Being Buddhist and following the first precept is incompatible with Quakerism. Quakers have committed the most horrendous atrocities against animals and were almost single handedly responsible for wiping out the Great Whale from the Atlantic Ocean. Their barbarism against these creatures were second to none.
I practice buddism also, and I see similarities .buddism spread BC, west of Asia, and Jesus was possibly practicing buddism. I'm trying to find more on the history of quakers because I bet there is a connection in history to buddism.
@@GoGreen-l7enot a direct one that I can think of except a certain joy of finding shared values as Friends opened up to the non Abrahamic traditions… first sadly in missionary work after the British Empire opened up the path. The obvious connection if any is this - Quakerism was founded by a disaffected youth who looked at the spiritual teachers of his day and found them lacking, turned to silent contemplation, felt himself inwardly enlightened, then set about to share that experience as possible for anyone… very different context (classical Asia and a philosophy based on the Holy Vedas v Civil War late medieval early modern England with a philosophy based on the Holy Bible) but Buddhism I believe has a similar origin in terms of its founding figure, his spiritual experience, and his message Just a side note on Jesus. He was definitely a Jew from all his Old Testament quotes… however the Essene mystical movement was popular in Palestine at that time and Jesus certainly had connections to that being a follower of John the Baptist… and being on the Silk Road it’s entirely possible that Essene philosophy had been influenced by both Hindu mystic and Buddhist ideas emerging from trade routes
@@minui8758 Interesting information, thank you. While I am sure Jesus was searching and entwining his religions, when he was put on the cross, I think he used deep meditation to withstand the pain, which was pretty amazing for those to see. I am mixing my belief systems and searching too. I was brought up by a Greek Orthodox turned Atheist mom and recently found out my grand father on my dads side had a branded number on his arm and with a German last name which he changed coming over here, I suspect he was Jewish. So now I am really interested in the Jewish practices, but I definitely lean towards Buddhism, which speaks to my soul.
I listen to the Spirit within. I do not need a lesser spiritual person advise through their social interactions. They just haven't found their Centre their Light within. Am I a Quaker? No I'm not. Am I a Listener? Yes I am.
Jocelyn Darling Hi Jocelyn, your same words from 2 years ago apples to me today. I am curious if you are in the same opinion today. Do you mind share the experience ? Thank you. Márcio.
Yeah. I grew up in very authoritarian types of churches in the Pentecostal and evangelical flavors of both the most loving outreaches and the most loathsome in practice. For me, the best spiritual experiences i had weren't doing laps around the church while singing or while reading scripture; but working the food give away of tiny church of 15 people feeding 500 families a week. Speaking to homeless people like they are my peers and crossing the cararick rope bridge in northern Ireland during a storm of gail force winds to be blessed with the parting of tbe sun when i reached the grassy knoll on the otherside which was when i decided i no longer wanted to commit suicide and would fight for my wellness. I think that in many ways limiting god to a man-made concept that can be contained within the confines of human intelligence completely undermines the whole purpose of divinity which is greater than anything imaginable. So why do religious people put limits on god and judge people as "other" for not doing the "right" faith practice no matter how exploitative, abusive and brainwashing a systematic ignorance into their practitioners. Yeah... Kinda makes sense. Also, I'd rather be a quaker than an atheist. I like the idea of letting your life speak
I am also a former Mormon. The Quaker movement and the Anabaptists are something that I am strongly drawn to. Unfortunately there are no meetings of either fellowship in my area.
I'm an ex-mormon. I'm on a faith journey. I'm looking at several religions, several arguments against religion, everything from as many sides as possible. I'm learning so much and gaining insight in many places. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning about Quakers. I'm enjoying certain aspects of Unitarian Universalists, of secular Buddhism, of paganism. And I hope to find more to add to this list.
I'm also on a similar journey as yours. Right now I'm questioning my catholicism, learning more about the faith I was raised in, and learning about all other beliefs (even non-belief), in hopes of finding where I feel my heart would belong.
@whoareyoutoaccuseme6588 I've heard mormonism and catholicism both be called "high demand religions." I prefer that term instead of "cult" even though the B.I.T.E. model proves mormonism has many qualities of a cult. In mormonism, I was always told, "We have the fullness of the gospel/the Restoration/all the answers/more truth than anywhere else. There is no need to look at other religious beliefs. They don't have truth. They only have confusion and bickering." I'm really feeling free as I explore. I'm not expecting anyone to have "all the answers" because I don't think we're supposed to have all the answers. Just hearing other ideas about who God is, why were here, and what the afterlife might be like and various philosophies is very exciting to me. I think I should take a world religion class at the nearby community college. 🤔 But I'm also seeing what I need to feel spiritually fulfilled without some church leadership telling me what I need.
@@unicorntamer2207 You hit the nail in the head. Many Catholics hold their faith in such a high pedestal because they believe it is the ONE TRUE church, the one the disciple Peter founded in Rome, and that every other denomination is just a means for Satan to confuse us. My idea is similar to yours: every belief on earth is equal in that they just a means for humans to ponder the about their purpose and olace in the universe. It just so happens that some believe that that they hold only truth. But that can't be it. Since nobody has absolute proof that they're right besides scripture and historical accounts with unreliable crdibility, and faith. I think what they say is right: we are all agnostics -- even the atheists -- because none of us has concrete proof that we are correct. No one has THE answers. I've always thought about it that way after I studied World Religions in high school: they're all just different models humans use to ponder non-physical concepts, such as the concept of the divine, in such a way that could easily be accepted and integrated in their culture. Personally I like having faith in something, but only on something with an ideology I can identify with. I was so certain that I was lucky to be raised in Catolicism, but after analyzing everything it demands from its adherents, as well as all the disgusting hypocrisies that happens within its doors everyday, I am not so sure about it anymore.
I am also a former Mormon on a searching spiritual Sojourn. I find myself drawn to the Quakers and Anabaptist faith. Unfortunately there are neither churches in my area.
No SENHOR JESUS CRISTO podemos encontrar plena vida e paz. ELE É O VERDADEIRO DEUS E A VIDA ETERNA:1Jo.5:20-21. Invoque-O e tenha intimidade com nosso MARAVILHOSO SENHOR E DEUS! Um abraço! Pr. Cássio Roberto- Brasil.
I was raised evangelical and pushed out by the increasing hypocrisy. I crave a community especially one that is involved in helping and activism. This is speaking so much to me. I don’t know that I believe in the Christian god but the idea of “god” and the spirit being inside everyone is so beautiful to me.
I’ve been getting more and more into quakerism and learning that there are people who feel the same as me is such a beautiful feeling. I’m attending my first meeting very soon!
This was quite an experience. I don’t know what drew me to see this video, but with every minute of it I felt like this is meant to happen somehow. I was born and raised as an atheist. I can’t say I was searching for something spiritual. But I’m gonna look them up in my city.
I'm an Atheist but I believe in the utility of God and I've been thinking I should join a church to be part of a community and teach my kids that community is important but I feel like a fraud doing so. I was also drawn to this video, looked up a meeting near me and I live less than a block away from a "Friends Church". Looks like it was meant to be! Did you find a meeting? How'd it go? I'm trying to talk my husband into going with me.
@@katrinah1898 Friends Churches are actually a different branch that broke away from the more traditional Friends (such as those featured in this video) about 250 years after the beginning of Quakerism. Friends churches do have paid clergy and while they sometimes incorporate a period of silent worship they are more similar to a traditional Protestant Christian Church in that their services are "programmed". If you want to experience the more traditional practice of silent worship, you have to find a Friends Meeting. You will know it because the word Church will not be anywhere in the name.
@Kindred Gottlieb-Gutierrez good to know. We did end up going to the Friends Church. I thought I'd give it 2 months. They were nice people but it was a traditional church.
It does change everything. This shift happened to me radically as an atheist/agnostic all my life. As soon as that shift in the quality of my experience accompanied the recognition that the trace of God and the infinite is in everyone... Which means the closer we get to each other, the closer we get to God, to heaven, to the Kingdom!... Here... In you... On earth...
this what Rumi said over 8-9 hundred years ago, if you looking for God , God is everywhere yet within in you and within every cell and every fiber of you. if you don't know anything than learn the alfabet of your heart language and learn the most purest way of your understanding.
Jesus is the Divine Alphabet of the human heart. In the Bible's book of Revelation(22:13), Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
For being a Christian theology, Quakers sure have some Hindu-like beliefs and practices (seemingly more dvaita or vishishadvaita). Inspiring video! Om Namah Shivaya 🧡🕉🙏
I believe all these things - you have tapped into my heart! I grew up in a very judgmental and fearful church setting. So I left the church when I was old enough to go against my parents will to stay in the church. I've never gone back but I have still often felt Christ right beside me. I would love to attend a meeting of Friends as a like minded community of loving and kind folk really appeal to me. I would also love my kids to grow up in an environment that teaches kindness and openness to spirit, without the judgement, bigotry, and persecution that I experienced in my youth.
Todos mis problemas eclesiásticos a lo largo de los ultimos 40 años se han disipado oyendo y leyendo vuestros comentarios y libros. Muchas gracias por vuestra misión y un gran abrazo desde España donde desgraciadamente no encontramos Amigos fácilmente. Resulta que sin saberlo llevó siendo cuaquero muchos años.
As I watched this I was thinking of all the people to whom I'm going to send a link to the video. This video was masterfully done, with the usual high production values; this may be the best "explainer" we can put out there. Thank you, Jon Watts and Friends Journal!
What a nice church =) There a lot of Quakers here in Pennsylvania. Actually, without Quakers, there would be no Pennsylvania lol. I didn't realize they believed in these teachings.
@@2Ryled Nope lol. There are active Quakers in Philadelphia. They even operate a prestigious school, Friends Select. Sure you are not confusing them with the Amish or Mennonites??
@@Shazzyhtown I belonged to a quaker meeting house as a child. My grandmother and aunt married in that meeting house. Went to quaker Sunday school there. Went to 2 very well known quaker schools and attended worship there weekly. I am aware of the quaker schools in the area and even colleges that really aren't quaker any more. Their words not mine via ph discussion. I even mowed and weeded a quaker cemetery as a kid. Got on hands and knees and cut weeds from around graves. I live near Mennonite and Amish ordnungs. Would see them weekly.
@@2Ryled Ahh you have true PA roots! lol. Funny thing is now I live in Texas and its harder to find Quakers or Mennonites down here. There is a small Amish community near Forth Worth though. Mennonites are in a community in Central Texas. Brisket BBQ is nice of course, but I miss sampling Pennsylvania Dutch food. I can imagine all three groups stick out in my new(overly proud and patriotic) state. =)
My ancestry on my maternal grandfathers side was predominantly Quaker, but I'm Jewish and I notice there seems to be a similar feeling of connection when we both talk about our practice.
I think it's really very simple. If it's true God is all about loving & doing good in the world then people should take care to be all about loving & doing good in the world too.
What you say is true and even if a small amount of people believe this we change the world. The Quakers have only done good and tried to heal, never negative and never violent. God doesn’t judge us so I surely can’t, only myself.
@@TheForkedtoungue To me Quakerism has been the most reasonable & desirable of the Christian sects ever since its 17th Century inception. What a positive revolution in spiritual & moral thinking George Fox introduced to the world. The tragedy is how few people throughout history have taken its lovely teachings to heart.
My faith is a living by ethics with a strong moral code which influences my every thought and action. It is this truth through compassion and humility for every living thing.
Quakers seem very nice and it seems nice for introverts. Personally I like the communication, singing and style of traditional Christian services but maybe I'll attend sometime.
Conservative Quakers or Friends churches, you can absolutely get the style of worship you desire. This video explains a bit better. th-cam.com/video/cp8YmhFjP30/w-d-xo.htmlsi=OmnTF05O_yzd96aJ
I'm here to learn the history The Quakers. I've learned my Grandfather 5 generations back,Daniel Boone was a Quaker!! I see and realize the Quakers are spiritually connected to the Lord!! Beautiful people, I will say!!
My core experiences lead me to God and in that Journey my family history Irish/Scottish Immigrants to seek out Quaker Beliefs connected to that history.I felt it describes my beliefs and by example truer to me than the label of Christianity and it's history by example.I didn't realize Quakers were still around...study time again❤I'm so overjoyed to find these videos and this knowledge ..it fits me like a glove❤
I believe that there is a spirit that likes to do no evil, a spirit that yearns for me to be happy and to be able to connect on deep levels with other people, a spirit that wants me to search and to find and to act, a spirit that wants me to be responsible, and at the same time, to be bold and take risks...what a profound and beautiful belief.
I totally think I am a closet Quaker I have never seen anything that is exactly how I think of God and Jesus the world people Etc I am really excited about this
perhaps its not the same because we are online but i fetl moved to add this comment. I never spoke once in the years between k-12 which i attended quaker meeting but i just want to express my love for this theology its the only one ive ever found thats consistently loving of all people no matter who they are or what they look like and i find it an incredibly powerful thing. I idenitfy personally as non theist quaker (quaetheist) but its because of how much i believe in the SPICES that i feel its meaningful to define myself separately from traditional atheism. I love tom hoopes too he really got me to explore this aspect of my life and i apprecitate him so much
I don't mind silence, other people around me are uncomfortable with it and I've been shown I should feel uncomfortable with it. So I've learned to feel uncomfortable being silent with other people, but in grasping frantically for something to say...I can't think of anything to say. 🤦♀️
lovely to hear this information about Quaker faith -- please guide us by your goodness and witness -- help me to become more green in all ways May the Spirit bless you and all family amen
Doing research on family history. My 4th great grandmother was in ohio. Came over from siglo Ireland mcgirr/ McClintock. Thank you for the educational video. My 3rd great was Wilson. With this video I believe they were great people.
Very good video. I appreciate everyone's sharing, one quibble around the 6 minute mark- the word Pastor, at least in the Lutheran tradition is called that to distinguish them from a priest, who would be an intermediary to God, that we are all connected to the creator directly and that the Pastor is more like a shepherd for the congregation leading and organizing, not creating the connection with God. Not total sure if what I say holds up in the context of communion for the different Lutheran traditions but just wanted to bring up the distinction between Pastor and Priest. The only protestants I know of with priests are Anglicans and Episcopalians. Thank you very much for your witness with these videos, as someone who is attending a Quaker meeting they are very informative.
Belief. That is the common theme in describing religions, and denominations. But for Friends/Quakers belief is not what our spiritual is centered on, nor concerned with. I speak for many, though directly from my experience. We Friends do not believe this or that; we have an experience of the divine. We do not recite creeds nor appeal to creedal. Just as no one says "I believe there is a sun up in the sky" or says "I believe it rises in the East and sets in the West" ---- no one says that because we see it with out own eyes and it is confirmed by others. Not a matter of belief. And so it is, that spiritual illumination by the Inner Light is an experienced fact. Whereas who can say honestly "Jesus died on the cross and arose three days later" because no one living was there. But many whether Quaker or not can say "i have experience love in my heart; I have had a redeeming experience that has brought me into the Light". ... Hence, I prefer that we Quakers not discuss belief, but experience and knowledge.
I love your videos! I'm a member of the United Church of Christ, where all Christian beliefs are accepted. But I'd love to visit a friend's meeting one day :)
I'm not a Quaker, but my beliefs seem to seem quite similar. I believe every living creature contains the spark of God, and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. I find I can relate to our Creator or maybe the Spirit of God anywhere, especially out in creation. Finding a quiet place on a mountain, a beach, or over looking a beautiful field usually makes our conversation easier. I feel my spiritual quest is a journey and can't wait to see where it will lead me next !
Hey, I've got a question. When the Bible says, "Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil," or are you going to believe what Jesus Himself said or stick with the whole "every living creature contains the spark of God" idea? Yes, we should treat every human being with respect, but his not every human being in his or natural state a blind, fallen sinner in need of redemption?
I'm agnostic. But I do like the diversity of Christianity. Especially in their meditative practises. Wether it's silent worship in a friend's meeting. Evensong or taize service in a Unitarian/ Angelican setting. Anyone agree?
The spirit of God is not innate and found in you as a revelation a person can be without God’s Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:14 , 6:11, and 6:19. To seek within ourselves truth is foolish and arrogant. It lacks humility. We are empty full of our own imaginations and folly at best. The truth is not in us. Romans 3: 9-19 It is the image of God that is in us all. His breath of life. This is what we recognize. This is what we innately understand as sacred. Not His Spirit. I fear this looking within one’s self and assuming you have found God’s spirit may be a great error. The “seeing” God in some one is to understand their humanity is sacred because it is from God. You can do or understand nothing on your own. You can not even understand what is of you or God. You can not do God’s will without His word. His scripture says,” All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 I do not see a Bible or any scripture reading. I see self-meditation … as if wisdom will spring from our own understand not the word of God. Be careful. Remember Proverbs: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5
@Queenofthegoofballs74 If I Judge anyone it is myself and in truth, I have no right to do this. I hope that I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know anything apart from God. I hope I am not seeking my "inner" truth through meditation, contemplation, or self-examination. I know the truth is not "in" me. I have learned through life that the truth is not in me. I can not even control the action of my mind. No, if I wish truth, it is only through his word. I pray my humility is true. No, I judge no one, God's word directs me only to love my neighbor. Judgment is His alone. Seeking self-revelation or God's will is a practice of reading his word- the true revelation, prayer for guidance, and action of truth as his word directs. Hopefully, I will grow in humility, not self-introspection. I desire to be of use to Him and not myself. I truly hope you understand this in what I am saying.
I want to go to a quaker worship this summer because I am keen on discovering this belief. But I don’t go church so I don’t know what to do also the fact that I don’t know anyone there..
4:50 "Sitting in silence with a group of people Sunday after Sunday, that's as intimate as I can think of within a community" is indeed an astounding & deeply rich experience I am lucky to share while mindfully meditating with people I didn't know 2 yrs ago and with whom I can progressively share intimate experiences.
It can be intimidating to go to a Quaker meeting for the first time. Check out our "What to Expect in Quaker Meeting for Worship" video -- th-cam.com/video/hxjH4sa2RFI/w-d-xo.html -- it may demystify things a bit. And find a Quaker meeting near you at www.friendsjournal.org/meeting-listings . Good luck!
I just went for the first time last weekend. It was very awesome! If you feel awkward in the silence, you can pick up the local faith and practice book and read, no one will judge you as you do. I can't wait to go back Sunday... I have never said that in my life about church.
You could go to your local meeting but if you don’t have one you could try and find the yearly meeting in your state which has many different meeting meet in the summer for like a week and learn about Quaker’s and see what it’s kinda like.
I find mystery drawn to the Quaker and Anabaptist faiths. I have been searching since I left Mormonism decades ago. Unfortunately there are no Friends meetings in my rural area.
Joh 14:16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper so He may be with you forever- Joh 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him. You know Him, because He abides with you and will be in you.
Being responsive to the spirit sometimes needs and requires support, quakers have versions of this but really struggle with strong girders to support one another in their community, though a very beautiful religion. The world can be so far away from what it needs to ve, community and support is called for and required to keep out of danger and to help nourish the directions when being responsible and faithful to our purpose
I agree with the view of Quakers in so many ways, though I am more convicted & certain of Jesus being the way & a necessity. I have good reason for this.....All my life I "believed" in God, praying, studying, etc., but I didn't necessarily follow very well. One night I completely gave my life to him with full commitment. I laid in bed & every time I closed my eyes I saw myself in hell, facing my demons. It became terrifying & wouldn't stop, but then I saw Jesus on a cross in the middle of a storm. I also realized that I was laying as a man on a cross. I begged & I begged him to take my demons away, which he did. This happened 3 times, reminding me of his 3 days before raising from the dead. After the 3rd time I had peace & I saw a book opened, which I believe was his book of life. I was shown that my life had a path & that I would have signs/symbols to help along the way (which has came true, especially through dreams & such). I was taken to the outside of heaven, which I turned down entry, believing it would mean the end of my life, but I chose to stay to fulfill my duties as a father & a servant. I was then shown many celebrating I suppose the unselfish decision which I had made & then I was shown that I would be cleaned up, which came true. It wasn't long & the holy spirit began teaching me, opening my eyes to see things much differently, leading me to better understand my missteps & to make some big changes in my life. Before this night I often had nightmares of falling or of being chased by snakes, both being warnings of the path that I was on. Today I often have dreams that I help chase snakes away from other people & though not perfect, I try to follow through, witnessing & helping others to better know Jesus & to better understand many things in this world, which confuse us, endanger us, & take us off of our path & far from the shepherd.
you talk of christ consciousness and your worship looks like and appears to be very much like meditation....im not famiiar with what a quaker is but from hearing and seeing this, we clearly are on the same page....just wow! all are connected one love woop woop :)
Read the Bible. Looking "within" or mediating on something outside the revelation of God's Word is not going result in true, spiritual illumination. Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures, for they were written all about Me."
Maybe you're just spiritual. You don't HAVE to have a religion. It does feel good to be a part of something, I get it...but we weren't born to have a label on us.
I attended a Quaker meeting for two years and there were many aspects of it that I appreciated but for a group of people who profess to be loving and seeing God in all of us they can certainly be judgmental. At the time I attended I was a single mother of a teenager and a five year old, I remember being asked to show up at a demonstration where I could have been arrested. I had to decline because my responsibility was to my children, I resented that I was asked. I felt that I had to prove myself to the friends of the meeting. So much for love and understanding.
Sorry you had that experience. You would not have had that experience everywhere. Please don't paint with a broad brush. You are welcome among Friends. I bet if you brought that to their attention they would be abhorred or embarrassed that you interpreted their intentions thusly. :)
When I attended a Friend's Church we didn't go to demonstrations. We had a pastor and we sat silent at the beginning of the service. This doesn't resemble the Church I attended so many years ago. .
What is the Quaker opinions on Gods Laws, Precepts and Commandments? Are they valid today or not? My family came with William Penn and I have generations of Quakers and I am curious about beliefs of Quakers.
Jesus fulfilled religion and I still appreciate those who mention it, in their comments, as if Jesus being God is a religion and not simply a uniting fact.
I am a Friend that is processing through my understanding of how my peace testimony meets the current state where I feel people in power are not showing their Light of God. I believe that peace is the answer and that there is that of God in everyone and would welcome more resources to explore how to reconcile this with the importance of standing against the active hatred displayed by those with political power.
Is there space for centrists quakers? I'm a Black woman who is no longer entirely progressive and I'm really drawn to Quakerism as my relationship with god becomes more defined. A lot of these videos though seem really political and I totally respect how that can be part of how some people are called to express their faith I'm just wondering if one has to be either progressive or evangelical or whether there's space for the tension of loving the light in all people while not necessarily endorsing all of their behaviors? I understand that philosophically there's room for everyone in Quakerism but I'm wondering practically if I would be welcome in the greater Quaker community if I didn't adopt or at least endorse the current activist cultural framework?
Liberal Quakers are predominantly progressive in terms of social views and politics. But there are many moderates or centrists amongst us. Each meeting is a bit different, so it's important to visit as many as you can if you have more than one near you. There are Conservative Friends who might be more along the line you are talking about. There are also Evangelical Quakers too
Living in the Northeast most of my life, I was inundated with "Religion is your American right but DON'T TALK ABOUT IT because if you talk about it, you're forcing someone else to be a religion they don't want to be." That was the culture of the area. Living in the Southeast about an equal amount of my life where if you're not Chrsitian enough, you are scary and cannot fit in. I've been to Unitarian "Churches" and they are great but I always felt like I needed something more. I hate how different religions cut out others like LGBTQ, African American (about 30-50 years ago), other religions etc. This might very well be my spiritual home. I can't promise I'll be the most quiet person. I think, maybe, this might be where I belong.
I think they are real Christian because they try to live the way Jesus want us to live that love other people. Jesus doesn't care much about stupid laws: "I have only 1 commandment that you love one another like you love me. It doesn't like others who use God only to promote their agenda and love to persecute others who don't agree with them.
Evangelical Quakers, Conservative Quakers are universally Christian. Liberal Quakerism includes Christians but doesn't require it of their members anymore.
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Why don't Quakers observe Holy Communion if it's a commandment given by Jesus to his followers?
I'm a Buddhist but I think Quakers are lovely. Beautiful religion.
Right back at you. Any religion that values peace both inwards and outwards is a Friend to me.
Being Buddhist and following the first precept is incompatible with Quakerism. Quakers have committed the most horrendous atrocities against animals and were almost single handedly responsible for wiping out the Great Whale from the Atlantic Ocean. Their barbarism against these creatures were second to none.
I practice buddism also, and I see similarities .buddism spread BC, west of Asia, and Jesus was possibly practicing buddism. I'm trying to find more on the history of quakers because I bet there is a connection in history to buddism.
@@GoGreen-l7enot a direct one that I can think of except a certain joy of finding shared values as Friends opened up to the non Abrahamic traditions… first sadly in missionary work after the British Empire opened up the path. The obvious connection if any is this - Quakerism was founded by a disaffected youth who looked at the spiritual teachers of his day and found them lacking, turned to silent contemplation, felt himself inwardly enlightened, then set about to share that experience as possible for anyone… very different context (classical Asia and a philosophy based on the Holy Vedas v Civil War late medieval early modern England with a philosophy based on the Holy Bible) but Buddhism I believe has a similar origin in terms of its founding figure, his spiritual experience, and his message
Just a side note on Jesus. He was definitely a Jew from all his Old Testament quotes… however the Essene mystical movement was popular in Palestine at that time and Jesus certainly had connections to that being a follower of John the Baptist… and being on the Silk Road it’s entirely possible that Essene philosophy had been influenced by both Hindu mystic and Buddhist ideas emerging from trade routes
@@minui8758 Interesting information, thank you. While I am sure Jesus was searching and entwining his religions, when he was put on the cross, I think he used deep meditation to withstand the pain, which was pretty amazing for those to see. I am mixing my belief systems and searching too. I was brought up by a Greek Orthodox turned Atheist mom and recently found out my grand father on my dads side had a branded number on his arm and with a German last name which he changed coming over here, I suspect he was Jewish. So now I am really interested in the Jewish practices, but I definitely lean towards Buddhism, which speaks to my soul.
Been searching for a denomination that matched my beliefs. Took a belief net quiz and matched quaker. I feel like it may be a perfect fit
My wife and I went through this experience today. Looking forward to the search 😊
@@jankeemunkey7739my aunt referred me. 🩷 I’m seeing so much hope here.
Oh funny - many years ago I did the same and I think I came up that way too
At 61, it feels as if I have found my spiritual home.
Lol..me too...I'm 62!! When I found these vids, it was very emotional.
I'm only 32 but grew up in a church that shouted aggressive, divisive politics... So this is refreshing.
Read your bible
I listen to the Spirit within. I do not need a lesser spiritual person advise through their social interactions. They just haven't found their Centre their Light within. Am I a Quaker? No I'm not. Am I a Listener? Yes I am.
I'm 66 and I feel maybe ...
Once after the rise of Meeting so many people said to each other,"Did you feel it?" Yes, I did and I knew what they were talking about.
this comment gave me goosebumps
That is absolutely beautiful. Almost brings me to tears!
Thanks for this video. I think I've always been a quaker and am just waking up to it :) I'll go to my first meeting this weekend
Interesting! Would you like to share your thoughts? I discovered it today and I'm really curious now.
Update? Thanks
ME TOO! and I am a descendant I was called back to home!
Jocelyn Darling Hi Jocelyn, your same words from 2 years ago apples to me today. I am curious if you are in the same opinion today. Do you mind share the experience ? Thank you. Márcio.
Yeah. I grew up in very authoritarian types of churches in the Pentecostal and evangelical flavors of both the most loving outreaches and the most loathsome in practice. For me, the best spiritual experiences i had weren't doing laps around the church while singing or while reading scripture; but working the food give away of tiny church of 15 people feeding 500 families a week. Speaking to homeless people like they are my peers and crossing the cararick rope bridge in northern Ireland during a storm of gail force winds to be blessed with the parting of tbe sun when i reached the grassy knoll on the otherside which was when i decided i no longer wanted to commit suicide and would fight for my wellness. I think that in many ways limiting god to a man-made concept that can be contained within the confines of human intelligence completely undermines the whole purpose of divinity which is greater than anything imaginable. So why do religious people put limits on god and judge people as "other" for not doing the "right" faith practice no matter how exploitative, abusive and brainwashing a systematic ignorance into their practitioners. Yeah... Kinda makes sense. Also, I'd rather be a quaker than an atheist. I like the idea of letting your life speak
Thank you for posting these! I'm post LDS Mormon and I feel like Quakerism is what I've been seeking for many many years.
I am also a former Mormon. The Quaker movement and the Anabaptists are something that I am strongly drawn to. Unfortunately there are no meetings of either fellowship in my area.
I'm an ex-mormon. I'm on a faith journey. I'm looking at several religions, several arguments against religion, everything from as many sides as possible. I'm learning so much and gaining insight in many places. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning about Quakers. I'm enjoying certain aspects of Unitarian Universalists, of secular Buddhism, of paganism. And I hope to find more to add to this list.
I'm also on a similar journey as yours. Right now I'm questioning my catholicism, learning more about the faith I was raised in, and learning about all other beliefs (even non-belief), in hopes of finding where I feel my heart would belong.
@whoareyoutoaccuseme6588 I've heard mormonism and catholicism both be called "high demand religions." I prefer that term instead of "cult" even though the B.I.T.E. model proves mormonism has many qualities of a cult.
In mormonism, I was always told, "We have the fullness of the gospel/the Restoration/all the answers/more truth than anywhere else. There is no need to look at other religious beliefs. They don't have truth. They only have confusion and bickering."
I'm really feeling free as I explore. I'm not expecting anyone to have "all the answers" because I don't think we're supposed to have all the answers. Just hearing other ideas about who God is, why were here, and what the afterlife might be like and various philosophies is very exciting to me. I think I should take a world religion class at the nearby community college. 🤔 But I'm also seeing what I need to feel spiritually fulfilled without some church leadership telling me what I need.
@@unicorntamer2207 You hit the nail in the head. Many Catholics hold their faith in such a high pedestal because they believe it is the ONE TRUE church, the one the disciple Peter founded in Rome, and that every other denomination is just a means for Satan to confuse us.
My idea is similar to yours: every belief on earth is equal in that they just a means for humans to ponder the about their purpose and olace in the universe. It just so happens that some believe that that they hold only truth.
But that can't be it. Since nobody has absolute proof that they're right besides scripture and historical accounts with unreliable crdibility, and faith.
I think what they say is right: we are all agnostics -- even the atheists -- because none of us has concrete proof that we are correct. No one has THE answers.
I've always thought about it that way after I studied World Religions in high school: they're all just different models humans use to ponder non-physical concepts, such as the concept of the divine, in such a way that could easily be accepted and integrated in their culture.
Personally I like having faith in something, but only on something with an ideology I can identify with. I was so certain that I was lucky to be raised in Catolicism, but after analyzing everything it demands from its adherents, as well as all the disgusting hypocrisies that happens within its doors everyday, I am not so sure about it anymore.
I am also a former Mormon on a searching spiritual Sojourn. I find myself drawn to the Quakers and Anabaptist faith. Unfortunately there are neither churches in my area.
No SENHOR JESUS CRISTO podemos encontrar plena vida e paz.
ELE É O VERDADEIRO DEUS E A VIDA ETERNA:1Jo.5:20-21.
Invoque-O e tenha intimidade com nosso MARAVILHOSO SENHOR E DEUS!
Um abraço! Pr. Cássio Roberto- Brasil.
I was raised evangelical and pushed out by the increasing hypocrisy. I crave a community especially one that is involved in helping and activism. This is speaking so much to me. I don’t know that I believe in the Christian god but the idea of “god” and the spirit being inside everyone is so beautiful to me.
I’ve been getting more and more into quakerism and learning that there are people who feel the same as me is such a beautiful feeling. I’m attending my first meeting very soon!
I didn’t know I was a Quaker until now.
I feel at peace just listening to them , they are so gentle and peaceful
This was quite an experience. I don’t know what drew me to see this video, but with every minute of it I felt like this is meant to happen somehow. I was born and raised as an atheist. I can’t say I was searching for something spiritual. But I’m gonna look them up in my city.
I'm an Atheist but I believe in the utility of God and I've been thinking I should join a church to be part of a community and teach my kids that community is important but I feel like a fraud doing so.
I was also drawn to this video, looked up a meeting near me and I live less than a block away from a "Friends Church". Looks like it was meant to be! Did you find a meeting? How'd it go? I'm trying to talk my husband into going with me.
@@katrinah1898 yes, I’ve found a “fellowship of friends”, and I’m attending their monthly “silent prayer” the first Sunday of September.
@@katrinah1898 Friends Churches are actually a different branch that broke away from the more traditional Friends (such as those featured in this video) about 250 years after the beginning of Quakerism. Friends churches do have paid clergy and while they sometimes incorporate a period of silent worship they are more similar to a traditional Protestant Christian Church in that their services are "programmed". If you want to experience the more traditional practice of silent worship, you have to find a Friends Meeting. You will know it because the word Church will not be anywhere in the name.
@Kindred Gottlieb-Gutierrez good to know. We did end up going to the Friends Church. I thought I'd give it 2 months. They were nice people but it was a traditional church.
@@katrinah1898there are liberal and conservative versions of Quakerism. Hicksite or liberal Quakerism is what you are seeking.
It does change everything. This shift happened to me radically as an atheist/agnostic all my life. As soon as that shift in the quality of my experience accompanied the recognition that the trace of God and the infinite is in everyone... Which means the closer we get to each other, the closer we get to God, to heaven, to the Kingdom!... Here... In you... On earth...
this what Rumi said over 8-9 hundred years ago, if you looking for God , God is everywhere yet within in you and within every cell and every fiber of you. if you don't know anything than learn the alfabet of your heart language and learn the most purest way of your understanding.
God’s Word is clear on how we are to approach Him...🙏
Yeah but jesus said I am the way the truth and the life
@@bensanders8443
Respectfully, I like him the most but he didn't live long enough to help humanity.
@Adeline Bennett
You welcome dear, stay safe and healthy.
Jesus is the Divine Alphabet of the human heart. In the Bible's book of Revelation(22:13), Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
For being a Christian theology, Quakers sure have some Hindu-like beliefs and practices (seemingly more dvaita or vishishadvaita). Inspiring video!
Om Namah Shivaya
🧡🕉🙏
Jesus said “The kingdom of god is within”. I like the gospel of Thomas. Very eastern in thought.
Omg I’m a Quaker and didn’t even realize it. Some people speaking here are speaking of my exact philosophies of life and of god.
I believe all these things - you have tapped into my heart! I grew up in a very judgmental and fearful church setting. So I left the church when I was old enough to go against my parents will to stay in the church. I've never gone back but I have still often felt Christ right beside me. I would love to attend a meeting of Friends as a like minded community of loving and kind folk really appeal to me. I would also love my kids to grow up in an environment that teaches kindness and openness to spirit, without the judgement, bigotry, and persecution that I experienced in my youth.
Im a Quaker. God is love. Jesus is the example of how to enact that love.
Do Quakers discern between good and evil?
Jesus is God.
@@Samperor is he?
@Paul Pugh He choose to be free from God. Is he letting this happen or did "we" did this to ourselves.
@@Samperor Depends on if you believe in the Trinity or not. Some Christian faiths do, some don't, and some lie somewhere inbetween.
Todos mis problemas eclesiásticos a lo largo de los ultimos 40 años se han disipado oyendo y leyendo vuestros comentarios y libros. Muchas gracias por vuestra misión y un gran abrazo desde España donde desgraciadamente no encontramos Amigos fácilmente. Resulta que sin saberlo llevó siendo cuaquero muchos años.
The more quaker videos I watch on TH-cam, the more I think these people are on to something.
This is a beautiful video. Thanks for everyone who contributed to it!
My great great grandfather was a Friend, of Mount Holly,NJ died in 1909, but he is always with me and guides me.
That's Great
As I watched this I was thinking of all the people to whom I'm going to send a link to the video. This video was masterfully done, with the usual high production values; this may be the best "explainer" we can put out there. Thank you, Jon Watts and Friends Journal!
think I found my people! My ancestors came to America as Quakers and I love these ideals!
Firmly believing in peace elevates your peace of mind.
Righteous! This was really cool. I’m glad that I felt compelled to learn about the quakers - thank you for this!
I have been binge watching different videos about Quakers. Its beautiful and the equality of humanity and none judgment is wonderful. ❤
What a nice church =)
There a lot of Quakers here in Pennsylvania. Actually, without Quakers, there would be no Pennsylvania lol. I didn't realize they believed in these teachings.
Pennsylvania = = Penn's woods
@@2Ryled Nope lol. There are active Quakers in Philadelphia. They even operate a prestigious school, Friends Select.
Sure you are not confusing them with the Amish or Mennonites??
@@Shazzyhtown I belonged to a quaker meeting house as a child. My grandmother and aunt married in that meeting house. Went to quaker Sunday school there. Went to 2 very well known quaker schools and attended worship there weekly. I am aware of the quaker schools in the area and even colleges that really aren't quaker any more. Their words not mine via ph discussion. I even mowed and weeded a quaker cemetery as a kid. Got on hands and knees and cut weeds from around graves. I live near Mennonite and Amish ordnungs. Would see them weekly.
@@2Ryled Ahh you have true PA roots! lol. Funny thing is now I live in Texas and its harder to find Quakers or Mennonites down here. There is a small Amish community near Forth Worth though. Mennonites are in a community in Central Texas. Brisket BBQ is nice of course, but I miss sampling Pennsylvania Dutch food. I can imagine all three groups stick out in my new(overly proud and patriotic) state. =)
Heck PA has Quakertown lol
While I'm listening, the way the Quakers believe,resonates with my beliefs as well!!!
My ancestry on my maternal grandfathers side was predominantly Quaker, but I'm Jewish and I notice there seems to be a similar feeling of connection when we both talk about our practice.
We have a lot of Quaker-Jewish folks here in Pasadena, CA at Orange Grove Friends meeting.
I'm black and Muslim and I respectfully form Quakers besides they are very live helping people.
Quakerism is the future of Christianity. A Quaker like understanding and approach is how we will reach the world in these last days
I think it's really very simple. If it's true God is all about loving & doing good in the world then people should take care to be all about loving & doing good in the world too.
What you say is true and even if a small amount of people believe this we change the world. The Quakers have only done good and tried to heal, never negative and never violent. God doesn’t judge us so I surely can’t, only myself.
@@TheForkedtoungue To me Quakerism has been the most reasonable & desirable of the Christian sects ever since its 17th Century inception. What a positive revolution in spiritual & moral thinking George Fox introduced to the world. The tragedy is how few people throughout history have taken its lovely teachings to heart.
This was great ! I saw a meeting for Quakers here in Detroit. Thank you for the insight 👌🏾
Was looking at unitarian but quaker for me is a match
My faith is a living by ethics with a strong moral code which influences my every thought and action. It is this truth through compassion and humility for every living thing.
Quakers seem very nice and it seems nice for introverts. Personally I like the communication, singing and style of traditional Christian services but maybe I'll attend sometime.
Yeah, unfortunately, Unprogrammed Quakers don't do much singing. One is always free to stand and sing if they are moved to, however.
Conservative Quakers or Friends churches, you can absolutely get the style of worship you desire.
This video explains a bit better. th-cam.com/video/cp8YmhFjP30/w-d-xo.htmlsi=OmnTF05O_yzd96aJ
What beautiful and hopeful testimonies something worth discovering
They seem my kind of people and my kind of church. I've always been interested in them.
I'm here to learn the history The Quakers. I've learned my Grandfather 5 generations back,Daniel Boone was a Quaker!! I see and realize the Quakers are spiritually connected to the Lord!! Beautiful people, I will say!!
My core experiences lead me to God and in that Journey my family history Irish/Scottish Immigrants to seek out Quaker Beliefs connected to that history.I felt it describes my beliefs and by example truer to me than the label of Christianity and it's history by example.I didn't realize Quakers were still around...study time again❤I'm so overjoyed to find these videos and this knowledge ..it fits me like a glove❤
Wonderful video! Hello from the Denver friends meeting! God bless you and keep you in the Light!
Finally a smart belives i relate to...i fill refreshed and actually relieved theres so many of you just like me .
I want to join the quakers!!
I think the only reason spreading the word of quakerism did not take off is because it's not profit based.
Yes
We were 1/3 of the colonial population. We became too insular in the 19th century and liberal quakers lost their powerful preachers.
Thank you, Friends.
I believe that there is a spirit that likes to do no evil, a spirit that yearns for me to be happy and to be able to connect on deep levels with other people, a spirit that wants me to search and to find and to act, a spirit that wants me to be responsible, and at the same time, to be bold and take risks...what a profound and beautiful belief.
I totally think I am a closet Quaker I have never seen anything that is exactly how I think of God and Jesus the world people Etc I am really excited about this
perhaps its not the same because we are online but i fetl moved to add this comment. I never spoke once in the years between k-12 which i attended quaker meeting but i just want to express my love for this theology its the only one ive ever found thats consistently loving of all people no matter who they are or what they look like and i find it an incredibly powerful thing. I idenitfy personally as non theist quaker (quaetheist) but its because of how much i believe in the SPICES that i feel its meaningful to define myself separately from traditional atheism. I love tom hoopes too he really got me to explore this aspect of my life and i apprecitate him so much
I may have found out recently that I have been a Quaker for the last 20 years without knowing it. Few and far between, I guess. Lol
Yup, a good religious sect. I'm an atheist, but if I have to choose a Christian religion, I'd choose to be a Quaker.
5:16 god is present. Don't need a pastor to speak to or hear god for us. Divine is always with us.
I don't mind silence, other people around me are uncomfortable with it and I've been shown I should feel uncomfortable with it. So I've learned to feel uncomfortable being silent with other people, but in grasping frantically for something to say...I can't think of anything to say. 🤦♀️
I'm really enjoying this video!!
God is Love dwelling in your hearts; so the Kingdom of heaven is within you. When you realize this truth, your life will sing the music of Love.
lovely to hear this information about Quaker faith -- please guide us by your goodness and witness -- help me to become more green in all ways May the Spirit bless you and all family amen
Doing research on family history. My 4th great grandmother was in ohio. Came over from siglo Ireland mcgirr/ McClintock. Thank you for the educational video. My 3rd great was Wilson. With this video I believe they were great people.
Wow!! I just became a Quaker
How interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Very good video. I appreciate everyone's sharing, one quibble around the 6 minute mark- the word Pastor, at least in the Lutheran tradition is called that to distinguish them from a priest, who would be an intermediary to God, that we are all connected to the creator directly and that the Pastor is more like a shepherd for the congregation leading and organizing, not creating the connection with God. Not total sure if what I say holds up in the context of communion for the different Lutheran traditions but just wanted to bring up the distinction between Pastor and Priest. The only protestants I know of with priests are Anglicans and Episcopalians.
Thank you very much for your witness with these videos, as someone who is attending a Quaker meeting they are very informative.
Belief. That is the common theme in describing religions, and denominations. But for Friends/Quakers belief is not what our spiritual is centered on, nor concerned with. I speak for many, though directly from my experience. We Friends do not believe this or that; we have an experience of the divine. We do not recite creeds nor appeal to creedal. Just as no one says "I believe there is a sun up in the sky" or says "I believe it rises in the East and sets in the West" ---- no one says that because we see it with out own eyes and it is confirmed by others. Not a matter of belief. And so it is, that spiritual illumination by the Inner Light is an experienced fact. Whereas who can say honestly "Jesus died on the cross and arose three days later" because no one living was there. But many whether Quaker or not can say "i have experience love in my heart; I have had a redeeming experience that has brought me into the Light". ... Hence, I prefer that we Quakers not discuss belief, but experience and knowledge.
Million have experienced Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection in their hearts! And their experience is confirmed by the Bible.
So if you don't even believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins, what is the point? You're a heretic.
I love your videos! I'm a member of the United Church of Christ, where all Christian beliefs are accepted. But I'd love to visit a friend's meeting one day :)
jungle305 yes they do
Brother you would be very welcome. We welcome everyone. Peace and blessings from Ireland.
I live near an ancient quaker burial site
I'm not a Quaker, but my beliefs seem to seem quite similar. I believe every living creature contains the spark of God, and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. I find I can relate to our Creator or maybe the Spirit of God anywhere, especially out in creation. Finding a quiet place on a mountain, a beach, or over looking a beautiful field usually makes our conversation easier. I feel my spiritual quest is a journey and can't wait to see where it will lead me next !
Hey, I've got a question. When the Bible says, "Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil," or are you going to believe what Jesus Himself said or stick with the whole "every living creature contains the spark of God" idea? Yes, we should treat every human being with respect, but his not every human being in his or natural state a blind, fallen sinner in need of redemption?
Thanks for this video about Quakers
This is awesome. I just met my first "Friends" church today. I'm curious. This is a lot like me
practicing silence doesn't prohibit using words in prayer.
I'm agnostic. But I do like the diversity of Christianity. Especially in their meditative practises. Wether it's silent worship in a friend's meeting. Evensong or taize service in a Unitarian/ Angelican setting. Anyone agree?
amen
There are many good Christian traditions and churches out there. Find one that will draw you closer to God!
I feel like this is one denomination that appeals to agnostics. I took feel mostly agnostic, but trying very hard to be a " believer"
@@williamrushby2140 Amen to that.
Gnostic mysticism Quaker
The spirit of God is not innate and found in you as a revelation a person can be without God’s Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:14 , 6:11, and 6:19.
To seek within ourselves truth is foolish and arrogant. It lacks humility. We are empty full of our own imaginations and folly at best. The truth is not in us. Romans 3: 9-19
It is the image of God that is in us all. His breath of life. This is what we recognize. This is what we innately understand as sacred. Not His Spirit.
I fear this looking within one’s self and assuming you have found God’s spirit may be a great error. The “seeing” God in some one is to understand their humanity is sacred because it is from God.
You can do or understand nothing on your own. You can not even understand what is of you or God. You can not do God’s will without His word. His scripture says,” All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I do not see a Bible or any scripture reading. I see self-meditation … as if wisdom will spring from our own understand not the word of God. Be careful. Remember Proverbs: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5
Christopher Stewart correct!!!
Wow it should be called narcissism. There is only one mediator. Jesus Christ of Nazareth , the Word of God.
AMEN
@Queenofthegoofballs74 If I Judge anyone it is myself and in truth, I have no right to do this. I hope that I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know anything apart from God. I hope I am not seeking my "inner" truth through meditation, contemplation, or self-examination. I know the truth is not "in" me. I have learned through life that the truth is not in me. I can not even control the action of my mind. No, if I wish truth, it is only through his word. I pray my humility is true. No, I judge no one, God's word directs me only to love my neighbor. Judgment is His alone. Seeking self-revelation or God's will is a practice of reading his word- the true revelation, prayer for guidance, and action of truth as his word directs. Hopefully, I will grow in humility, not self-introspection. I desire to be of use to Him and not myself. I truly hope you understand this in what I am saying.
Absolutely agree, God is in us!!!!
Of course the Calvinists,throughout history, hated Quakers, they’re the opposite of the strict doctrine and dogma the evangelicals and others teach.
That sounds like Buddhism. I'm intrigued.
No offense but you may have a poor understanding of Buddhism then.
I want to go to a quaker worship this summer because I am keen on discovering this belief. But I don’t go church so I don’t know what to do also the fact that I don’t know anyone there..
4:50 "Sitting in silence with a group of people Sunday after Sunday, that's as intimate as I can think of within a community" is indeed an astounding & deeply rich experience I am lucky to share while mindfully meditating with people I didn't know 2 yrs ago and with whom I can progressively share intimate experiences.
It can be intimidating to go to a Quaker meeting for the first time. Check out our "What to Expect in Quaker Meeting for Worship" video -- th-cam.com/video/hxjH4sa2RFI/w-d-xo.html -- it may demystify things a bit. And find a Quaker meeting near you at www.friendsjournal.org/meeting-listings . Good luck!
Just show up at meeting time with your ego in your hip pocket and tell them that you want to learn about Quakerism and Friends Meetings....
I just went for the first time last weekend. It was very awesome! If you feel awkward in the silence, you can pick up the local faith and practice book and read, no one will judge you as you do. I can't wait to go back Sunday... I have never said that in my life about church.
You could go to your local meeting but if you don’t have one you could try and find the yearly meeting in your state which has many different meeting meet in the summer for like a week and learn about Quaker’s and see what it’s kinda like.
Going to my 1st meeting tomorrow
I thought I would have to start a new religion to have something close to what I believe in. Turns out I may have been a Quaker all this time. lol
You hear so much in the silence.
JOHN 14:6 I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH THE LIFE , NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME - JESUS.
I find mystery drawn to the Quaker and Anabaptist faiths. I have been searching since I left Mormonism decades ago. Unfortunately there are no Friends meetings in my rural area.
Joh 14:16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper so He may be with you forever-
Joh 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him. You know Him, because He abides with you and will be in you.
Being responsive to the spirit sometimes needs and requires support, quakers have versions of this but really struggle with strong girders to support one another in their community, though a very beautiful religion. The world can be so far away from what it needs to ve, community and support is called for and required to keep out of danger and to help nourish the directions when being responsible and faithful to our purpose
I agree with the view of Quakers in so many ways, though I am more convicted & certain of Jesus being the way & a necessity. I have good reason for this.....All my life I "believed" in God, praying, studying, etc., but I didn't necessarily follow very well. One night I completely gave my life to him with full commitment. I laid in bed & every time I closed my eyes I saw myself in hell, facing my demons. It became terrifying & wouldn't stop, but then I saw Jesus on a cross in the middle of a storm. I also realized that I was laying as a man on a cross. I begged & I begged him to take my demons away, which he did. This happened 3 times, reminding me of his 3 days before raising from the dead. After the 3rd time I had peace & I saw a book opened, which I believe was his book of life. I was shown that my life had a path & that I would have signs/symbols to help along the way (which has came true, especially through dreams & such). I was taken to the outside of heaven, which I turned down entry, believing it would mean the end of my life, but I chose to stay to fulfill my duties as a father & a servant. I was then shown many celebrating I suppose the unselfish decision which I had made & then I was shown that I would be cleaned up, which came true. It wasn't long & the holy spirit began teaching me, opening my eyes to see things much differently, leading me to better understand my missteps & to make some big changes in my life. Before this night I often had nightmares of falling or of being chased by snakes, both being warnings of the path that I was on. Today I often have dreams that I help chase snakes away from other people & though not perfect, I try to follow through, witnessing & helping others to better know Jesus & to better understand many things in this world, which confuse us, endanger us, & take us off of our path & far from the shepherd.
You would not be alone among Friends
Sad to say I can't find a Quaker meeting near me. I Live in Western Washington on the Olympic Peninsula.
That's Great
Hi. THANK YOU
you talk of christ consciousness and your worship looks like and appears to be very much like meditation....im not famiiar with what a quaker is but from hearing and seeing this, we clearly are on the same page....just wow! all are connected one love woop woop :)
Go deeper
Read the Bible. Looking "within" or mediating on something outside the revelation of God's Word is not going result in true, spiritual illumination. Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures, for they were written all about Me."
The Quakers Were All Watching As Enea Vico Failed To Wait For Anebone In His Performance Of Euripides
I relate most to quakerism but I don’t believe in god and whenever I try and force myself to I just can’t.. can anyone help me find my religion?
Maybe you're just spiritual. You don't HAVE to have a religion. It does feel good to be a part of something, I get it...but we weren't born to have a label on us.
Check out Paul Tillich.
Im not Quaker but I think its great Ive been checking it out
I attended a Quaker meeting for two years and there were many aspects of it that I appreciated but for a group of people who profess to be loving and seeing God in all of us they can certainly be judgmental. At the time I attended I was a single mother of a teenager and a five year old, I remember being asked to show up at a demonstration where I could have been arrested. I had to decline because my responsibility was to my children, I resented that I was asked. I felt that I had to prove myself to the friends of the meeting. So much for love and understanding.
What was the demonstration, if you don't mind me asking?
Try a Christian Quaker fellowship!
Sorry you had that experience. You would not have had that experience everywhere. Please don't paint with a broad brush. You are welcome among Friends. I bet if you brought that to their attention they would be abhorred or embarrassed that you interpreted their intentions thusly. :)
When I attended a Friend's Church we didn't go to demonstrations. We had a pastor and we sat silent at the beginning of the service. This doesn't resemble the Church I attended so many years ago.
.
What is the Quaker opinions on Gods Laws, Precepts and Commandments? Are they valid today or not? My family came with William Penn and I have generations of Quakers and I am curious about beliefs of Quakers.
Jesus fulfilled religion and I still appreciate those who mention it, in their comments, as if Jesus being God is a religion and not simply a uniting fact.
Interesting
I am a Friend that is processing through my understanding of how my peace testimony meets the current state where I feel people in power are not showing their Light of God. I believe that peace is the answer and that there is that of God in everyone and would welcome more resources to explore how to reconcile this with the importance of standing against the active hatred displayed by those with political power.
I love this
So true all the way through I think I'm a Quaker
And I'm only in the first three minutes post you later
Is there space for centrists quakers? I'm a Black woman who is no longer entirely progressive and I'm really drawn to Quakerism as my relationship with god becomes more defined. A lot of these videos though seem really political and I totally respect how that can be part of how some people are called to express their faith I'm just wondering if one has to be either progressive or evangelical or whether there's space for the tension of loving the light in all people while not necessarily endorsing all of their behaviors? I understand that philosophically there's room for everyone in Quakerism but I'm wondering practically if I would be welcome in the greater Quaker community if I didn't adopt or at least endorse the current activist cultural framework?
Liberal Quakers are predominantly progressive in terms of social views and politics. But there are many moderates or centrists amongst us. Each meeting is a bit different, so it's important to visit as many as you can if you have more than one near you. There are Conservative Friends who might be more along the line you are talking about. There are also Evangelical Quakers too
Living in the Northeast most of my life, I was inundated with "Religion is your American right but DON'T TALK ABOUT IT because if you talk about it, you're forcing someone else to be a religion they don't want to be." That was the culture of the area.
Living in the Southeast about an equal amount of my life where if you're not Chrsitian enough, you are scary and cannot fit in. I've been to Unitarian "Churches" and they are great but I always felt like I needed something more. I hate how different religions cut out others like LGBTQ, African American (about 30-50 years ago), other religions etc. This might very well be my spiritual home. I can't promise I'll be the most quiet person. I think, maybe, this might be where I belong.
So are Quakers Christian? Or is the belief in God dependent on the person?
I think they are real Christian because they try to live the way Jesus want us to live that love other people. Jesus doesn't care much about stupid laws: "I have only 1 commandment that you love one another like you love me. It doesn't like others who use God only to promote their agenda and love to persecute others who don't agree with them.
Evangelical Quakers, Conservative Quakers are universally Christian. Liberal Quakerism includes Christians but doesn't require it of their members anymore.
What Spirit are you referring to???