The Quaker Movement

The Quaker Movement

In 1652 George Fox, standing on Pendle Hill in England, had a vision. This was the beginning of the Religious Society of Friends. Before 1650 the Quaker movement were basically unknown, in a year or two the seemed to be all over the place. This time period was called the Quaker Explosion. George Fox saw a great people to be gathered and this people included Puritans, Separatists and presumably others without a label. Among all these different kinds of people what was there in common to make them feel that Fox was what the wanted? The answer is probably that that were looking for a spiritual religion, rather than the religion of conformity. There was resentment against ecclesiastical authority and so a readiness to listen to Fox's assurance that there was only one authority Christ himself and that his authority was to be known directly in the human heart. The message that "Christ has come to teach his people himself" may be called the slogan of the early Quakers.

George Fox had already met with opposition and indeed with imprisonment. However the group had a steadfastness which eventually enabled the Quakers to survive as a group. They were full of confidence that they possessed the "Truth of God" and were not slow to point out that others were in the darkness. Above all, they refused to give in to violent treatment; a response which always brings out the worst from those in power. The early Quakers encountered a lot of hatred and brutality, they encountered it from the magistrates and from the judges, from the prison wardens and in a less physical manner from many of the clergy. The crimes they were charged with were such things as blasphemy and disturbing the peace, but their offences were really agai...

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...r their general confidence in working for the kingdom of God in the world. Members speak in prayer or testimony as the inward light moves them. After an hour the meeting ends with the members shaking hands. In government as well as worship the Quakers rely on the guidance of the inner light working through the individual and bringing the whole group to a consensus. Congregations generally hold a meeting for business every month. In the 19th century Quakers in the United States founded a number of colleges and universities with an emphasis on science. Because Friends were trusted and extended credit, they became active in banking and insurance. Quakers are also active in welfare work and social reform. The American Friends Service Committee, founded during World War I, organizes relief and service projects not only in the United States but also throughout the world.