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: 3/26/2007 Subject: Quakerism Beliefs
Question Hey David. I need to ask you about Quakerism beliefs. What do Quakers believe about Salvation, Mary, The presence of jESUS IN THE EUCHARIST, pope, saints, purgatory, indulgences, and EACH of the sacraments. Thank you so much. you will be a huge help if you can answer these. Bye.
Answer Cassidy, Thank you for your question.
Quakerism is not at all like Catholicism. Catholics have specific concerns and beliefs about each of the topics you list. Quakers simply do not have testimonies in most of these areas. (Actually, several of these areas are of relevance only to Catholicism. The Pope, for example, has no special place in any sect other than Catholicism. You might want to consult the comparative religion portions of Wikipedia online for more information about Christianity in its many forms.)
Quakerism is an inclusive religion, not exclusive. Many Quaker meetings welcome Buddhists, Jews, homosexuals, and even nontheists as attenders and as members (Jesus befriended criminals, prostitutes, and others whom contemporary religion scorned). Thus, some Quakers focus on the Bible and Jesus, while others focus on worship of the universal Spirit.
What Quakers have in common is an enjoyment of silent meeting for worship and a set of common testimonies, which include simplicity, honesty, peace, and a concern for social justice. Quaker meetings do conduct marriages as well as memorial services for the dead.
I hope this brief answer has helped. Please feel free to submit followup questions, if needed.
