That is surprising with respect to the prior education about Quakers that they would consider themselves Christian when they don’t seem to do any thing that the early Christians did. There are no biblical accounts of people gathering and sitting in silence and meditating on the word or God. Quite the contrary it was a rowdy group all speaking in toungues, very active community prayer as well as private prayer, coming together to break the bread (Eucharist) at the agape feasts and also actively getting out and evangelizing and spreading the good news. Do Quakers have an active evangelising to spread the Good News to all the world? I think a prior poster said that its almost like a private club - one had to get invited into the elder status and then observed for long time before given any real leadership. That’s completely different from the early Church which converted souls from all walks of life and taught all in the faith, baptised them then appointed clergy and elders. They had public confessions, healing and ministry of sick and in some cases were very communal in their living conditions.
James
Oh, we get pretty rowdy at times…especially during Meeting for Worship for Business.
The Evangelical Friends do sponsor missionaries…in fact the largest groups of Quakers are no longer found in North America…but in South America and Africa.
Many of our “un-programmed” Meetings sponsor homeless shelters, food banks, AIDS homes etc.
We have our “agape feasts”…each meal we share is an opportunity to experience “sacramental grace”…each cup of water offered to someone thirsty is a “sacrament”.
Friends don’t “ordain”…we “record”. It is our belief that it is God in Christ Himself who calls men and women to ministry, and it is through the Meeting that those gifts of ministry are recognized. Not all Yearly Meetings “record” those with ministerial gifts…but ministerial gifts of preaching and teaching and “healing” are still recognized. Each of us is considered “priest” and “minister” for each of us share some “gifts” to offer in service to others.
Friends don’t utilize 'creeds"…we have “Queries” that are used to gauge our spiritual lives and by these “Queries” we become accountable with one another…following are some of the Queries each of us are called to answer for ourselves…and seek help among Friends when our spiritual lives seem lacking…One or more of the Queries are asked each Meeting for Worship for Business…then meditated upon in worshipful silence before any “business” begins.
"Are meetings for business held in a spirit of worship, understanding and forbearance? When direction seems lacking, is this seen as a challenge to a more prayerful search for truth? Do we humbly set aside our own preconceived notions as to proper action, seeking instead Divine guidance as to the right course? Is the Meeting aware that it speaks not only through its actions but also through its failure to act? "
“Do you make time for meditation, prayer and worship? Do you read the Bible, the writings of Friends, and other inspirational works, seeking new light? Do you regularly seek God’s guidance? Are you open to guidance and support and do you give thanks for them? Do you share your spiritual insights with others and willingly receive from them in turn?”
" Do you live in accordance with your spiritual convictions? Do you seek employment consistent with your beliefs and in service to society? Do you practice simplicity in speech, dress and manner of living, avoiding wasteful consumption? Are you watchful that your possessions do not rule you? Do you strive to be truthful at all times, avoiding judicial oaths? "
“Do you make your home a place of affection where God’s presence is felt? Do you practice family prayer? Do you share your deepest beliefs and interests with all in the family? Do you grow together through sharing prosperity and adversity? Can you keep a sense of humor and avoid taking yourself too seriously? Do you establish family standards including the mutual obligations of children and adults?”
“Do you respect that of God in every person? Do you search yourself for and strive to eliminate prejudices such as those related to race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation and economic condition? In what ways do you accept and appreciate differences among your friends and associates? Do you avoid exploiting or manipulating others to accomplish ends, however worthy?”
“Do you, as the way opens, share Friends’ principles with non-Friends? Do you witness to your Quaker faith by letting your life speak? Do you make non-Friends welcome in your meetings for worship? Do you find ways to encourage their continued attendance?”
There are many more…we are called continuously to examine our lives and to make ourselves accountable with one another…these “Queries” are as much of a “creed” among us as you will find.
We do take care in leading Seekers to understand the commitment they will be making when they come to be named among us. It can take a year…or a matter of months…it all depends on each individual case…we try to make sure there is no “exclusivity” among us…we hold equality in high esteem…when we need direction…we have a process in place to seek that guidence collectively.
To your point of not “doing what early Christians and the early church did.”…a Quaker “maxim”…
Thee will say Christ saith this, and the apostles say this,
but what canst thou say? Art thou a child of Light and hast thou walked in the Light, and what thou speakest is it inwardly from God?" We do not “hang our hat” on our befores…we learn from them…but we must experience this Life for ourselves and come to understand God for ourselves.
eople can obviously take verses from the Bible out of context and prove Jesus was teaching things completely contrary to what he really was.