a quiet room every Sunday would be great. There are also many resources online! Good luck!
TheEstherinator 1 month ago
Teaching comes from listening to each other and reading what others have written. Our bible study group studies the Gospels so, yes, Jesus is there. Quaker thinking (there are no Quaker beliefs as such) is based on the life and teaching of Jesus but only some Quakers would call themselves Christian.
srekauq 4 months ago
quakers started off as part of a religious christian revival. Is there any teaching? I noticed a lot of cultural pluralism in this video, Is jesus still there? Do they teach him or has this become too old fashioned?
MrRichardwinkel 4 months ago
I think i've found my place :)
NatureGnome 4 months ago
@NatureGnome Welcome!
srekauq 4 months ago
I met a Quaker once who was/is a famous drag-queen who dresses in blackface. He was a hateful, racist, right wing extremist how spared nothing to insult me at ever chance he could, even without knowing me very much. He did that constantly. So, I came here already having a bad opinion of the Quakers. True story. His name is Chuck Knipp, and I've never met a more insulting individual.
jbearden 4 months ago
@jbearden Hi, I am really sorry to hear that. Quakers are just people so they can do hateful things as well as good things. Hopefully, if people try to live by Quaker principles their lives will reflect that. Obviously not in this case.
srekauq 4 months ago
@srekauq Thanks. The guy is a Quaker minister. It was very ironic, and very strange. I didn't think all Quakers were the same way, no, not at all. However, it did leave a bad impression on me that I don't think I'll ever get over. I'll try not to judge, but that's not going to be very easy to do.
jbearden 4 months ago
@jbearden Heck, "Quaker minister" itself means so little. Quakers don't have the kind of clerical hierarchy like you'd find in most Christian denominations. You sure he wasn't some sort of Independent Baptist or Calvinist?
ideologger 2 months ago
@srekauq Hi sir, please note that the previous comment we do not know if he/she said was a lie or a fact. However I think quakers is a place for meditation, similar to buddhism and I have nothing wrong with that, I know many famous business people are run from quaker background and I think its this "networking" and thinking is what is the important factor. And this is the important key.
yoyuepz 4 months ago
@jbearden Is this a joke? Personally, ethically, and theologically Quakers seem to be about as compassionate, pacifist, and tolerant as it gets. I guess there are nutters in every group.
ideologger 2 months ago
they all look so....happy... so peaceful. :)
DNAngelFan22 5 months ago
just went to Summer School Britian, the young friends are so fun, inclusive, and overly awesome
ForYourCommentsOnly 5 months ago
Has the role of doctrine on "substitutionary atonement" changed in modern Quakerism to that from George Fox and if it has how?
TrickTom 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Thank you for your explanation about Quarkerism. I have added this video to the Quaker Thought playlist on the Bridge Film Festival channel.
BridgeFilmFestival 5 months ago
This looks like the place =)
manormaid 6 months ago
What a wonderful tradition. I descend from English Quakers.
bcoxal 7 months ago
that guy is cute ;)
DeMars3 8 months ago
A Quaker with a statue of Buddha behind him? lol
TrueBlueJMS 8 months ago 6
This has been flagged as spam show
How does one hear His Word in silence? How does one preach unless called? Romans 10:13-14 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
NicholasPOGM 9 months ago
Very interesting.This is very appealing but sure theres no Quakers here.
findlaymcarthur 9 months ago
I don't know much about Quakerism, but it seems like a good road to have your rig on.
Maybe someone with more knowledge on the subject can answer this question.
How open are quakers to other religions? They seem like a pretty openminded bunch. For example, how would a buddhist or a sun/nature worshipper do if active and living harmoniously in a quaker community? The whole silent hour is beautiful i think, and sounds to me like a kind of social or group meditation.
Shanti
crwalpole 11 months ago
@crwalpole Well the thing about Buddhism is you can be both a Buddhist AND a Christian (regardless of what Christian Branch, e.g; Catholic, Protestant etc) Since Buddhists don't worship a God, nor believe in any God.. :P
BlakOktobure 10 months ago
I have a question. I went to a meeting house that was formerly a stop for the underground rail road in Philadelphia. It is called the Johnson House. I was recording with a digital recorder during a tour. What is the Quaker's belief on life after death? I captured spirit voices through out tour (what is called EVP)
lynda514 1 year ago
@lynda514 @lynda514 Hi, I don't think there is a "Quaker" view on this. My own opinion is that people can and do "live" after they have died – in the memories of those who loved them. That's good enough for me.
srekauq 10 months ago
what a beautiful way of life
solarpanelasses 1 year ago
haha I love he mentions quaker oats
rjholling 1 year ago
@rjholling I get that alot
musicfolife1 10 months ago
Quakers are totally a strange bunch. Not gonna lie, I went to a quaker meeting once or twice and you guys are a bunch of fucking nutters.
Which isnt a bad thing. I will take a quaker over a strict christian or militant athiest anyday. I have the utmost respect for the group and its safe to say a quaker is usually pretty damn intelligent. But they still come across as nutters.
LitaniTilSatan666 1 year ago
@LitaniTilSatan666 People often insult what they don't understand. I can see how it looks crazy. I am not a quaker but I'm starting to understand it and I think I want to join it :)
sweetbutdaring 10 months ago
@sweetbutdaring I didnt mean to insult anyone. The thing about a lot of quakers I know is that they are all - I dont really know how to put this - stuck somewhere above the clouds in there own little perfect world, while still acknowledging the worlds problems in this strange way. Its really not for me.
And I am not stereotyping. I have had enough expereince with quakers to judge. It really is that way.
LitaniTilSatan666 10 months ago
I'm an atheist and have always been a bit wary of religions but the more I Iearn about Quakers the more respect and admiration I have for them.
whathuhwhere 1 year ago
@whathuhwhere same here
SeverEnergia 1 year ago
@SeverEnergia (same experience with wobblies ;D )
whathuhwhere 1 year ago
God is awesome, beautiful, present, magnificent and our friend! I want to shout out to this wonderful Lord and Savior, rather than be quiet!! My Bible, which by the way, is the same Bible found anywhere else, says in Psalms 150 that we should praise Him with sounds and our voices! This same Bible, the word of God, does not show, ANYWHERE none of this practices seen in this society! Jesus is the answer! Religion is nothing but religion. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! John 14.6
adalbertomodesusa 1 year ago
@adalbertomodesusa
Your bible says a lot of things I'm sure you don't do, though. Also, it says "Be still and know that I am God." And what's that saying of Jesus about not being like the Pharisees and blabbing on making a show with your prayers for all to see? Just saying you might be picking and choosing in your condemnation of these folks and your self-satisfaction about your own ways.
shunyotube 10 months ago
wonderful! As a liberal (yet Christ loving!!!) Quaker in the states I think ya'll did a fine job!
1macboo 1 year ago
LORD JESUS IS KING OF WORLD
bass109 1 year ago
Quakers ROCK!!!!
mymovienerd 1 year ago
There are some Quakers called Jesus Christians. It is really disgusting what they are doing. Why are you Quakers allowing these people to kidnap youth in other countries and take them into Australia? Why aren't you helping their families get them back? Now they are setting up public floggings and you are not doing anything to help us get our kids out of Australia! You Quakers include Nick and Kate Croft and Anita Walker who are running a hate site to attack all the critics of that hateful cult!
DeniseMatteau 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@DeniseMatteau This really has nothing to do with actual quakers
gurnyyy 1 year ago
It looks like us, the Southern Baptists, will have to declare a state of WAR on the quakers. Be warned, we worked hard to develop thermonuclear weapons in the western U.S.A. We now use GPS (unlike quakers). We microwave our food and drive large fuel guzzling trucks just to visit our friends across the street. Seriously, Quaker Oats is owned by the Pepsi people and since they condone the homosadism movement I won't eat Quaker Oats. This place looks really boring! Get a rock band! John 3 16
fredphellipssdriver 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
the quakers should make an army of machine guns, and kill all the niggers, faggots and "college educated" white honkies who dont like capitalism.
AugustMate81186 1 year ago
There is a Quaker meeting house at Euston, London, UK.
How do the congregation sit in silence with that busy Mare-le-bonne Road out front?
Cheers.
from,
del-boy.
Call1800POO 1 year ago
@Call1800POO That's the quaker headquarters! lol. It aint that noisy inside.
gurnyyy 1 year ago
Quakers are true children of GOD ...Praise Jesus and bless his children
Cartoonistforjesus 1 year ago 2
lol wtf?
where is frags?
DOSsector 1 year ago
@pjotrvl (continued)... Some people may fall asleep, though I've yet to hear snoring. The silence is really a time of listening - listening for the Spirit (whom you may call God, Goddess, etc.) speaking to you. Some people may speak in more than one meeting, but the majority don't speak at each each meeting. People may be led to speak by the Spirit, or feel a particular prayer is significant and so read that out, or they may speak for another reason
Superapplefrog 1 year ago
@pjotrvl they are not all veggies, though a number of Quakers believe that non-violence applies to animals too and are vegetarians or vegans. What they think about abortion is down to the individual Quaker. Quakers support the gay community with open arms. The meetings for worship last about an hour, but anyone who is inspired by the Spirit to speak is free to do so (I was once and I did speak, though with some stuff that wasn't from the Spirit as well as what was). Continued...
Superapplefrog 1 year ago 2
@pjotrvl its my understanding that the main concept is that you are free to do whatever you want as long as you remain silent and let whatever you think is your concept of God to reach you. I believe they follow the rules of Christianity. So whatever your average christian might believe that's what quakers believe. As far as being veggies, I doubt it..
CamiloSanchez1979 1 year ago
@CamiloSanchez1979 As a quaker, I really don't think that 'what christians believe is what quakers believe', especially young quakers. Christians have very set beliefs.
gurnyyy 1 year ago
@gurnyyy well....some...many...yes. But not all
1macboo 1 year ago
Quakerism - Basically you don't believe in violence, you believe god made everyone equal and you just live your life as peaceful and happily as you can.
Simple and easy
ehhno0 1 year ago 6
hmmm dont think that would be for me, i like to do this sometime, but i dont think i could do it as a base of my worship, im more into charasmatic worships
therealmanchannel 1 year ago
Dear therealmanchannel (2 weeks ago),
I am reminded of the story in the Bible, where the widow drops a single coin in the collection plate for the temple, and the rich man drops several coins making a lot of noise; whereas Jesus said that the widow gave more because the amount she gave was a greater percentage of her total wealth compared with the offerring of the rich man.
.
This talks about a qualitive difference compared with a quantitive difference.
Cheers.
from,
del-boy.
Dddddorian 1 year ago
Quaker's are cool they were one of the few religions that opposed slavery back in the day.
Joe402 1 year ago 8
I think quite highly of Quakers. They have a unity that is both inspiring and insightful.
This comment is written by a practicing Anglican.
CoastakaMichael 1 year ago 4
Comment removed
FenQuaker 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@CoastakaMichael As a Quaker I have to disagree I am afraid. There is probably more unity in the Anglican Communion. Unity in Quakerism is often a result of cultural homogeneity. Unlike Anglicans, for example, Quakers in Britain don't even try to have unity with, say, their Kenyan or South American sisters and brothers.
FenQuaker 1 year ago
Comment removed
mdee66 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I'm a quaker aswell. I fucking love that game.
Drelaz 2 years ago
mmmmm Quakers are one of my favorite breakfasts. It's just annoying how they scream when you eat them.
NeoConSIayer 2 years ago
@NeoConSIayer
hahahaha brilliant
therealmanchannel 1 year ago
Well, Since you put it that way, I suppose we could possibly be friends, maybe.
Ray
rayunseitig 2 years ago
I have always wanted to know what this group is about. I live a couple blocks from a meeting house and found it fascinating.
brettkling 2 years ago 10
This has been flagged as spam show
For physical evidence of God.... To the calmly curious- For physical evidence of a second intelligence within yourself-Vivid Dreams onset, plus repeatable handtingles- search YouTube on LAY GNOSIS 1 BEGIN HERE site truebluehealerDOTcom-Regardless of beliefs-Even atheist testimonials, including doctors from 4 countries. 10-12 mins gets you started. A growing list of triggered 12 month gnostic veterans contactable. And its FREE
kimbo99 2 years ago
I'm grateful to the person (or people) involved in posting these videos. At the heart of Quakerism seems to be the hearts of its adherents reaching toward the heart of God; to my way of thinking, there is no more authentic means of spiritual living.
Tigerpaws9097826 2 years ago 18
I once met a Quaker who told me he was an atheist and another who said Jesus wasn't the Son of God....why join a religious society with Christianity at its very roots if you don't believe in Jesus as Saviour or even God Himself?!
Bronzewhaler82 2 years ago
@Bronzewhaler82 Cos that is the whole point!!! Yes, it started out from christianity, but quakerism is moving with the times and that's what's so great about it.
gurnyyy 1 year ago
@gurnyyy Yes...but christian liberals are welcome...and conservatives!
1macboo 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
That's the one trouble with modern Quakers, because they have no creed and welcome all regardless of what they believe they have allowed their sect to become a haven for wishy-washy ex-catholics and religious refugees who have a strong prejudice against organised religion and want to believe in whatever God their egos create without the inconvenience of any kind of structured belief system. Its a real shame but I honestly feel UK Quakers cannot claim to be a Christian group anymore
Bronzewhaler82 2 years ago
God created ALL things including the galaxy we happen to live in, our planet, the continents (including the American continent), all plant life, animals and humans (including the Americans). Just because other races of humans(besides your own) call God by a different name, it does not mean that they don't love Him has much as we do.
Blighnaut 2 years ago 9
Agreed!
srekauq 2 years ago
Yahweh is middle Eastern actually... I don't follow the indigenous American religion of the Great Spirit (although may seem similar) because simply the God who revealed himself progressively in Palestine all those thousands of years ago said that all other religions were simply idolatry.
There are massive contradictions between religions, they can't all be true. And you haven't considered whether there may be a way God has chosen to be worshiped- rather than any way we would like.
Captain4876 2 years ago
@Blighnaut , they sound very much like the Bahai faith. They believe they are part of all faiths. Including Hindi, Buddah, Muslum etc etc. are they the same?
tassiespirit 1 year ago
@Blighnaut God is in your mind, dude, God does not exsit.
metaljingo 1 year ago
@metaljingo Thats ok that you believe that. Theres no need to fight about that Quakerism believes that its ok to be athiast agnostic it doesn't matter. I know some people who consider themselves quakthiasts
musicfolife1 10 months ago
@Blighnaut How do you explain Dinosaurs,The Appendix and Tonsils??Because i do not remember them being mentioned in any religons???
ReTrOzDeMoN 5 months ago
For a long time, I really didn't know what kind of Christian I considered myself to be until I read the writings of George Fox and John Woolman. Now, I consider myself of a primitive evangelical quaker.
josuabrown 2 years ago
Totally down with the quakers. Ye are a scruffy lot though.
nobaddysawmedoit 2 years ago
I love instant quaker oatmeal, cinnamon bun flavour is the best
captainplanetwins 2 years ago
What Complete and Utter nonsense.
Preach the Word Be Instant in season and out, BUT NOT IN THE QUAKERS APPARENTLY !!
FirebrandNIRE 2 years ago
what makes this brand of Quakers differ from Unitarians?
boomac62 2 years ago
I think the only significant difference between this group and Unitarians is that they hold silent, unprogrammed meetings whereas the Unitarians hold programmed services and have paid ministers. Other than that, there doesn't appear to be many other differences because both of these groups are pretty much "universalist" and all over the theological spectrum when it comes to beliefs (or lack thereof).
easternshorequaker 2 years ago
One other difference I th ink is that Quakers of all viewpoints all seem to recognize a transcendent intelligence that participates in human affairs. Some Unitarians are secular humanists, and disbelieve in any sort of divine being.
Tigerpaws9097826 2 years ago
True Quakerism is Christ-centered and is not anything like what this video is about. In fact, I have no clue what this video has to do with Quakerism. For more information about true Quakerism, I would refer viewers Christ-centered Quaker Web sites. By the way, Quakerism was commonly referred to as "Primitive Christianity Revived." It's clear from this video that this group of people doesn't see it that way.
stampguy01 2 years ago
Unprogrammed meeting as depicted in this video is far older than the newer evangelical (more like typical Protestant churches) worship. Quakerism, like all religions, has undergone change, groups breaking off (evangelical churches, for example), and differences in understanding of The Ineffable. Stampguy01 does NOT speak for all Quakers, nor should anyone.
dancinkayak 2 years ago 2
well said friend.
TEBON 2 years ago
of course, the inner light speaks to others differently. I as much praise your inner light for showing you Christ who teaches you to be thoughtful and peaceful, so do I praise the light that shines in others who don't come from a Christian faith.
TEBON 2 years ago
The bible doesn't say anything of an inner light.. But it does say that those who do not come to Jesus will not be saved from judgement.
Captain4876 2 years ago
Of course, I mentioned nothing of the bible. I think Jesus was a fantastic man. A great individual. Believing that he is the son of god is nonsense and the bible was written by men who never knew Jesus.
TEBON 2 years ago 2
You cant claim he never said that, he was recorded over and over by his disciples. He was crucified FOR claiming that. Why would they crucify him if he hadn't?
If Jesus claimed to be the son of God, yet wasn't- he was either a lunatic, or a liar. You can not say he was good if he mislead so many people, and lied so horribly.
But, what if what it was true? Then he really is the one God sent, who we have rejected.
You cant take a middle ground, he didnt leave that option open for us.
Captain4876 2 years ago
The bible was written by men who never met Jesus hundreds of years after his death. Facts always get the way of a good religion. I claim that Jesus never claimed to be the son of God, that others have taken his name and used it to create a disgusting aggressive religion. I CAN claim that he was a good man and other men did horrible things in his name. Quakerism does not require that you believe in the stories of the Bible or Jesus. You're welcome friend!
PS I'm a disciple too!
TEBON 2 years ago 2
Marks Gospel was written as early as 50 AD. The following Gospels were written by the apostles (men who were the chosen followers of Jesus and had the spirit of God) within the 1st century.
The bible was NOT written hundreds of years after Jesus' death by obscure writers, the scripture professes to have been "theopneustos" - Breathed out by God, God was intricately involved in it's creation
Liberal Quakerism does not require that you believe in the biblical accounts merely because it has no
Captain4876 2 years ago
concern for what is true, only for what is accepted and most comfortable to it's followers.
If something is truly true, does it have to be comfortable? Why exactly do you reject the biblical stories when they talk about.. judgement for example? Is there any reason we have to think God should not judge?
And if we were to say that some teaching of the Bible is of Jesus and some is of men, how are we able to discern what is and isn't? How come we don't say the wrathful parts are written by God
Captain4876 2 years ago
and the love by unenlightened men? If we are to question the authenticity of certain parts of the Bible, surely all of it must be subject to the same scruteny.
In the same way, if we are to accept any of it- we must accept ALL of it, because if any of it is from God- he would ensure that his word is not corrupted. As I said before- All scripture is God-breathed.
Unfortunately I must conclude that by Jesus' own standards, you are not his disciple.
Take a look at John 14:6 and maybe John 14:15.
Captain4876 2 years ago
this is probably the best form of protestanism on the face of the planet. if I wasn't catholic, Id be a quaker.
DangeloM27 2 years ago 5
It sounds very Pietistic tbh.. Shouldn't gathering be done for fellowship and teaching, such as was done by the first New Testament churches?
And why is there a Buddah in the background? ^.-
Captain4876 2 years ago
This group of so-called "Quakers" are heretical in the sense that they call themselves Quakers but don't practice Quakerism. I really don't have any idea why these people call themselves Quakers. It's embarrassing, actually. True Quakerism is rooted in Christ and has nothing whatsoever to do with Buddhism. But I guess we see this type of thing a lot nowadays. There's people who call themselves Catholics but are only Catholics in name only. Same holds true for this bunch.
stampguy01 2 years ago
the inner light shines on others differently. I'm sure, of course, that the spirit in you and the word of god will always make you a welcoming person to those who have come to quakerism from other religious practices.
TEBON 2 years ago
some have found the teachings of the man known as Budda to be very insightful.
TEBON 2 years ago
Of course, if the bible is True- then Buddha's teachings are not from God.
Captain4876 2 years ago
thank you.
marklukeandjohn 2 years ago
I say the bible is not true, and the words of any man I can hear from with my own ears is the word of god itself.
TEBON 2 years ago
They are indeed. And even if all roads do not lead to God, it is true that God can be found on all roads. Clearly Buddah was touched by God.
boomac62 2 years ago
DANNY!
omdayss, you are so young:)
x
BambiiTheApricot 2 years ago
hey i dont know bout quakers but that kid can sure play guitar
tutmankingasher 2 years ago
Comment removed
dahubsta 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Yes i am that guitarist and am now 14, have just passed grade 7 with distinction, am still going to quakers...your comment really made my day thanks lol :)
dahubsta 2 years ago
Yep, cool guitar!
9Fabian 2 years ago
how lovely, simple and pure.
dellerbasalvtore 2 years ago
Thanks for the link. Interesting - i missed the re-opening so it is good to see your record. Before the fire I recorded (audio only) a funeral meeting from the balcony.
srekauq 2 years ago
Take a look at my video of Jordans Quaker Meeting House when it re-opened on Saturday 13 September 2008. There was also an exhibition about the restoration of the Meeting House. Also featured are William Penn and his family's grave stones.
LesMead 2 years ago
can someone help me....i need to know how the quakers had their church services in the 1900s!!? is it still the same or how has it changed??? plz help!!
gimmecarjack 2 years ago
it has really been the same. the 1900s were only 10 years ago. so nothing has really changed. i would say things are pretty much the same as they were in hte days of william penn.
walkerorr 2 years ago
sheep under hypnosis
"god" does not need to be worshiped
to each his own i guess
whatever makes one happy
at least they are not hurting anyone [in public]
xxXghislainXxx 2 years ago
do Quakers still use old-fashioned terms such as thee and thou?
gatheringleaves 2 years ago
they may, if they choose. As with most everything else in Quakerism, it's "Up To The Individual"
NS7F 2 years ago
anyone can say those terms. but i think where you question is coming from is the confusion with amish. they do live old fashioned. quakers may if they choose and may not. it's up to the induvidual
walkerorr 2 years ago
do quakers believe that you should never be in the military? or that those who fight are doing something wrong? even if it is in defense for your country?
UnknownSpartan5 3 years ago
No. It is a question of personal conscience and each individual Quaker can make his/her own decision, although the peace testimony certainly supports anyone who takes a pacifist stand. Many Quakers have refused to join the military and others have joined but in a non combative role. It is up to the individual.
srekauq 3 years ago
in such a way. Please look through the actual history of Christian spirtiual Tradition and what is required to achieve a state of such discernment of 'the Light". It doesnt just happen because a group is based upon such a relationship. Please also look more deeply how "Light" develops in Christian thought (and pre-christian).
Such theological grounds as Quakers have is fine, BUT naive to the extreme if ignorant of what grace inspired effort is needed to, in integrity, live such grounds.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
But I think that Quakers do face the dark side, which is why "the light" is so important to us. The light reveals the truth about ourselves and what you call our 'sin'. Is it subjective or objective truth? That depends on whether we are distorting the light. No doubt you think are. Maybe, but are you in a position to judge?
srekauq 3 years ago
Its not a matter of judgement, so please domt use discursive tactics to colour my position. An observation can be made without it being distorted by "judgement".
So how do you know when Light isnt being distorted as MY light. Again we seem in the vortex of subjectivity: what the Light is for me, the construct of Light that I make, that of me that I alone permit to be exposed to my own construction.
Its all too easy and entrapping. It would take a person of great spirtiual maturity to live ...
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
I'm the light
worship me and give me money xDDD
xxXghislainXxx 2 years ago
Whoa! My Inner Light has an account on YouTube?!?!
NS7F 2 years ago
The testimonies are a quaker imperative but some individual churches (across the denominations) pay equal heed to the underlying gospel values.
Because the word 'sin' has been used to manipulate and control it is not a term I use although its true meaning, a turning away from God often through reliance on inflated ego or money, is a Quaker concern (see Advices & Queries 1, 9, 17). My reading of the Gospels shows me that Jesus focused more on healing than sin and I think Quakers do the same.
srekauq 3 years ago
Hmm, control comes in many guises. Yes "sin" has been used this way, but in Quakers a prideful refusal to deeply face such limitation can also be a control. A tyranny of the sanguine if you like.
Contemporary Quakers too often react to extremes, throw out the baby with the bath water. A deep consideration of sin leads to the wonder of Grace, a true freedom.
A refusal to look at the underlying and primordial tendency to diversely turn from God is actually a stunting, locked in pleasantness.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
Hang on, aussiewasteland, I can't keep up!
I am curious as to why you think that Quakers' beliefs are not founded upon encounter with the Other but upon myriad idolatries of self. Surely the temptation for self deception exists for all believers, not just Quakers? In fact we are encouraged always to examine ourselves whenever we meet for worship. (Advices & Queries provides a robust defense against self worship).There is no group definition of truth. We wait on God and minister to each other.
srekauq 3 years ago
LOL, a very small window for so many thoughts.
Yes self deception isnt the sole temptation for Quakers, very true. My concern for Quakers is that beciause "that of God in each" is so little understood in Quakers -its scriptural foundation, its development in Eastern Christianity and in (especially) scholastic and medieval mystical theology-it is too easy to confuse what is speaking within. Hence my deep concern about Quaker resistance to intellectuall understanding core tenets.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
You are right - I doubt whether many Quakers have studied the scholastic and medieval mystical theology behind the idea that we walk cheerfully over the world answering "that of God" in those we encounter. Nor would many know much about its development in Eastern Christianity. But we have found that with this idea in mind it's a bit more difficult to despise someone, to cultivate enemies or simply to think in terms of THEM and US. We can break free of the vicious circle of despair and hatred.
srekauq 3 years ago
Well, its not much good having such an idea in mind and responding to all around you under an understanding of that idea if you dont actually know what the idea entails. How on earth can you appreciate that of God in each without understanding what this means in regards to each and in relation to God? Its not a matter of enabling respect for each ( as a fellow in creation this should be a given), that of God within isnt about that.
Action has no integrity without understanding.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
The only semblance of Tradition against which to test whether a concern is "Spirit led" is the testimonies and shared values. But here again, what is disctinct to these in relation to other denominations? Well, nothing.
So what do these rest on? If, as you say, upon central teachings of Jesus, why do you pick and choose which central teachings? Sin, in its diverse manifestations, was/is a central concern for Jesus as obstacle to Kingdom of God. But this has been abandoned by Quakers. Why?
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
this too can be just as subjective, each and all "listening" for the truth as determined by that group, possibly ignorance feeding ignorance. There is no objective Tradition, vital continuum, against which to seek truth.
Ironically this seeming freedom of subjective truth usually results in paralysis in which "Quaker process" drags on and on, not as a result of true listening, but because of the results of group ignorance: they simply dont know how to verify the authenticity of a concern.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
I like how you draw a distinction between worshipping Christ and following Christ. A key distinction, and one that can result in the Good News being lost.
But srekauq, the problem still is Quaker beliefs. I do know that there is no Quaker creed per se, but as I have already said, these "beliefs" are too often not founded upon encounter with the Other but upon myriad idolatries of self. What moves/inspires individual Quakers is taken as something valid. Yes it may be tested by the group but...
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
Quakers have no creed, aussiewastland. Individual Quakers have beliefs and we hold certain values in common, all of them central to the teachings of Jesus.
If you doubt that the church (to which I still belong) has largely ignored Jesus and set up a religion in his name just open your eyes! There are very many exceptions of course, of which St Francis is prime, but at some point (c300AD- Emperor Constantine?) the church seemed to give up following Christ and began worshipping him instead.
srekauq 3 years ago
and as I have said before srekauq good works are not the sole preserve of Quakers. Your stubborn adherence to the constructed dichotomy between "heart" and "mind" is merely an evasion from actually explaining the foundations of Quaker beliefs. You do have actual beliefs, which actually fiunction as dogma insofar as the liberal anti-thought culture of Quakers sets up a cultural dogmaticism, and (as I see in your attitude to the mainstream), an unfounded superiority.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
Your Quaker smugness is showing srekauq, but as with things Quaker it is based on ignorance: how can you say that Quakers take the Gospel and such testimonies more seriously than the "mainstream church" (whatever that means)? Where is your data for this? Or are you following the usual Quaker practice of your being expressive of truth merely by virtue of it being uttered?
Its no use living on the achievements of early Quakers, those prophetic ones are dead and far removed from todays Friends.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
aussiewasteland,
Of course the testimonies are not unique to Quakers! But they (and the Gospel) are taken more seriously here than in the mainstream church. Quaker history shows that a disproportionate number of them have been involved in living the Gospel (e.g fighting slavery, prison reform, caring for the poor and sick, finding creative ways to resolve conflict). Could this be because they "live in their hearts, not their heads" and are therefore more open to the spirit of God?
srekauq 3 years ago
Srekauq,
your comment is typically Quaker. I shall paraphrase for you: what attracted you to Quakers was the need for a vacuum in which you don't have to actually engage and encounter the wider Christian continuum. You wanted to reinvent the wheel, create your own dogmas, your own authority free from the wealth of wisdom that has accumulated over millenia.
The testimonies are not unique to Quakers at all.
The so called Light within is your own pride.
Your refusal to see your own sin is pride
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
How can anyone "live in their hearts"? What sacchrine nonsense.If that means living without thought and in mindless ecstatic immersion in emotional whim then God help such an opiated life.
Here is one of the main problems of such ersatz spirtuality. There is no such binary split to a healthy and whole spiritual response. Rather we simply love that which we come to know, how else can love be and mature? It is laziness and immaturity to preach otherwise.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
A beautiful, honest and open account srekauq!
Quakers live in their hearts, not their heads x
jamzmagick 3 years ago
What first attracted me to Quakers was the freedom from dogma, a respect for individual spiritual journeys and a lack of speech when there was nothing say. Then I discovered the Testimonies: equality, truthfulness, peacemaking, simplicity, seeking the Light within. Here was the very heart of the Gospel that the Church had turned its back on for 2000 years, while it grew powerful and controlled others through its obsession with sin. Many Quakers do not own Christ yet through their lives he lives.
srekauq 3 years ago
I have not read, nor do I intend to read, a library full of Quaker literature. I happen to have 3 higher education degrees, but that does not make me anything spiritually. Wisdom is innocent, simple and sometimes what 'some' might see as 'stupid'. I fear also that those less 'intelligent' in the world will not come to Quakerism because of 'religious yuppy' language. That of god in everyone! Not the 'intelligent'! Notice the '' every time I mention intelligent ...
jamzmagick 3 years ago
Yet it is still the question bangura4uk of what thought lies behind and permeates the action? Many people do good works, not just Quakers, but what is it that is manifest in the work? What is it that makes this work a distinctively Quaker one in contrast to one of no difference to anyone else's? This requires an intellectual understanding , reflexively deepened by its manifestation in works, this requires that the work be an act of worship by you in your entirety, reflective, intelligent, aware.
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
Very good questions but not sure that a forum allowing 500 characters per post is much use! (despite various attempts on these threads)I could make recommendations from the vast library of Quaker literature but perhaps you have already explored this? I could also say that I do find a distinctive witness in the whole that is Quaker testimony, worship and life but that striving for distinctiveness 'per se' is not the point.....
bangura4uk 3 years ago
Indeed it is a very bold question, made more bold when the utterer speaks from the vacuum of elevated ego. This doesnt mean that mindless repetition of credal statements is valid either because both are in their own way expressions of mindlessness and of ego worship. However Quakers too often speak from this vacuum in mere prideful reaction to credal authority, like children having a rebellious tantrum against authority for its own sake.
What can an empty vessel say?
aussiewasteland 3 years ago
Apologies for the tedious repetition of my previous post due to a youtube glitch that indicated my comment was not added. I'll try not to read anything into it!
bangura4uk 3 years ago