Posted: July 27, 2023   •   Posted in: Discussions, Faith

What do Quakers believe?

Image: “I want to believe” by jasleen_kaur is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

A recent Friday discussion at the Beccles Meeting House considered the question “What do Quakers Believe?”  What follows is Steve’s introduction to the topic. He ends this piece by noting that no conclusions were reached. However the discussion led to considerable searching and sharing, and ongoing reflection about an important area.

Introduction to the discussion

Quakerism as practised in the UK sees itself as being an inclusive spiritual grouping which welcomes people of all faiths and none. Consequently the question, ‘What do Quakers believe?’, is not easy to answer – and does it really matter anyway? Arguably in creedal churches different members of the congregations will have different levels of understanding and interpretation of beliefs. Are we so different?

We have no creed or liturgy or priests to guide our way so everyone is basically left to their own devices. We support each other in the silence and share insights through ministry. But the question remains how can we be a unified spiritual community if we all have different spiritual beliefs?

By definition a belief is a conviction, faith or confidence in something or someone in the absence of conclusive evidence to justify that belief.  A challenge to a deeply held belief can feel threatening and emotionally charged. It can also be a barrier to an exploration of each other’s beliefs.

What binds us together?

Quakerism is a way of living supported by five key testimonies – Simplicity, Truth, Equity Peace and Sustainability. There are also some identifiable threads that join us together. We recognize the importance of personal silence and the inner voice. We acknowledge with others the mystery of that silence in the Quaker meeting. Most importantly we recognise there is something beyond ourselves which unites us. As seekers we are engaged in an ongoing search for experiences and insights that help us get closer to that something.

Advice and queries No. 18 encourages us to ‘seek to know one another in things that are eternal‘. How can we get to know one another in this way? We might do this by working together on various social justice and other projects. By socialising and playing together we begin to build up friendships and trust. Then by talking we can share insights, experiences and doubts. However, do we have a common and comfortable language for these issues so can we do this in a constructive way?

Using religious language

Quakerism has its roots in Christianity and some people find traditional Christian language such as in the bible to be full of meaning and a window through which new insights emerge. To others however it is a complete anathema.

The word God can be particularly contentious and divisive despite the fact it is mentioned 30 times in our Advices and queries. Other words sometimes used to describe the divine are the spirit, the seed, the source, the inner light. It seems to me it is important to accept that the word god is just that – a word – a label for the ineffable, “that which is too great or extreme to be described in words.”

In his book “Quaker Shaped Christianity” Mark Russ points out:

We tend to shy away from discussing our beliefs finding unity in a shared silence. Unfortunately, this silence makes it even more difficult for people to find out what Quakerism is and stops Quakers from knowing one another better. At worst this silence does not really unite us at all. It becomes the rug we sweep our differences under. The silence prevents us from learning one another’s religious language to the point where we can no longer understand or communicate with one another.  (Mark Russ 2003 p 2)

Sharing our understanding

Our challenge is to overcome these barriers in communication. In the discussion we looked at two phrases commonly used by Quakers: ‘That of God in everyone’ and ‘To hold someone in the light’.

We emphasised two passages from Advice and queries to set the tone for the discussion.

While respecting the experiences and opinions of others do not be afraid to say what you have found and what you value. (Advices & queries No. 5)

When words are strange or disturbing do you try to sense where they have come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions might contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible you may be mistaken. (Advices and queries No. 17)

Inevitably we reached no conclusions but by exploring together with respect and in humility we will be able to begin to know one another in that which is eternal. Undoubtedly we will find that there is more that unites us than divides us in the spiritual realm!