What is Quakerism
Quakerism is a group of insights, attitudes and practices which together form a way of life, rather than a dogma of creed. It rests on a conviction that by looking into their inmost hearts people can have direct communion with their Creator. This experience cannot ultimately be described in words, but Quakers base their whole lives on it.
The Quaker movement arose in the mid-seventeenth century. Its followers called themselves ‘Friends of Truth’, or simply ‘Friends’. ‘Quaker’ was an abusive nickname used by others, but Friends have since adopted the term themselves, and today ‘Friend’ and ‘Quaker’ mean the same and are used interchangeably. The formal title is ‘The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)’.
Friends’ basic attitudes show themselves in certain ideas and practices, personal and collective, of which the most important are:
In their meetings for worship Quakers do not sing hymns or use set prayers, but wait on God together in silence. Out of this silence occasionally someone may speak briefly, or pray, or read from the Bible or other religious work. Quakerism arose at a time when England was a deeply Christian country, and present-day Friends often express themselves in Christian terms, but many different kinds of religious experience may be brought before God in the silent group.
Friends try to learn from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Gospels. They also try to live in the spirit of forgiving love that was shown in his life and death, and has been a living source of strength and inspiration to his followers ever since. This does not, however, prevent many Quakers from acknowledging a debt to the saints and sages of other religions and to wise people of no declared religion.
Quakers do not consider that ultimate authority can reside in a church or other organisation. Nor do they regard the mere words of the Bible, or any other writing, as authority; they try to enter into the spirit that inspired the writers. This does not mean that every Friend is his or her own authority. Belonging to the worshipping group exerts a gentle discipline which Friends gladly accept.
Quakers tend to live simply, but contrary to popular opinion, they are not rigidly puritanical. For example, some Friends are teetotal, while others drink alcohol in moderation.
Quakers recognise only one standard of truth, and consequently do not swear legal oaths. This attitude is also reflected in their avoidance of speculative business deals and gambling.
Quakers do not practise or condone discrimination by sex, social class or race.
The Quaker way implies non-violence in thought, word and deed. The great majority of Quakers refuse to fight in war, and make clear their opposition to all preparations for it. The Society is regarded as one of the traditional ‘peace churches’.
Quakers are prominent in work for disadvantaged people at home and abroad, though many people who admire this work are not aware of the religious conviction underpinning it.
Finally, it is fundamental to the Quaker way to be open to new insights from whatever source, to tolerate differing opinions, and to work for reconciliation wherever there is strife and enmity.
It should not be imagined, however, that Quakers are impossibly ‘good’ people. Like others they have their faults and fall short of their own aims. Nor do they claim that their path is the only true one; they have simply found it right for them.
While Friends are always glad to tell others what Quakerism means to them, they do not pressurise anyone to join them, but leave people free to decide whether the Quaker way really is for them.
Everyone is welcome to attend a Quaker Meeting for Worship, and Friends are delighted when people want to find out more about them. This may take some time. The best approach is to attend a Meeting for Worship on several occasions, and also Meetings in different places, and to do some reading. Leaflets on Friends’ silent worship and other aspects of the Quaker way can usually be obtained free from any meeting house.
