Faith and Practice

Quakers do not have a creed, and over the years, different variations of Quakerism have developed, some temporary and some lasting. However, Friends are unified in stressing that an inward, immediate, and transforming experience of God is central to their faith. They turn to an inward guide or teacher for continuing revelation and direction. Some Friends identify this "Inner Light," "Seed Within," or "Christ Within" with the historic Jesus. Others conceive of the inward guide as a universal spirit which is in everyone to some degree- "that of God in everyone," as George Fox put it, or "the light that lighteth every many that cometh into the world." (John 1:9)

While American Quaker meetings vary somewhat in their practice, as there is no hierarchy to "enforce" certain routines, our meeting is in the "unprogrammed" or silent tradition. Our meeting gathers in silence and expectant waiting without formal structure, prearranged singing, Bible reading, prayers, or a sermon. This the original form of Quaker worship and is still the most common today, but other meetings include the more traditional Protestant elements in their worship, often employing a pastor.

Most Friends reject the sacraments in their outward forms- communion and baptism as variously practiced in Christian churches. For them, all great human experiences are of a sacramental nature. The Bible was very precious to George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, but he saw clearly that to understand the Scriptures, they must be read in the same Spirit that inspired those who wrote them. He said,

"The Scriptures, what are they but the words of prophets, of Christ and His apostles, uttered by men who enjoyed and possessed this Light which they received from the Lord? What have you to do with the words of the Scriptures, unless you come to the same Spirit which gave them forth? You open the Bible, and say, 'Christ saith this,' and the 'apostles say that,' but what do you say yourselves? Are thou a child of the Light? Hast thou walked in the Light? What does thou sayest concerning God, does it come to thee inwardly from Him?" (emphasis added)

Another early Quaker leader, Robert Barclay, said that the Scriptures are only a declaration of the source and not the source itself. The level of emphasis placed on the Scriptures varies among Friends, but among most, the continuing process of revelation that takes place within individuals is seen as equally or more important.

Under a sense of concern- inner prompting, divine obedience, urgency- Friends are drawn to humanitarian callings and to programs of education, service and constructive action. Early friends carried their new faith to the American colonies, playing a major role in early Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and other colonies. John Woolman visited individual Quakers throughout the colonies to encourage them to renounce slaveholding, and Quakers were often present at the signing of treaties with Native Americans to protect their rights. Many Friends today are pressing for more rapid social change by nonviolent means; for reform of the present system of criminal justice; for real equality of opportunity in employment, housing, and education; for elimination of prejudice and discrimination against racial groups and the underpriveleged. The American Friends Service Committee plays an important part in furthering these concerns and accepted the 1947 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of all Quakers for their service work. Friends act through the Friends Committee on National Legislation, the American Friends Service Committee, and many other Quaker and progressive organizations to carry out the mandates of their consciences, guided by the Light Within.

Friends are very different from conservative Catholics and the mainline Protestant denominations in that Quakers readily acknowledge the presence of the divine Light within all, the living spirit of God present within all persons, in all times and places. Since the Light is within all, Quakers believe that it is reflected in others' religions. This gives us a basis for deep spiritual sharing with persons of other religions and a religious openness that does not characterize "single path" or "one Book" religious groups.

"There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath had different names. It is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no forms of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this takes root and grows, of what nation soever they become brethren in the best sense of the expression." -John Woolman

Friends are perhaps best known for their unconditional rejection of individual or institutionalized (including national) violence, but Friends are equally committed to the testimonies of simplicity, integrity, and equality, pursuing each in their everyday interactions with others.*

*Text adapted by Stephen Long from "Friendly Answers to Questions about American Quakers" by the Friends World Committee for Consultation.