In England in the mid-1600s, George Fox could not find peace in his spiritual quest. He met with numerous priests from the Church of England, and with preachers from many of the independent, or separate, churches that were springing up at the time. But none of them could satisfy his inner spiritual longings. George Fox wrote in his Journal:
But as I had forsaken the priests, so I left the separate preachers also, and those esteemed the most experienced people; for I saw there was none among them all that could speak to my condition. When all my hopes in them and in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, nor could I tell what to do, then, oh, then, I heard a voice which said, ‘There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition; and when I heard it, my heart did leap for joy.
The Quaker movement began with the strong conviction that every person can hear from God directly without the need of human mediation. This foundational belief led them to also conclude that God reaches out to everyone, not just a select few–and that any person can be a minister.
They chose the name “Friends” for this movement from the verse, John 15:14, where Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” “Quakers” was a nickname given to them because they told people that they quaked before the Spirit of God. The nickname stuck. “Friends” has always been the official name–but the terms “Friends” and “Quakers” are often used interchangeably.
Other emphases or testimonies of the Quakers include:
Original artwork by UFM youth
Simplicity. Early Friends attempted to live a simple, or plain, lifestyle without personal extravagance. Their theology and style of worship were also simplified compared to other groups.
Peace. Friends have felt since their beginning that war is wrong, and is contrary to the teachings of Christ. They maintain a strong witness for peace.
Integrity (or Truth). Friends took the words of Jesus to “let your yes be yes, and your no, no” literally. They would not take oaths and tried to be completely honest in all their activities and in their personal business dealings.
Community. Friends believe that God can speak directly not only to individuals–but also to groups. They practice a form of decision making that uses group discernment to discover God’s leading.
Equality. Friends believe that God views everyone the same regardless of social station, race, gender, etc.–and that God can use anyone for ministry.
Service. Through the centuries, Quakers have tried to make the world a better place through relief work (offering direct aid to those in need) development work (helping others discover ways to improve their own lives) and through activism (working to change oppressive systems in society).
Stewardship. Friends believe that all of life is a sacrament–that is, rather than focusing on a few rituals that are believed to be signs of God’s grace, Friends see God’s presence in all of life.
Quaker Quotes:
“Our life is love, and peace, and tenderness; and bearing one with another, and forgiving one another, and not laying accusations one against another; but praying one for another, and helping one another up with a tender hand.”
Isaac Penington, 1667
“Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone; whereby in them you may be a blessing, and make the witness of God in them to bless you.”
George Fox, 1656
“A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil that good may come of it… We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive or gain by love and information. And yet we could hurt no man that we believe loves us. Let us then try what Love will do: for if men did once see we love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: and he that forgives first, wins the laurel.”
William Penn (Some Fruits of Solitude)
“Now I was come up in spirit through the flaming sword, into the paradise of God. All things were new; and all the creation gave unto me another smell than before, beyond what words can utter. I know nothing but pureness, and innocency, and righteousness; being renewed into the image of God by Christ Jesus, to the state of Adam, which he was in before he fell. The creation was opened to me ….”
George Fox (Journal)
