Posted: September 10, 2023   •   Posted in: Discussions, Faith

That of God in every one?

In a recent ‘Friday discussion’ asking ‘What do Quakers believe?’ we considered how language has the potential of both dividing and drawing together. We looked at some phrases commonly used by Quakers. These included, ‘…that of God in everyone’, words offered by George Fox in the mid-17th century.

 ‘…be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one.’ (my italics)  (Quaker faith & practice 19-32)

In 1656 George Fox was imprisoned in Launceston in Cornwall. From there he wrote to ministers. Speaking of the Spirit his letter included the well-loved passage shown above. George Fox clearly spoke in Christian language which may not speak directly to all Quakers today. I have heard the phrase and this passage readily quoted by some who would not define themselves as Christian. Although this also applies to me, I find the passage inspires me in a number of ways, and I reflect on it often. However in a more theologically diverse Society of Friends, what then might ‘… answering that of God in everyone’ mean to Quakers today? What does it mean to those of us who use the phrase, but perhaps without much thought? Does it matter what we believe ‘God’ to be?

During the discussion in our meeting house there were many different views expressed. Here are responses from three people who were there, and who wrote down their thoughts afterwards. These individual perspectives are (probably) unrepresentative of our meeting, and even more so of Quakers in general. Reading them and reflecting on what was said, however, has led me to consider what speaks to me, and whether I might reconsider how and when I use the phrase myself.

Quaker 1

I have always thought this was inspired by the Gospel of Luke – “the kingdom of God is within you.” It’s a concept that doesn’t seem to be confined to Christianity. Similar ideas seemed evident when I attended the meetings of the Western Order of the Buddhists, I think they were then called, and the transcendental meditation sessions I attended.

It’s a concept that rings true to me, and something I believe can be explored in Silent Worship. I used to think everyone who attended The Quakers shared this belief, and that Silent Worship was an exercise in communion. Obviously, this isn’t even remotely the case!

I also like the term “explorer” rather than “seeker”. Seeking, in this context, reminds me of someone who is looking for their glasses, having forgotten they are perched on top their own head.

Quaker 2

To me ‘…that of God in everyone…’ means looking for that capacity in everyone which can feel, express or respond to love.

Quaker 3

‘That of God in everyone’ … makes me think of the connectedness of everyone and everything, at a very basic level.  People, animals, trees, all of nature – we’re all made out of the same ‘stuff’.  So if there is a spark of ‘God’ in any of creation, it will be there across all of it.  I think that’s beautiful and comforting as well as being humbling.

Such a phrase, however, comes with a challenge. As Quaker and author Barrie Mahoney asks, ‘Is God really within everyone’? What about those whose behaviours we consider abhorrent?  Can we see, or believe at least that somewhere there is ‘that of God’ within them? However, as Barrie Mahoney goes on to say, ‘Is it right that we alone determine who is ‘God Inspired’ or not?’ Listen to him here.

Personally I do believe there is ‘that of God in everyone’.  I might find it difficult to see,  and so difficult or even impossible to respond to.  However if I can remind myself there is something to be found, then hopefully I will not stop looking.

Carrie (Beccles Meeting) + three local Quakers