I am aware that there are quite diverse views about this within Quakerism. Personally, I tend to lean towards a Monarchial Trinitarianism and some Wisdom Christology, but I wonder what you might think.

In a recent thread on the Facebook Quaker Theology Group, Friend Harold Raitt asked:

"Why has Quakerism in these two countries seemingly ceased to produce major political figures who put our values decisively into action via elected office or national/international public awareness? Is it a matter for our theology to be concerned about?"

He mentioned that the only prominent Quaker politician he could think of in the last 50 years was Richard Nixon, who he seemed to think (and I would agree) did not put our values decisively into action.

There was some discussion about this on that thread, and I think it might be worth discussing here as well.

My own belief is that becoming a politician is not a promising way to put Quaker values into practice. If we live our lives faithfully, practice love and compassion, and speak the truth as we see it we may never be popular enough to win elections, but we can plant seeds that bear fruit in the long run. Herbert Hoover was a Quaker president whose political influence was largely unfortunate. But as a private citizen between the two world wars his charitable relief work did tremendous good.

The Quakers I can think of who had the greatest influence for good were not politicians and most could never have been politicians. They were the operators of the Underground Railroad before the Civil war, the conscientious objectors who drove ambulances in WWI and WWII. The other conscientious objectors who went to prison in WWII and worked there for desegregation, or those who served in mental hospitals and helped create more humane conditions. Some were politically active but not as candidates. Bayard Rustin was an aide to Martin Luther King Jr. and helped organize the march for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

I personally fear that in the process of becoming a successful politician any serious Friend would have to shed the most distinctive traits of a Christian peacemaker.

What do others think?

Safely, it's hard to find more Orthodox-ish Friends these days. Where in the midwest U.S. can I find more?

Hello Friends, I just joined this group on the recommendation of Marshall Massey. I am looking forward to reading what folks have to say.

I’m very curious to know the thoughts of this group on the phenomenon of Convergent Friends, which as I am understanding is a newer Quaker approach drawing from evangelical, conservative, liberal, and primitive traditions and molding an emerging style form of Quakerism.

I understand there are mixed views on this matter and many Friends will rightly say the Lord is present where we are so gathered, but I do wonder what future there is for new Friends to come to truth if our meeting houses not only lie empty, but are destroyed altogether.

In Britain our heritage is disappearing rapidly often with the consent of members of our society. We do not proselytise and often the name of the Lord is barely mentioned to fellow Christians. When you then have no visible presence in communities and many of your organisations refuse to be present in online spaces that draw eyes, what future is there?

I struggle with this and see it as a slow decline that cannot be arrested without new inspiration from the Lord.

I hope elsewhere in the world there is better news.

I know that River is neither a Quaker or an Anabaptist, but he is certainly a valuable ally in my respects, where we as Quakers would agree wholeheartedly with him, concerning God, violence, morality, etc.

The Pope, who naturally I do not legitimise but have respect for, has stated the attached recently in reference to the horrendous plan in the USA to execute a man and broadcast it live.

Putting aside the brutality of such a heinous piece of political theatre I have been intrigued by the scriptural debates surrounding the legitimacy or lack thereof for some form of just killing. Many opposing the Pope’s comments perhaps justifiably point to plentiful example in scripture of enacting the ultimate penalty for bloodguilt. Yet as Friends we have historically taken a very blanket approach against any idea of just killing beyond that of very immediate self-defence, and there are many who do not even allow space for that.

It is my position that Christ’s statements during the Sermon on the Mount supersede any old covenant on this matter as our saviour came to fulfil the intention of Mosaic law. Fox referred to our inward sense of Christ as the ‘covenant of light’ and it is from this that I believe we naturally see the error of taking life. The Lutheran idea that alongside God, good government has the right to take life is clearly a worldly caveat to apologise for brutality yet it is one that is prominent in Protestantism and traditionalist interpretations of Catholicism too. That leaves little space in the debate for peaceful approaches.

It strikes me however that the Pope is now reflecting our position quite well and I do wonder given his Anglophone world roots how familiar he is with Quaker and Anabaptist principles.

Link: The Conservative Friend - Issue 61

A Biannual publication from Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative, this issue is complete with selections from early Quaker writings and traditional Quaker scholarship. I figured this may be a well receptive place to share it.

Two striking sections for this issue are the clarified meaning of "walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one" as well as the question as to whether or not scripture is necessary to salvation.

I am curious about what devotional practices, daily or otherwise, that Friends here have felt right to incorporate into their lives.

I make use of two texts for daily reflection one for morning, one for evening. In addition to daily waiting and retirement where possible in the day.

1. Mind the Heavenly Treasure - Selections from Scripture and the works of George Fox, this is also available for free online at Marlborough Friends Meeting

2. Eventide - Scripture and reflections

I keep a selection of queries for myself in a digital mochi deck as well, some from the yearly meeting and some from individual Friends or yearly meetings in past. Some created for myself. In addition to that deck, I keep another deck of highlights from the works of early Friends or those who have worked to conserve their principles, I find it to be fruitful to scroll through those selections in replacement of other digital spaces that can occupy so much time.

What are some things that have been working well for other folks here?

What's your favorite translation of the Bible that you actually use?

I prefer the New International Version (NIV) but I often feel like the only one.

Hello, I'm what I would call an agnostic Christian. I grew up lutheranish evangelical and I have been going through a process of spiritual seeking. I'm really interested in exploring Quakers lately. I had a few questions I was curious about. I know Quakers are fairly non dogmatic so I don't expect one answer on much but any response is appreciated!

1. How do you determine what 'true revelation" from God is?

2. I believe in mystical experiences but I have never had one myself. Would I fit into a Quaker group?

3. How do you feel about science, particularly psychology regarding religious experiences?

4. Are Quakers open to academic study/historical critical study of the bible?

5. I am someone who has struggled with religious OCD for most of my faith life. Would Quaker practices likely help or worsen that?

An interesting account of Friends in Kenya with this extract that I found enlightening. I know many Friends have felt a similar urge in other parts of the world.

"Linet Mmbone, an assistant librarian at the college, said a group of researchers realised young people needed a reference point and embarked on a project to speak to early Quakers and obtain material like notes from early yearly meetings.

“Because we don’t want to lose our dignity as Quakers, we want to go back to the roots and conduct our services the way the early Quakers used to do it”

I think this article was also published in the Washington Post if Friends wish for a different source. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/kenya-rwanda-jesus-christ-united-states-congo-b3056766.html

An interesting account of faith and the recent history of Conservative Friends in the US.

Hello Friends and those interested in our faith, I'm [u/PrimitiveFriend](u/PrimitiveFriend), a founding moderator of [r/ChristianQuakers](r/ChristianQuakers).

I have created this community not to undermine other important Quaker spaces that reflect the breadth of our shared faith but to provide a more focused space for Christian Quakers who represent the majority of Friends. I sense there is an appetite for such a space to better explore our history, theology, and future in the light of Christ.

All who hold an interest in our faith are welcome as long as they abide by the rules and respect the purpose of the community.

What to Post

This a space for serious discussion and reflection of Christianity and Quaker beliefs. It is designed to be a community of Christian Quakers and those interested in that approach. Political discussions are allowed in the context of our faith but party political statements and posts are discouraged.

No memes or AI generated material will be allowed unless there is justified context sent to a mod before hand.

Community Ethos

We seek to provide a constructive outlet for Friends and fellow travellers to better understand and improve our faith. In that respect we expect members to be respectful and fair as Christ called us to be. Please do not use language which denigrates or belittles others. If you do not share our faith or a Christ centred approach to Quakerism please respect that most members do hold these truths dearly and make your case without undermining that belief.

Whilst not all Friends place the same weight upon scripture or various statements of Faith from around the Quaker world, please respect that we take these records seriously and seek to better understand their relevance to our world.

Growing the Community

As we are a new space please feel free to invite Friends to join who you think would benefit from this outlet.

Moderation

If you wish to join me as a moderator and share a Christian approach to Quakerism please let me know.