About Richard B. Miller Expertise I am primarily interested in answering questions about Quakerism today. I can answer some historical questions but I am not a history expert.
Experience I have been active in North Carolina Yearly Meeting (conservative) for over twenty years. I have served the Yearly Meeting in a number of capacities and currently am the clerk of my small monthly meeting. I am also a recorded elder.
Question hey, i was woundering if you could tell me a little bit about the Quaker backround and their beliefs.
thanks
Answer Quakers began in 17th century England as one of the radical Protestant sects that arose there. Along with the Puritans many Quakers moved to America during the colonial period. Quakers have always been among the most liberal of the Protestant churches. We have recorded women as ministers from the beginning. Quakers have been active in the movement to abolish slavery, promote equal rights, and have consistently opposed war.
The question of what Quakers believe has to be addressed carefully since Quakers are not a credal denomination. That is, no one has to agree to believe some list of statements in order to be a Quaker. But generally Quakers believe that God resides within each person and offers his guidance to each individual. We have only to wait silently and patiently to hear that voice. So traditional Quaker worship consists of silent waiting. Out of the silence some are moved to share messages. Traditional Quakers use traditional Christian language to describe our experiences of being lead by the Spirit. We will speak of the guidance of the Light of Christ or the Holy Spirit. Other Quakers deliberately avoid using traditional Christian language to describe their experience, preferring to speak instead of the Inner Light or Inner Teacher. Once in a while there is some friction between those who prefer the traditional language and those who prefer more univeral language, but for the most part Christocentric and Universalist Friends are content to let each other use whatever language they prefer.
Well, that's a little bit about Quakers. If there's more I could add let me know.
