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Student

Ms. Drew

Pre-AICE English Literature

4 February 2017

Religion Research Paper: Quakerism

Quakerism was founded on the belief system of honesty and trust through the faith of

their God. Quakers, also known as the Society of Friends, stress the importance of acceptance

and peace among everyone in the world (Pollock 74). Friends began in a radical form, for they

were hated among many people, but over the years have made a better name for themselves

through more peaceful ways (Noss 517).

Quakers are a Christian group founded by George Fox during the seventeenth century

(Pollock 71). The Englishman founded this religion on many of the same beliefs as the

Anabaptists (Noss 517). Quakers, during the time in which the religion was created, were

considered one of the most radical religions (Noss 517). Many authorities around this time saw

these converts as people who wanted to start trouble and became strongly disliked (Noss 517).

Therefore, Fox and many other Friends were persecuted for their far-out ideas and thoughts

(Pollock 71). Then, during the late seventeenth century, William Penn got permission from the

King of England to travel to Pennsylvania (World Book 4). He sought to make a colony that was

to be a secure community for Quakers, as Penn himself was also a Friend (World Book 4).

People of the Quaker religion were always out-casted among other people as well as

religions, no matter where they moved (Pollock 72). Their old-fashioned ways and simple means

of life continued throughout their development as a religion, but eventually Quakerism was seen

and accepted as a religious denomination (Pollock 72). Quakers that lived in America during the
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nineteenth century split into three different groups that today are still in existence (Quakers

Online 1). The three groups consist of the Liberal, Pastoral, and Conservative Quakers (Quakers

Online 1). Each group has different ways of interpreting the religion of Quakerism, but still have

the same fundamental beliefs that they were found on (Quakers Online 1). Now, during the

twenty-first century, the largest populations of Quakers live in the United States, England, and

Kenya (World Book 4).

During the time of Fox, he saw that clergymen were not needed because any man or

woman could speak for God (Noss 517). Instead, a clerk usually guides the meeting in a

direction by giving a topic to discuss among each other, but this only occurs after the long period

of silence when people are given time for God to speak to them (World Book 4). Meetings within

the Quaker religion are mostly filled with silent meditation with some prayer at the beginning

(Noss 517). If someone feels God has spoken to them, they share what He has said (Pollock 73).

As a group, they speak about what God has told them (Pollock 73). The person chosen by God to

relay His message must see that it is very important to listen and respect what God has said to

them (Quakers Online 1). Quakerism was set on the belief that anyone can speak to God, even if

they had not converted to the religion (Pollock 71). They do not have procedures that they go

through, but rather a deeper understanding of their faith (Pollock 73). This religion is considered

very simplistic because their opinions are that a church and rituals are not needed (Pollock 71).

Rituals are not common in Quakerism, but sacred reflection is highly encouraged (Pollock 72-

73). Although rituals are not common, reading the Bible and having the belief that God is within

everyone is important (Pollock 74). It is believed that since everybody can reach God, the need

for religious texts during meetings are pointless (Quakers Online 1). Quakers have a faith that is

built on honesty and high moral standards (Pollock 73). Seeing as each follower of the Quaker
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religion is to live their life honestly, a Quaker, or any other Christian, should not take any oath

because they should always tell the truth (Noss 517). Unlike Christianity, not many Quakers

believe in life after death or the concept of hell (Pollock 73).

Although they were usually out-casted among other religions, Quakers finally became

widely accepted (Pollock 72). In todays society, Quakers see that peace and acceptance of

everybody is the most important things in their religion (Pollock 74). Friends have performed

many peaceful activities that have helped break down walls for topics such as education and

racial equality (World Book 4).

For the Quaker religion, the Inward Light is a key factor of their faith. Their religious

texts about The Light is described as reveal[ing] flaws, and casts shadows where it is

obstructed (Conservative Quakers of America 1). This Light is closely compared to an actual

light that leads a person home, such as a street light or the Sun. Inward Light can be compared to

the hand of God, leading you towards the right direction. God sends the Light to individuals to

deviate them from their paths and help them find their way. The Inward Light is the moral

compass of right and wrong, good and bad. People who are shown the light are also shown their

sins. The acceptance of sin allows the Friend to change into the truest form of themselves. The

Light only reaches a follower who wants to be shown the way because the Light cannot be

forced on a person who does not want it. Once a Friend is shown the way, then they can finally

begin their journey with God (Conservative Quakers of America 1-2).

Widely known for their boundary pushing choices and accepting qualities, Quakers

simplistic ways of life have proven that anyone can enjoy their life with God and live their life to

the fullest (Quakers Online 2). The once radical Christian denomination who did not take no for
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an answer is now a widely accepting group that makes their statements through amicable

movement that leaves a lasting impression in the minds of many people (Noss 517).
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Works Cited

Home Page. Quakers Online. Quakers Online, n.d. Web. 1 February 2017. <quakers.org>.

Noss, David and Noss, John. A History of the Worlds Religions. New York: Macmillan, 1990.

Print.

Pollock, Robert. The Everything Worlds Religions Book: Discover the Beliefs, Tradition, and

Cultures of Ancient and Modern Religions. Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2002. Print.

Quakers. World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago: World Book, Inc., 2002. Print.

What Do Friends Mean by the Inward Light? Conservative Quakers of America. Quakers

Online, n.d. Web. 1 February 2017. <quaker.us/inward-light>.

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