AboutDavid Spector Expertise I can answer questions about Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist (non-Evangelical, unprogrammed) point of view, particularly questions about Quaker religious practice.
Experience I have been a practicing Friend since approximately 1998 and have been active in attending and helping to organize Friends' activities, such as retreats run by our Meeting.
Organizations I belong to I am a member of Friends Meeting at Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA).
Expert: David Spector Date: 2/20/2008 Subject: quakers vs puritains
Question what are the differences between quakers and puritains
Answer josh,
Since you haven't read my answer yet, perhaps I'll add some general comments.
The Quakers arose in Puritan England in the period of 1652-1656. They were a reaction to the perceived stagnation of the established forms of Puritan religion of the day as well as a result of the charismatic influence of their founder, George Fox (1624-1691). He discovered through his own personal Christian spiritual journey that Christ can be found easily inside us, as the Inner Light.
Of course, modern Quakers have embraced a somewhat more Universalist approach, and in addition to 'programmed' Quaker churches throughout the world there now exist many 'unprogrammed' Meetings, especially in England and New England. These Meetings are open to people of many religious understandings.
There are some great descriptions of Quaker religion and history on the Web, and as I said, I would encourage you to do Web searches.
