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Religious Society of Friends (view source)
Revision as of 19:39, March 26, 2009
, 19:39, March 26, 2009→Current beliefs: move from separate article
Quakers believe in direct ''revelation'', often referred to as the ''inner light'' or, in Fox's words, "that of God in everyone." Traditional Quaker meetings take place mostly in silence, with individual members standing up to speak when they believe they are moved to do so by God. [[Margaret Fell]] wrote that Fox had said
Quakers believe in direct ''revelation'', often referred to as the ''inner light'' or, in Fox's words, "that of God in everyone." Traditional Quaker meetings take place mostly in silence, with individual members standing up to speak when they believe they are moved to do so by God. [[Margaret Fell]] wrote that Fox had said
:the Scriptures were the Prophet's words, and [[Christ]]'s and the Apostle's words, and what, as they spoke, they enjoyed and possessed, and had it from the Lord and said, then what had any to do with the Scriptures, but as they came to the [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]], which gave them forth. You will say, Christ says this, and the Apostles say this but what can thou say? Are thou a child of Light, and have walked in the Light, and that thou speaks, is it inwardly from God?
:the Scriptures were the Prophet's words, and [[Christ]]'s and the Apostle's words, and what, as they spoke, they enjoyed and possessed, and had it from the Lord and said, then what had any to do with the Scriptures, but as they came to the [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]], which gave them forth. You will say, Christ says this, and the Apostles say this but what can thou say? Are thou a child of Light, and have walked in the Light, and that thou speaks, is it inwardly from God?
===Liberal Quakers===
Liberal Quakers are Friends with distinctly liberal social and political views such as the right to choose abortion as an aspect of equal rights for women and/or as a personal matter between the woman and God. The American Friends Service Committee (an independent Quaker organization with participants of many faiths) provides international programs for economic and justice, peace, and humanitarian aid in disasters. Liberal Quakers do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God's plan, will, or design, even if we don't immediately understand it. Some don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering. <ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8038_1.html ''What Liberal Quakers Believe''] Beliefnet. Accessed 18 March 2008.</ref>
==Peace==
==Peace==
Quakers have a strong [[pacifist]] tradition. The Society of Friends is, along with the [[Mennonites]] and the [[Plymouth Brethren]] one of the historic peace churches. However there is also a non-pacifist tradition of "fighting Quakers."
Quakers have a strong [[pacifist]] tradition. The Society of Friends is, along with the [[Mennonites]] and the [[Plymouth Brethren]] one of the historic peace churches. However there is also a non-pacifist tradition of "fighting Quakers."