Quakerism is a Christian-based faith with no universal creed, governed by personal beliefs and ethics. The central principle is the “inner light,” where individuals communicate with God without intermediaries. Quakers believe in equality, simplicity, and honesty, and practice silent worship.
The Quaker faith is one with a set of beliefs that distinguish it from other Christian religions and sects. These beliefs make members very difficult to pin down, since they are largely governed by their personal beliefs and ethics, and religion actually lacks a universal creed to govern them. Since Quakers have had a surprisingly large impact on society, given how small their global membership is, understanding their core beliefs can be very helpful.
The origins of the Quakers, also called the Religious Society of Friends, can be found in England during the mid-1600s. This was a time of extreme religious turmoil, and some people felt that the Christianity of England at that time was no longer faithful to the teachings of Christ. As a result, they founded their own religious group, which is closely associated with Christianity. Some modern branches, however, may also concurrently profess another faith, such as Buddhism, and may even claim to be agnostic.
The central guiding principle of the faith is that spirit comes from within, in a concept called the “inner light.” An individual’s inner light governs his beliefs and no one in faith will tell anyone else what he should believe. This is a reflection of the larger belief that all people can communicate with God, if they choose to, without the actions of an intermediary. Furthermore, members are expected to translate their inner faith into direct action. For example, if the spirit leads someone to believe that animal abuse is wrong, he must take action to end the practice.
Furthermore, Quakers do not believe in any hierarchy and have a very egalitarian religious practice. Men and women from all walks of life are considered equal, as they are in the eyes of God. Members of the faith also tend to believe in living simply and honestly and would rather accept affirmations than oaths. This preference arises from the idea that swearing implies the possibility of lying, while affirmation implies agreement with the principle of honesty. As a result of this belief, some nations allow people to make claims rather than oaths in court or similar situations.
At a set time each week, Quakers meet. Most branches have a specific worship schedule that includes readings and a sermon. Some practice the cult of waiting, which consists of sitting in silence, speaking only if they feel particularly moved by the spirit. Otherwise, the group sits in silence, taking the time to contemplate God and their daily lives. In group-run organizations, a period of silence may be held daily for the purpose of contemplation.
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