MFT21

Today I want to introduce you to Quakers (The Religious Society of Friends). We really are not all that different from other folk. We did have a unique beginning in England and because of that and a few other things we have been terribly misunderstood. A lot of people think we still dress like the man on the Quaker Oats box. That's not us at all.

From the beginning, Quakers, following the advice of the man who was their founder, George Fox, stressed inward spiritual experiences rather than the need of specific creeds. They believed that they should get together for worship and wait until they were moved by the Spirit. Then, whoever was moved by the Spirit could speak. Therefore, they believed that they didn't need a professional ministry and that everyone is able to recieve the Spirit because God gives the "Inner Light" to everyone. Quakers rejected Baptism and Communion and stressed simplicity in dress, manners, speech, and food becuase they tried to imitate Christ.

In the light of Quaker teaching and the belief that all social classes are equal, the Quakers used what is known as plain speech, which emphasized "thee" instead of the more formal "you." Quaker merchants rejected bargaining because they believed that bargaining indicates that truth can be adjusted. Because Friends rejected an organized ministry, they refused to pay tithes to support the established church, the sacraments, an arranged service of worship, and any mention of an authority other than a very basic church system. Quakers interpreted the Scriptures literally, for example, "Do not swear," and "Do not resist one who is evil" were important to them. Therefore, they opposed any particip- ation in war and they refused to take oaths.

Modern Quakers may or may not follow these early principles. Many of us have a paid ministry. An important Friend, Rufus Jones always jokingly said it was a partially paid ministry. Many Friends Ministers have to support their families by working at another trade in addition to serving a congregation as their pastor. There are also, however, some Meetings that do not have any paid leaders.

Most of us still refuse to swear under oath, but affirm that what we say is true. There are an increasing number of Friends who participate in military activities, but Friends do continue to maintain a peace testimony that all war is wrong and contrary to the teachings of our Lord. In this position we are joined by the Brethtren and Mennonites and more and more people of other persuasions as well as many who are outside of the church.

I have tried to give a brief introduction to the Quakers. Who they are and how they got that way. Anyone who is interested, please feel free to send me an Email and I will do my best to offer further details. Thank you.

Earl J. Prigntz