Thank you for this video. I was raised in an extremely conservative, Calvinistic church. I left that for the non-denominational route 25+ years ago. But I’m still searching, and keep finding myself looking at Quakerism.
“So [...] not only are we NOT going to make you say what we believe in this one voice-making sure that, ‘Hey, we're all on the same page, right?’-we're not going to say anything. And we're gonna allow God to speak into US.” That hit me like a freight train. Thank you for this.
I’m in the early stages of unlearning so much. Programmed as a child. Thank you for this testimony. I’m looking to attend local meeting next week :). I’ve come from evangelical background also. Have too wondered why and how we can possibly have “the answer” and everyone else is wrong. Glad to have discovered a potential home in Quakerism
I visited First Friends Meeting while visiting in Indianapolois a few years ago. They were warm, welcoming and Friendly. My home meeting is in NJ but grew up in a similar pastor led Friends Meeting. They seem to have a vibrant childrens program and services are well attended.
I was raised in Fundemental Evangelical, left, searched through other faiths... this has made tthe most sense. Your story is similar to mine... so hard to unravel years of indoctrination.
I love this! I can actually agree … Seeing the good in people and not trying to change them to what we believe a follower “should” be! Thank you for posting ❤️
💚💚💚love when he says "Unlearn....I don't understand their world...but they are created in the image of God" "value them and recognize the beauty they bring to the world"💚💚💚
Wonderful video! I've been to big mega-churches and my main complaint is that many of them seem to just be a form of entertainment. People go there for the music, the skits, the light shows, etc. With the Quakers, it is much more spiritual. You sit in silence to hear the voice of God.
Thank you for this video. I'm a Quaker also, but I got a new understanding of Evangelical Christians. They are an important part of the U.S. today, and I need to understand them better. Thank you!
I'm a part of an unprogrammed Quaker meeting so my experience of worship may be a little different and as a different person my experience of Quakerism may be a little different, but as someone who also went from Evangelical/Pentecostal/Charismatic churches to Quakerism, I can say that in a lot of ways this Friend speaks my mind
Great video thanks for sharing! What impressed me most was the talk about accepting everyone as they are regardless of race, economic, gender/sexuality and even religious beliefs! I was educated in Catholic school, baptized & confirmed. Visited many non denominational, baptist, lutheran, Kingdom Hall and even Temple etc… over the years. I Moved to OK and became a member of a nondenominational church close by. It was in fact a Pentecostal church/teaching. I really enjoyed the people and the flare although I knew with some of their teachings they were not being ALL INCLUSIVE. I am a straight woman but I firmly believe that God created us all equally, and loves us all equally, regardless of someone’s sexual orientation. A lot of devout Christians have a hard time believing and/or teaching that and I find it troubling. We are taught a sin is a sin. There is no one sin that is less important than another. If what the Bible says about being with someone of the same sex is a sin then that’s fine, but remember telling a lie is a sin, paying a quarter at the candy store for candy, but taking five is a sin, Adultery isa sin, premarital sex, not returning something that you borrowed from your neighbor is a sin, murdering, somebody is a sin, raping somebody as a sin. Unfortunately NONE are off more value than another. I think you understand my point. EVERONE sins and it’s sinners within the church who judge other people and their sins wrongfully.
I came here because I find Quakers quite fascinating although I don't know much about them so I'd like to learn more. However, what I seem to see in the comments is a lot of evangelicals who condemn this guy and his beliefs. That's a problem with evangelicals, they are very quick to judge and condemn people to an eternity in hell if they don't repent. Well, only God can judge, and my belief system (Christian science) doesn't even teach hell exists. Evangelicals should focus more on their own lives rather than going round obsessing over others and what they are apparently doing wrong. Evangelicals are just fanatics
Being open is not to live as Jesus taught ...open to what ?everything and anything ?..no there arw things biblically which as Christians we are not to accept or do ..if we are open about those things we can't call ourselves Christian
I was raised in the evangelical Quaker church (now more of an agnostic hicksite) and I relate to this so hard. Good for him for getting out. Evangelicalism is frankly dangerous. 😞
Salt Shaker Refill Knowing the inner light (Holy spirit) is present wholly and entirely within each person as opposed to listening to condemnation and anger or dogma and rituals.
Very interesting interview I have appreciated the sober words that denote respect for all Denominations all have something to give to the Lord ! I am reading the "Journal of George Fox" and that letter to Lady Claypole Elizabeth Cromwell on page 189 of the Thomas Ellwood edition , on page 346 on the Cambridge University edition , is the verily All what all the Christians need for a real Christian live ! but as I live in Lisbon and there are no Meeting Houses around i just do it alone in my live as much as possible !
I'm concerned because Jesus said we "must be born again". We, according to the "Word" are born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Jesus told the adulteress woman to "go and sin no more" crushing her agenda-oriented accusers. I think we go too far to the left or to the right. Stick to God's word by adding nothing and taking nothing away....simple. Above all... Love the Lord and your brethren.
Interesting, though I'm not sure the ideology is quite right. We don't all have the light in us. We all have the ability to have the light in us. Jesus is the light. Many know of him, many believe in him, but even in them there are many who do not have his light shining within. They don't surrender their lives to him, they don't desire or seek his will in their lives, they aren't given the Holy Spirit.
What do you mean that the light of God is in all people? Like we're all made in God's image or are we talking about some new age everybody is god thing?
Introduction Quakers - the Religious Society of Friends Quakers are members of a group with Christian roots that began in England in the 1650s. The formal title of the movement is the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends. There are about 210,000 Quakers across the world. In Britain there are 17,000 Quakers, and 400 Quaker meetings for worship each week. 9,000 people in Britain regularly take part in Quaker worship without being members of the Religious Society of Friends. The essence of the Quakers Quakers believe that there is something of God in everybody and that each human being is of unique worth. This is why Quakers value all people equally, and oppose anything that may harm or threaten them. Quakers seek religious truth in inner experience, and place great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality. They emphasise direct experience of God rather than ritual and ceremony. They believe that priests and rituals are an unnecessary obstruction between the believer and God. Quakers integrate religion and everyday life. They believe God can be found in the middle of everyday life and human relationships, as much as during a meeting for worship. What Quakers believe Among key Quaker beliefs are: God is love the light of God is in every single person a person who lets their life be guided by that light will achieve a full relationship with God everyone can have a direct, personal relationship with God without involving a priest or minister redemption and the Kingdom of Heaven are to be experienced now, in this world Quakers want to make this a better world Quakers work actively to make this a better world. They are particularly concerned with: human rights, based on their belief in equality of all human beings social justice peace freedom of conscience environmental issues - Quakers seek to live simply so as to reduce the burden on the world community life Holy Books Quakers do not regard any book as being the actual 'word of God'. Most Quakers regard the Bible as a very great inspirational book but they don't see it as the only one, and so they read other books that can guide their lives. Holy Days Quakers do not celebrate Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas. Worship Quaker communal worship consists of silent waiting, with participants contributing as the spirit moves them. Are Quakers Christian? Although outsiders usually regard the movement as a Christian denomination, not all Quakers see themselves as Christians; some regard themselves as members of a universal religion that (for historical reasons) has many Christian elements. Tolerance is part of the Quaker approach to life, so Quakers are willing to learn from all other faiths and churches. Beliefs Quaker ideas and beliefs Beliefs are not just safe ledges in an uncertain reality, but rather handholds from which further heights can be reached. Eleven Quaker Scientists, 1989 Religion is living with God. There is no other kind of religion. Living with a Book, living with or by a Rule, being awfully high-principled are not in themselves religion, although many people think they are and that that is all there is to it. Bernard Canter 1962 There is no creed or formal set of beliefs that you have to hold to be a Quaker. This is because: Quakers think that adopting a creed is taking on belief at second hand - they think that faith should be more personal than that and based on a person's inner conviction and on taking part in a shared search for the truth with other Quakers. Quakers believe that faith is something that is always developing and not something frozen at a particular moment in history that can be captured in a fixed code of belief. But it is possible to list many ideas and beliefs that are generally accepted by Quakers. Distinguishing Quaker ideas Quakers believe that there is a direct relationship between God and each believer, every human being contains something of God - this is often called "the light of God". So: Quakers regard all human beings as equal and equally worthy of respect Quakers accept that all human beings contain goodness and truth Quakers do not accept value judgements based on race or gender Quakers welcome diversity A written list of beliefs is considered inappropriate. Quakers feel people should follow their 'inner light' rather than external rules. They believe that God grows and changes with his creation and believe that God continues to tell human beings what they should do. They don't believe in sacraments (either as realities or symbols) or formal liturgies or ceremonies and also refuse to take oaths. Quakers don't believe in a clergy, they feel that all believers can minister to one another. They emphasise the importance leading your own life well as an example to others (what a person does can be much clearer than what they say). They also practice worship in silence. They are actively involved in social and political issues and believe in pacifism and non-violence. Beliefs Each person has an inner light (part of God's spirit) inside them - so there is a unity between all human beings Spiritual truth can only be known through direct revelation from God God continues to "talk" to people today Conscience gives a guide to conduct The Bible is not regarded as the only guide for conduct and belief Doubt and questioning are valuable tools for spiritual growth All human beings can have a direct experience of God - they don't need priests to help them There is good and evil inside all human beings, and all human beings can choose between them - everyone has the power to choose good over evil if they really want to Christ's life demonstrates the full truth of God Quakers do not agree on what happens after death. Some believe in an afterlife, some don't Customs Quakers do not follow a creed, they acknowledge that words are not up to the job of precisely defining belief for a whole group of people. They believe that individuals should take personal responsibility for their understanding of faith rather than just buying a package and that each individual should try to develop themselves spiritually. Quakers do not separate religious life and secular life and feel that all life should be 'lived in the spirit'. They also feel that religious belief must influence a believer's actions and everything that happens in life can inspire religious insights. Quakers do not have elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals. They regard these as unnecessary; they sometimes call them empty forms. They do not have clergy. Quakers believe that political and other action to improve this world is vitally important. Quakers and sacraments Quakers neither practise baptism nor celebrate the Eucharist. They don't regard some activities as more sacred than others, nor do they believe that any particular ritual is needed to get in touch with God, so they do not believe in the sacraments practised in mainstream Christian churches. Instead of using 'holy' rituals, Quakers attempt to carry the sacred into every part of their lives. So, for example, they say that baptism should not be "a single act of initiation but a continuing growth in the Holy Spirit and a commitment which must be continually renewed." Life and death Quakers have no collective view on what happens after death. They tend to concentrate on making this world better rather than pondering what happens after leaving it. Quakers and theology In the early days Quakers were suspicious of theology... and many Quakers are still not keen on it, believing that experience is a better teacher. Reasons for disliking theology include: Theology distracts people from looking for the 'inner light' and responding to it Theological ideas come from the teachings of churches that had distorted the original Christian teachings Theological teachings are used to control people Theology uses such difficult language that it hides God's truth from ordinary people Theological debate may give people a false idea of their own religious abilities; it would be better to spend time believing and living a good life www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/quakers_1.shtml
@@justarandomgal2683 My main problem with personal experience / conviction without the Bible or any holy text is that you can deceive yourself, The reason that I believe God speaks through His Word/ the Bible is b/c without it how would we discern truth from falsehood, your experience may be a single witness/evidence, but it holds no defense to someone else's experience. if we have opposing exp., then who is correct? The Bible was not written to be an encouraging or motivating book, it was written to share truth, It makes specific (not vague) predictions that can be looked back on history as accurate (not false). This points to God, someone who is outside of time who can see the end from the beginning who wants to communicate with us. Something that stands more firm then my experience or opinion because I have never been able to foretell the truth specifically through my experience and neither has anyone else I've heard of. I can understand that the Bible has been twisted and even used outside of it's context and purpose to manipulate people, BUT that does not take away the legitimacy of the Bible. I believe because we have the Bible and the Spirit we can discern the Light from the Darkness, Jesus came as the light of the world, the Truth, to set us free, because in lies we can find ourselves in bondage. For instance it set's us free from the slavery / deception of trying to earn your salvation and eternal life with God, On one hand we may never feel that we have earned salvation, and on the other we may be fooled to think that we did. Here's the thing, Jesus came to make things clear. We could NEVER earn our salvation, our sins could not go unpunished or be outweighed by our good deeds, and God loving us and desiring in Love both Justice and Mercy came down and took the punishment for us, so that we could be fully restored to Him, the thing required of us is faith in response to His grace and a realization and turning from the wickedness of our sin (self worshiping acts). It's at this point we can find true peace in the overwhelming Love of God, and we can approach Him restored, and made more into His image and worship Him one way in particular is that we continue spreading His freeing message of restoration to the lost and see God set them free. That's my Hope and life purpose, not to see the Word of God as a tool for further manipulation and suffering under lies, but that people might now the truth and the truth set them free. I can see the Quakers's response to those who spout the demonic doctrine with a silver tongue, but I also sense that it was a move that would lead their followers to further be defenseless from the the bondage of lies and further distanced from the Spirit of truth
@@zaedahblack How will these people discern the light from the darkness, the truth from the lies and wavering opinions of mankind unless they hold tightly to the teaching of Jesus, the one who is the light of the world.
@@ethanszathmary7957 we do hold to the teaching of Jesus. I myself read the Bible in the beginning of the hour-long silent worship and then I spend the rest of the time contemplating and talking to God about what the scriptures I just read means.
I've watched numerous videos of unprogrammed Quaker meetings and have come to the conclusion that it's not much different from some New Age practices based on ancient Far East religions and philosophies where u look within for answers and connection to the Divine. Often (though not always)Jesus is left out of the equation not recognized as God or the Son. So, other than for the silence, Quakerism ends up being very much like Unitarian Universalists where anything goes and members are free to believe whatever they want. I can't imagine this being the same as Quakerism of the past (1700's-1800's) where the belief in Christ as God the Son and Savior permeated through early America. On the surface modern Quakerism (unprogrammed) looks appealing (so do eastern Meditation practices) but it feels like the religion has been reduced to a philosophical and meditative practice rather than a spiritual one. For me, I believe that reading/ studying the Bible, following God's commands & teachings along with contemplation and prayer are essential to my relationship with God the Father and the Son. Sadly, the speaker had a bad experience with one conservative Evangelical church and bases his entire framework on that one experience.
Peace. Simplicity. Personal integrity. Care for one another. Live in such a way that your life speaks of your faith. Work for a better future for all, not just yourself. Acknowledge that everyone is a child of God, including yourself. How are these things unChristian?
@@TechBearSeattle Those are lovely important goals, but the way that that's lived out is the problem. The Torah--from the Hebrew word "yarah" and means teachings--is the ideal human society written down by the Creator of those humans. But when you're kind of "your truth and my truth" that leaves out THE truth. And in the meetings I attended at least, the Scriptures were a random list of possible suggestions--and not the very substance of the Messiah who came incarnate to teach it.
@@jenna2431 - But didn't Jesus come to fulfill the Torah and thereby supersede it? Isn't that why Christians do not keep kashrut, do not keep the Sabbath from Friday night to Saturday night, do not practice circumcision (outside of the US, at least)? And doesn't the Torah permit -- in some cases mandate -- polygamy? Slavery? Genocide? Doesn't the Torah absolutely require animal sacrifices? I'm not clear on the point you are trying to make.
The word of God is clear. You must be born again if you are to know God, if you are to see the kingdom of God and if you are to enter the kingdom of God. You must repent and you must turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and believe the Gospel.
If you were to let God speak into your life you would accept his revelation the Bible as it and you would pursue that as the highest importance not what “feels” right.
I came out of Christianity when I saw the lies perpetrated by the them: Sabbath, feast days substituted by Christmas and Easter (no comparison, by the way--keeping the feasts is SO MUCH MORE than either of those things) and many other things. Unfortunately, mainstream Quakerism has deviated from George Fox and into woo-woo airy-fairy land. I loved loved loved the unprogrammed meetings and consider that model to be more representative of primeval believers (won't say "Christianity" because that was a later invention), but can't do the permeability and plasticity of the Scriptures. If all of it isn't true, then none of it is.
I respectfully disagree. The Bible does not have to be taken literally. There is a lot of myth and metaphor in it that speaks the truth. For example, you don't need to believe in a literal 6-day creation or that there was a world-wide flood. (Both have been scientifically disproven.) Scripture is always open for interpretation and there is no one exact right way to read it.
Octoberfurst the longer I walk with Gods spirit the more I realize how literal the Bible is, quakers are right in that you need Gods spirit to rightly divide his word. Science and Gods word should agree if presented correctly. Since they don't agree one of them is wrong,
All or nothing is a very western view and part of the problem we have. Much of scripture was law, or epistle, but other parts were poetry & song. Jesus spoke in metaphor. And the multiple layers of meaning one word has in Greek is lost in translation. The scriptures dont have to be "true"to have depth and meaning that can direct one to that of God within them. Whatever your path, I hope you find joy in walking it.
sit in silence...empty 1slf as Messiah Yahshua...phn 2...& wait if our existence be evidence that we, humankind, did not initiate our existence, then The Initiator is The Initiator of all, all of the time... being truly humble does not require that we deny the truth; being truly humble requires our willingness-enabling to wait & be led by the truth... G.O.D./The Generating Omnipotent-scient-present Designer/Determiner has to be The Initiator... in other words, G.O.D., The Initiator is The Supreme Parent of all who & that exist...if this be true & it is, then in general, what stage of development would we, humankind be in relationship to our Supreme Parent, G.O.D., The Initiator...? how independent do we presume humanity to be from/of The Supreme Parent...? if we did not initiate our existence as humankind or as individuals, then what do we initiate...we are the effect of G.O.D.'s initiation; always & absolutely...if this be true, & it is, should we presume anything or should we ask our Supreme Parent, G.O.D./The Initiator, about everything...? do not presume u r to be the instructor of another...do not presume u r not to be the instructor of another; simply ask yur Supreme Parent...do not presume u know Messiah Yahshua...do not presume u do not know Messiah Yahshua; simply ask yur Supreme Parent... The Initiator does not need us to figure out what to believe...The Initiator has already initiated all...hence, we sit in silence...empty ourselves...& wait...then we each move & hv our being in the initiation of G.O.D.'s truth, ways & thots... no1 comes to The Holy Father & The Holy Mother, unless The Holy Son enables them... no1 comes to The Holy Son unless The Holy Mother & The Holy Father enables them... if G.O.D. be willing & according to G.O.D.'s grace, may these words & this video be a blessing of favor to many... ua-cam.com/video/2ce83gcNnBA/v-deo.html terri a.
Isn't, they are not same Religion anyway, if you were Christian before, and now you become Christian again what is the difference between the 2, after I listen this new name for Christianity is wasting time and energy, and even in the case they spend money to make this new name is all wasting. Because, after I listen they are same and I couldn't understand what is the reason of making more name with the some Religion, and I figured out that they are trying to solve the problems of their Religion have, because they think the name of Christianity or Christians are becoming bore to the people of today, because, people are getting smarter than before, and people of today are looking proves and clear changing in Religion that they want to teach their children and their families. And non purpose Religion people won't have to deal with anyone. I feel sorry for them, but Religion should be clear to understand and Religion should have benefits to all Humanity like ISLAMIC Religion. Because, in Islam Allah SWT Almithy, give anyone in the Muslim community a job, if your a Father, your job is clear like the Day, if your a Mother, your job is clear, for example, Mothers or wives, are Home makers, and if a woman is married and she had income, no matter how much her income is, she doesn't have to spend her money. And, she can keep her own incomes as long as she is married her Husband is responsible for the family income. All she had to do sit home do whatever she can do for her babies if she have babies, otherwise she is wife and she is responsible for the Home dues only also if the Husband able he should hire helper for his wife. The Islamic Religion Leaders are responsible for all the People of his Country and if there are a poor families he should be responsible for their welfare. It's very long to explain here, but the main idea is Religion should be clear to understand very easyly and everyone should be benefits from In Islam Religion We don't have women who can't get married for the rest of their lives, or a man, we don't have a Religion leaders who can use the House of worship to damage the children and no one can tell them to stop like Christian preachers did. In Islam your hygiene is one 1 they teach us to be clean Brushing your teeth is #1 in Islam. All I can say is. Religion should be clear to understand.
@@TheHumbuckerboy yes, He is the eternal and incarnate Word of God, but we also have the Bible that is the written Word of God, where the eternal and incarnate Word of God revealed to us.
All I can say is John 2:19; They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. That’s why you became a Quaker, and most evangelicals doctrine is just as perverted.
There is no arm twisting. You are either a Christian or you are not. You either believe in the bible or you don't. THe way to heaven is only through Jesus, no other way. Being a Quaker is a touchy feely thing. If that is what get you through the day, so be it. In the end, it will not get you to heaven
Any semi-programmed Quaker worship is definitively CHRISTIAN unlike their FGC counterparts who may or not be. It’s that simple. All your crap about how Quakerism is touchy feely is definitively wrong; these types of services believe in the Trinity. The only difference between them and you is that there is room for conversation and debate. You’d rather disrespect the mind God gave you and let it rot by listening to American cultural Christianity. You’re also disrespecting the Bible because everything he is saying about the inner light is brought up multiple times.
How have you verified that you are getting into heaven? How exactly are you sure Quakers aren't getting in there as well? Do you REALLY know who is or isn't getting into heaven? what makes you so sure that you are in a position to be the arbiter on that matter?
@@mothafuckinanarchist5392 You dont believe in GOD so why would you talk about heaven. Hell is burning hot for you. Read John 3:16, you probably never picked up a bible
@@simonsharp3319 you never read the bible. John 3:16 start there. God makes final Judgement. You can stand on your head in a quakerism meeting, If you don't Believe that Jesus is God and confess to him, there is no room at the inn for you
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Quakerism is the only religion that seems to make sense to me. The openness, love and belief of equality calls to me
It's just hardcore Liberalism today with so called spirituality.
@@innovationhq8230 Liberalism is cool though
@@thestickiestman no it's not. It's just a milder form of cancer of this world like conservativism.
@@innovationhq8230 I'm a Quaker who isn't a liberal.
@@innovationhq8230 what do you think Jesus' political beliefs where?
I'm also a former Evangelical turned Quaker. this resonates with me.
Thank you for this video. I was raised in an extremely conservative, Calvinistic church. I left that for the non-denominational route 25+ years ago. But I’m still searching, and keep finding myself looking at Quakerism.
“So [...] not only are we NOT going to make you say what we believe in this one voice-making sure that, ‘Hey, we're all on the same page, right?’-we're not going to say anything. And we're gonna allow God to speak into US.” That hit me like a freight train. Thank you for this.
I’m in the early stages of unlearning so much. Programmed as a child. Thank you for this testimony. I’m looking to attend local meeting next week :). I’ve come from evangelical background also. Have too wondered why and how we can possibly have “the answer” and everyone else is wrong. Glad to have discovered a potential home in Quakerism
I visited First Friends Meeting while visiting in Indianapolois a few years ago. They were warm, welcoming and Friendly. My home meeting is in NJ but grew up in a similar pastor led Friends Meeting. They seem to have a vibrant childrens program and services are well attended.
I was raised in Fundemental Evangelical, left, searched through other faiths... this has made tthe most sense. Your story is similar to mine... so hard to unravel years of indoctrination.
I love this! I can actually agree … Seeing the good in people and not trying to change them to what we believe a follower “should” be! Thank you for posting ❤️
💚💚💚love when he says "Unlearn....I don't understand their world...but they are created in the image of God" "value them and recognize the beauty they bring to the world"💚💚💚
Wonderful video! I've been to big mega-churches and my main complaint is that many of them seem to just be a form of entertainment. People go there for the music, the skits, the light shows, etc. With the Quakers, it is much more spiritual. You sit in silence to hear the voice of God.
Thank you for this video. I'm a Quaker also, but I got a new understanding of Evangelical Christians. They are an important part of the U.S. today, and I need to understand them better. Thank you!
I'm a part of an unprogrammed Quaker meeting so my experience of worship may be a little different and as a different person my experience of Quakerism may be a little different, but as someone who also went from Evangelical/Pentecostal/Charismatic churches to Quakerism, I can say that in a lot of ways this Friend speaks my mind
Thank you for this video! It was very eye-opening.
Great video thanks for sharing!
What impressed me most was the talk about accepting everyone as they are regardless of race, economic, gender/sexuality and even religious beliefs!
I was educated in Catholic school, baptized & confirmed. Visited many non denominational, baptist, lutheran, Kingdom Hall and even Temple etc… over the years.
I Moved to OK and became a member of a nondenominational church close by. It was in fact a Pentecostal church/teaching. I really enjoyed the people and the flare although I knew with some of their teachings they were not being ALL INCLUSIVE. I am a straight woman but I firmly believe that God created us all equally, and loves us all equally, regardless of someone’s sexual orientation. A lot of devout Christians have a hard time believing and/or teaching that and I find it troubling.
We are taught a sin is a sin. There is no one sin that is less important than another. If what the Bible says about being with someone of the same sex is a sin then that’s fine, but remember telling a lie is a sin, paying a quarter at the candy store for candy, but taking five is a sin, Adultery isa sin, premarital sex, not returning something that you borrowed from your neighbor is a sin, murdering, somebody is a sin, raping somebody as a sin. Unfortunately NONE are off more value than another. I think you understand my point. EVERONE sins and it’s sinners within the church who judge other people and their sins wrongfully.
Exactly! Amen sister.
Thank you for the message of love.
Quakers and Universial Unitarians are the only christians I can resonate with.
I came here because I find Quakers quite fascinating although I don't know much about them so I'd like to learn more. However, what I seem to see in the comments is a lot of evangelicals who condemn this guy and his beliefs. That's a problem with evangelicals, they are very quick to judge and condemn people to an eternity in hell if they don't repent. Well, only God can judge, and my belief system (Christian science) doesn't even teach hell exists. Evangelicals should focus more on their own lives rather than going round obsessing over others and what they are apparently doing wrong. Evangelicals are just fanatics
Thank God for openness !
Being open is not to live as Jesus taught ...open to what ?everything and anything ?..no there arw things biblically which as Christians we are not to accept or do ..if we are open about those things we can't call ourselves Christian
I find it funny that you never ran into Quakers in Indy. Morgan and Hendricks Co. are full of Quaker churches. I’m glad you’re happy though.😊
I was raised in the evangelical Quaker church (now more of an agnostic hicksite) and I relate to this so hard. Good for him for getting out. Evangelicalism is frankly dangerous. 😞
Quackerism it is a religion that has completely departed from the teachings of its founders,and became old Gnosticism
What keeps people grounded in the faith in this kind of environment?
Salt Shaker Refill Knowing the inner light (Holy spirit) is present wholly and entirely within each person as opposed to listening to condemnation and anger or dogma and rituals.
💚💚💚
The love of God and love of fellow man 💚
Very interesting interview I have appreciated the sober words that denote respect for all Denominations all have something to give to the Lord ! I am reading the "Journal of George Fox" and that letter to Lady Claypole Elizabeth Cromwell on page 189 of the Thomas Ellwood edition , on page 346 on the Cambridge University edition , is the verily All what all the Christians need for a real Christian live ! but as I live in Lisbon and there are no Meeting Houses around i just do it alone in my live as much as possible !
And where did you escape the fall of man
شكرا سناء على الجولة❤ واش ديما هدا السوق كاين؟ او هو سوق موسمي؟
انت من وين؟
I'm concerned because Jesus said we "must be born again". We, according to the "Word" are born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Jesus told the adulteress woman to "go and sin no more" crushing her agenda-oriented accusers. I think we go too far to the left or to the right. Stick to God's word by adding nothing and taking nothing away....simple. Above all... Love the Lord and your brethren.
Is God's Word not the standard for living?
I will love to go
Interesting, though I'm not sure the ideology is quite right. We don't all have the light in us. We all have the ability to have the light in us. Jesus is the light. Many know of him, many believe in him, but even in them there are many who do not have his light shining within. They don't surrender their lives to him, they don't desire or seek his will in their lives, they aren't given the Holy Spirit.
What you believe is of paramount and ultimate importance. The word of God is His normal revelation for every human being.
Glory be tô God.Eliza Mewhort.
What do you mean that the light of God is in all people? Like we're all made in God's image or are we talking about some new age everybody is god thing?
Introduction
Quakers - the Religious Society of Friends
Quakers are members of a group with Christian roots that began in England in the 1650s.
The formal title of the movement is the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends.
There are about 210,000 Quakers across the world.
In Britain there are 17,000 Quakers, and 400 Quaker meetings for worship each week. 9,000 people in Britain regularly take part in Quaker worship without being members of the Religious Society of Friends.
The essence of the Quakers
Quakers believe that there is something of God in everybody and that each human being is of unique worth. This is why Quakers value all people equally, and oppose anything that may harm or threaten them.
Quakers seek religious truth in inner experience, and place great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality.
They emphasise direct experience of God rather than ritual and ceremony. They believe that priests and rituals are an unnecessary obstruction between the believer and God.
Quakers integrate religion and everyday life. They believe God can be found in the middle of everyday life and human relationships, as much as during a meeting for worship.
What Quakers believe
Among key Quaker beliefs are:
God is love
the light of God is in every single person
a person who lets their life be guided by that light will achieve a full relationship with God
everyone can have a direct, personal relationship with God without involving a priest or minister
redemption and the Kingdom of Heaven are to be experienced now, in this world
Quakers want to make this a better world
Quakers work actively to make this a better world. They are particularly concerned with:
human rights, based on their belief in equality of all human beings
social justice
peace
freedom of conscience
environmental issues - Quakers seek to live simply so as to reduce the burden on the world
community life
Holy Books
Quakers do not regard any book as being the actual 'word of God'.
Most Quakers regard the Bible as a very great inspirational book but they don't see it as the only one, and so they read other books that can guide their lives.
Holy Days
Quakers do not celebrate Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas.
Worship
Quaker communal worship consists of silent waiting, with participants contributing as the spirit moves them.
Are Quakers Christian?
Although outsiders usually regard the movement as a Christian denomination, not all Quakers see themselves as Christians; some regard themselves as members of a universal religion that (for historical reasons) has many Christian elements.
Tolerance is part of the Quaker approach to life, so Quakers are willing to learn from all other faiths and churches.
Beliefs
Quaker ideas and beliefs
Beliefs are not just safe ledges in an uncertain reality, but rather handholds from which further heights can be reached.
Eleven Quaker Scientists, 1989
Religion is living with God. There is no other kind of religion. Living with a Book, living with or by a Rule, being awfully high-principled are not in themselves religion, although many people think they are and that that is all there is to it.
Bernard Canter 1962
There is no creed or formal set of beliefs that you have to hold to be a Quaker. This is because:
Quakers think that adopting a creed is taking on belief at second hand - they think that faith should be more personal than that and based on a person's inner conviction and on taking part in a shared search for the truth with other Quakers.
Quakers believe that faith is something that is always developing and not something frozen at a particular moment in history that can be captured in a fixed code of belief.
But it is possible to list many ideas and beliefs that are generally accepted by Quakers.
Distinguishing Quaker ideas
Quakers believe that there is a direct relationship between God and each believer, every human being contains something of God - this is often called "the light of God". So:
Quakers regard all human beings as equal and equally worthy of respect
Quakers accept that all human beings contain goodness and truth
Quakers do not accept value judgements based on race or gender
Quakers welcome diversity
A written list of beliefs is considered inappropriate. Quakers feel people should follow their 'inner light' rather than external rules.
They believe that God grows and changes with his creation and believe that God continues to tell human beings what they should do.
They don't believe in sacraments (either as realities or symbols) or formal liturgies or ceremonies and also refuse to take oaths.
Quakers don't believe in a clergy, they feel that all believers can minister to one another. They emphasise the importance leading your own life well as an example to others (what a person does can be much clearer than what they say). They also practice worship in silence.
They are actively involved in social and political issues and believe in pacifism and non-violence.
Beliefs
Each person has an inner light (part of God's spirit) inside them - so there is a unity between all human beings
Spiritual truth can only be known through direct revelation from God
God continues to "talk" to people today
Conscience gives a guide to conduct
The Bible is not regarded as the only guide for conduct and belief
Doubt and questioning are valuable tools for spiritual growth
All human beings can have a direct experience of God - they don't need priests to help them
There is good and evil inside all human beings, and all human beings can choose between them - everyone has the power to choose good over evil if they really want to
Christ's life demonstrates the full truth of God
Quakers do not agree on what happens after death. Some believe in an afterlife, some don't
Customs
Quakers do not follow a creed, they acknowledge that words are not up to the job of precisely defining belief for a whole group of people.
They believe that individuals should take personal responsibility for their understanding of faith rather than just buying a package and that each individual should try to develop themselves spiritually.
Quakers do not separate religious life and secular life and feel that all life should be 'lived in the spirit'.
They also feel that religious belief must influence a believer's actions and everything that happens in life can inspire religious insights.
Quakers do not have elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals. They regard these as unnecessary; they sometimes call them empty forms. They do not have clergy.
Quakers believe that political and other action to improve this world is vitally important.
Quakers and sacraments
Quakers neither practise baptism nor celebrate the Eucharist.
They don't regard some activities as more sacred than others, nor do they believe that any particular ritual is needed to get in touch with God, so they do not believe in the sacraments practised in mainstream Christian churches.
Instead of using 'holy' rituals, Quakers attempt to carry the sacred into every part of their lives. So, for example, they say that baptism should not be "a single act of initiation but a continuing growth in the Holy Spirit and a commitment which must be continually renewed."
Life and death
Quakers have no collective view on what happens after death. They tend to concentrate on making this world better rather than pondering what happens after leaving it.
Quakers and theology
In the early days Quakers were suspicious of theology... and many Quakers are still not keen on it, believing that experience is a better teacher.
Reasons for disliking theology include:
Theology distracts people from looking for the 'inner light' and responding to it
Theological ideas come from the teachings of churches that had distorted the original Christian teachings
Theological teachings are used to control people
Theology uses such difficult language that it hides God's truth from ordinary people
Theological debate may give people a false idea of their own religious abilities; it would be better to spend time believing and living a good life
www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/quakers_1.shtml
John chapter 1 verse 9 is the central scripture Quakers refer to in explaining the light in everyone, which is Jesus himself.
@@justarandomgal2683 My main problem with personal experience / conviction without the Bible or any holy text is that you can deceive yourself, The reason that I believe God speaks through His Word/ the Bible is b/c without it how would we discern truth from falsehood, your experience may be a single witness/evidence, but it holds no defense to someone else's experience. if we have opposing exp., then who is correct? The Bible was not written to be an encouraging or motivating book, it was written to share truth, It makes specific (not vague) predictions that can be looked back on history as accurate (not false). This points to God, someone who is outside of time who can see the end from the beginning who wants to communicate with us. Something that stands more firm then my experience or opinion because I have never been able to foretell the truth specifically through my experience and neither has anyone else I've heard of.
I can understand that the Bible has been twisted and even used outside of it's context and purpose to manipulate people, BUT that does not take away the legitimacy of the Bible. I believe because we have the Bible and the Spirit we can discern the Light from the Darkness, Jesus came as the light of the world, the Truth, to set us free, because in lies we can find ourselves in bondage. For instance it set's us free from the slavery / deception of trying to earn your salvation and eternal life with God, On one hand we may never feel that we have earned salvation, and on the other we may be fooled to think that we did. Here's the thing, Jesus came to make things clear. We could NEVER earn our salvation, our sins could not go unpunished or be outweighed by our good deeds, and God loving us and desiring in Love both Justice and Mercy came down and took the punishment for us, so that we could be fully restored to Him, the thing required of us is faith in response to His grace and a realization and turning from the wickedness of our sin (self worshiping acts). It's at this point we can find true peace in the overwhelming Love of God, and we can approach Him restored, and made more into His image and worship Him one way in particular is that we continue spreading His freeing message of restoration to the lost and see God set them free.
That's my Hope and life purpose, not to see the Word of God as a tool for further manipulation and suffering under lies, but that people might now the truth and the truth set them free. I can see the Quakers's response to those who spout the demonic doctrine with a silver tongue, but I also sense that it was a move that would lead their followers to further be defenseless from the the bondage of lies and further distanced from the Spirit of truth
@@zaedahblack How will these people discern the light from the darkness, the truth from the lies and wavering opinions of mankind unless they hold tightly to the teaching of Jesus, the one who is the light of the world.
@@ethanszathmary7957 we do hold to the teaching of Jesus. I myself read the Bible in the beginning of the hour-long silent worship and then I spend the rest of the time contemplating and talking to God about what the scriptures I just read means.
I went from Protestantism to orthodox Christianity
Best to go back to the oldest form of Christianity.
I've watched numerous videos of unprogrammed Quaker meetings and have come to the conclusion that it's not much different from some New Age practices based on ancient Far East religions and philosophies where u look within for answers and connection to the Divine. Often (though not always)Jesus is left out of the equation not recognized as God or the Son. So, other than for the silence, Quakerism ends up being very much like
Unitarian Universalists where anything goes and members are free to believe whatever they want. I can't imagine this being the same as Quakerism of the past (1700's-1800's) where the belief in Christ as God the Son and Savior permeated through early America.
On the surface modern Quakerism (unprogrammed) looks appealing (so do eastern Meditation practices) but it feels like the religion has been reduced to a philosophical and meditative practice rather than a spiritual one.
For me, I believe that reading/ studying the Bible, following God's commands & teachings along with contemplation and prayer are essential to my relationship with God the Father and the Son.
Sadly, the speaker had a bad experience with one conservative Evangelical church and bases his entire framework on that one experience.
Peace. Simplicity. Personal integrity. Care for one another. Live in such a way that your life speaks of your faith. Work for a better future for all, not just yourself. Acknowledge that everyone is a child of God, including yourself.
How are these things unChristian?
Check out Ohio Yearly Meeting...Christian Quakers. Buy their book Traditional Christian Quakerism.
@@TechBearSeattle Those are lovely important goals, but the way that that's lived out is the problem. The Torah--from the Hebrew word "yarah" and means teachings--is the ideal human society written down by the Creator of those humans. But when you're kind of "your truth and my truth" that leaves out THE truth. And in the meetings I attended at least, the Scriptures were a random list of possible suggestions--and not the very substance of the Messiah who came incarnate to teach it.
@@jenna2431 - But didn't Jesus come to fulfill the Torah and thereby supersede it? Isn't that why Christians do not keep kashrut, do not keep the Sabbath from Friday night to Saturday night, do not practice circumcision (outside of the US, at least)? And doesn't the Torah permit -- in some cases mandate -- polygamy? Slavery? Genocide? Doesn't the Torah absolutely require animal sacrifices?
I'm not clear on the point you are trying to make.
The word of God is clear.
You must be born again if you are to know God, if you are to see the kingdom of God and if you are to enter the kingdom of God.
You must repent and you must turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and believe the Gospel.
If you were to let God speak into your life you would accept his revelation the Bible as it and you would pursue that as the highest importance not what “feels” right.
I came out of Christianity when I saw the lies perpetrated by the them: Sabbath, feast days substituted by Christmas and Easter (no comparison, by the way--keeping the feasts is SO MUCH MORE than either of those things) and many other things. Unfortunately, mainstream Quakerism has deviated from George Fox and into woo-woo airy-fairy land. I loved loved loved the unprogrammed meetings and consider that model to be more representative of primeval believers (won't say "Christianity" because that was a later invention), but can't do the permeability and plasticity of the Scriptures. If all of it isn't true, then none of it is.
I respectfully disagree. The Bible does not have to be taken literally. There is a lot of myth and metaphor in it that speaks the truth. For example, you don't need to believe in a literal 6-day creation or that there was a world-wide flood. (Both have been scientifically disproven.) Scripture is always open for interpretation and there is no one exact right way to read it.
Octoberfurst the longer I walk with Gods spirit the more I realize how literal the Bible is, quakers are right in that you need Gods spirit to rightly divide his word. Science and Gods word should agree if presented correctly. Since they don't agree one of them is wrong,
All or nothing is a very western view and part of the problem we have. Much of scripture was law, or epistle, but other parts were poetry & song. Jesus spoke in metaphor. And the multiple layers of meaning one word has in Greek is lost in translation. The scriptures dont have to be "true"to have depth and meaning that can direct one to that of God within them. Whatever your path, I hope you find joy in walking it.
@Jenna
Come to Islam. Read the Quran
God bless
Quakerism sounds like ecumenism
sit in silence...empty 1slf as Messiah Yahshua...phn 2...& wait
if our existence be evidence that we, humankind, did not initiate our existence, then The Initiator is The Initiator of all, all of the time...
being truly humble does not require that we deny the truth; being truly humble requires our willingness-enabling to wait & be led by the truth...
G.O.D./The Generating Omnipotent-scient-present Designer/Determiner has to be The Initiator...
in other words, G.O.D., The Initiator is The Supreme Parent of all who & that exist...if this be true & it is, then in general, what stage of development would we, humankind be in relationship to our Supreme Parent, G.O.D., The Initiator...?
how independent do we presume humanity to be from/of The Supreme Parent...?
if we did not initiate our existence as humankind or as individuals, then what do we initiate...we are the effect of G.O.D.'s initiation; always & absolutely...if this be true, & it is, should we presume anything or should we ask our Supreme Parent, G.O.D./The Initiator, about everything...?
do not presume u r to be the instructor of another...do not presume u r not to be the instructor of another; simply ask yur Supreme Parent...do not presume u know Messiah Yahshua...do not presume u do not know Messiah Yahshua; simply ask yur Supreme Parent...
The Initiator does not need us to figure out what to believe...The Initiator has already initiated all...hence, we sit in silence...empty ourselves...& wait...then we each move & hv our being in the initiation of G.O.D.'s truth, ways & thots...
no1 comes to The Holy Father & The Holy Mother, unless The Holy Son enables them...
no1 comes to The Holy Son unless The Holy Mother & The Holy Father enables them...
if G.O.D. be willing & according to G.O.D.'s grace, may these words & this video be a blessing of favor to many...
ua-cam.com/video/2ce83gcNnBA/v-deo.html
terri a.
Isn't, they are not same Religion anyway, if you were Christian before, and now you become Christian again what is the difference between the 2, after I listen this new name for Christianity is wasting time and energy, and even in the case they spend money to make this new name is all wasting. Because, after I listen they are same and I couldn't understand what is the reason of making more name with the some Religion, and I figured out that they are trying to solve the problems of their Religion have, because they think the name of Christianity or Christians are becoming bore to the people of today, because, people are getting smarter than before, and people of today are looking proves and clear changing in Religion that they want to teach their children and their families. And non purpose Religion people won't have to deal with anyone. I feel sorry for them, but Religion should be clear to understand and Religion should have benefits to all Humanity like ISLAMIC Religion. Because, in Islam Allah SWT Almithy, give anyone in the Muslim community a job, if your a Father, your job is clear like the Day, if your a Mother, your job is clear, for example, Mothers or wives, are Home makers, and if a woman is married and she had income, no matter how much her income is, she doesn't have to spend her money. And, she can keep her own incomes as long as she is married her Husband is responsible for the family income. All she had to do sit home do whatever she can do for her babies if she have babies, otherwise she is wife and she is responsible for the Home dues only also if the Husband able he should hire helper for his wife.
The Islamic Religion Leaders are responsible for all the People of his Country and if there are a poor families he should be responsible for their welfare. It's very long to explain here, but the main idea is Religion should be clear to understand very easyly and everyone should be benefits from In Islam Religion
We don't have women who can't get married for the rest of their lives, or a man, we don't have a Religion leaders who can use the House of worship to damage the children and no one can tell them to stop like Christian preachers did. In Islam your hygiene is one 1 they teach us to be clean Brushing your teeth is #1 in Islam. All I can say is.
Religion should be clear to understand.
Tell me, what is the punishment for homosexuality in Islam?
2 months later and you still haven’t answered my question, lol
Relativism?
So you went to a crappy entertainment driven church and left the way of Christ because of it? Your comments at the end sound like new age language.
Do you accept the Bible as the Word of God and not the word of men?
If it is semi-programmed worship, probably.
No they don't
The LORD Jesus Christ is THE Word of God .
@@TheHumbuckerboy yes, He is the eternal and incarnate Word of God, but we also have the Bible that is the written Word of God, where the eternal and incarnate Word of God revealed to us.
Some do. Some don't. Some are in between.
All I can say is John 2:19;
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
That’s why you became a Quaker, and most evangelicals doctrine is just as perverted.
Is it just me or are these people not saying anything meaningful?
There is no arm twisting. You are either a Christian or you are not. You either believe in the bible or you don't. THe way to heaven is only through Jesus, no other way. Being a Quaker is a touchy feely thing. If that is what get you through the day, so be it. In the end, it will not get you to heaven
Any semi-programmed Quaker worship is definitively CHRISTIAN unlike their FGC counterparts who may or not be. It’s that simple. All your crap about how Quakerism is touchy feely is definitively wrong; these types of services believe in the Trinity. The only difference between them and you is that there is room for conversation and debate. You’d rather disrespect the mind God gave you and let it rot by listening to American cultural Christianity. You’re also disrespecting the Bible because everything he is saying about the inner light is brought up multiple times.
How have you verified that you are getting into heaven? How exactly are you sure Quakers aren't getting in there as well? Do you REALLY know who is or isn't getting into heaven? what makes you so sure that you are in a position to be the arbiter on that matter?
@@mothafuckinanarchist5392 You dont believe in GOD so why would you talk about heaven. Hell is burning hot for you. Read John 3:16, you probably never picked up a bible
@@simonsharp3319 you never read the bible. John 3:16 start there. God makes final Judgement. You can stand on your head in a quakerism meeting, If you don't Believe that Jesus is God and confess to him, there is no room at the inn for you
@@enjoythedreamlife5658 Yes I do and yes I have. I don’t have to prove my faith to you or anyone else.
Oh no. Flee from the wrath to come. Come to the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.
may I ask what do you mean?
How has he fled?