For many people, the idea of becoming a Quaker conjures up visions of austere meetings in bare rooms where people sit in silence for hours on end. But Quakers are far from dour and humorless. In fact, they are some of the most compassionate, progressive people you could hope to meet. And if their way of life appeals to you, it is relatively easy to become a Quaker.
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The history of Quakerism
The Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as Quakers, began in England in the mid-17th century. George Fox, the movement’s founder, and other early Quaker leaders preached in pubs and fields, eschewing formal churches and clergy. They advocated for a direct experience of Christ and stressed simplicity, equality, and honesty in daily life.
Over time, Quakers spread to North America and other parts of the world, where they often faced persecution for their beliefs. In Pennsylvania, William Penn founded a colony based on Quaker principles of religious freedom. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Quakers were active in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
Today there are about 350,000 Quakers worldwide. Friends meet for worship on Sunday mornings without clergy or set liturgy; instead they rely on spoken messages from those present.
How to become a Quaker
There are many ways to become a Quaker. The most common way is to attend a Quaker meeting. Friends (as Quakers are commonly called) gather for worship on Sunday mornings. During worship, which is sometimes called Meeting for Worship, friends sit in silence until someone feels moved to speak. Worship usually lasts about an hour.
If you are interested in becoming a Quaker, the best way to learn more is to attend a local Quaker meeting and get to know some of the members. You do not have to be a member of any particular faith to be a Friend, but it helps if you have some religious beliefs.
There is no one right way to become a Quaker. Some people feel called by God to become Friends, while others are attracted by the simplicity of the Quaker lifestyle or theQuaker commitment to social justice.
The Quaker lifestyle
The Quaker lifestyle is one of simplicity, tolerance, and peace. Quakers believe in living a life that is in keeping with the Inner Light, or the “inner voice of God.” As such, they often eschew material possessions and focus on leading a life that is helpful to others. Quakers also emphasize honesty, equality, and respect for all people.
Quaker worship
When you attend a Quaker worship service, you will notice that there is no minister or priest leading the service. Instead, the worship is lead by a rotating group of lay people called Elders. Anyone in the meeting can feel free to share a message from the Divine during worship, which is why Quakers are also sometimes called “Friends of Truth.”
You will also notice that there is no music played during Quaker worship services. This is because Friends believe that everyone can access the Divine without the help of any intermediaries, including music. Worship instead consists of silent contemplation and reflection.
If you are interested in becoming a Quaker, you should first attend a few worship services to get a feel for what they are like. You do not need to be a member of any particular religion to attend – all are welcome.
Quaker testimonies
Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, have testimonies concerning equality, simplicity, integrity, and community that guide their way of life and worship.
Testimonies are deeply held beliefs that Quakers use to make decisions in their lives. They are based on Quaker values such as equality, integrity, simplicity, and community.
The testimony of equality is perhaps the best known of the Quaker testimonies. It is based on the belief that all people are equal before God. This testimony leads Quakers to work for social justice and equality in all areas of life.
The testimony of simplicity is based on the belief that we should live simple lives free from unnecessary possessions and greed. This testimony leads Quakers to live simply and focus on what is truly important in life.