Shaking

What is Quakerism?

by Brian Radcliffe

Suitable for Key Stage 4/5

Aims

To explore the Quaker belief of putting faith into action.

Preparation and materials

• The Bible passage about faith and actions that is mentioned in the ‘Assembly’, Step 4, is found in James 2.14- 26.

Assembly

1. There are many Christian churches in cities, towns and villages across the UK. Often, the most prominent is a Church of England building, with a tower or spire that rises above the surrounding shops, houses, factories and offices. In larger cities, these buildings may be granted special status such as cathedral or minster.
   
   Many Anglican churches are historical monuments, with their origins deep in the past. More recent are the Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and URC chapels, which are often symbols of religious revivals through the centuries. By now, most Christian denominations have built modern, flexible and efficient worship and community centres.
   
   
2. Tucked off the main street, we may find another type of worship building: a Quaker meeting house. Quaker meeting houses are rarely grand buildings; instead they tend to be functional, and are often quite old and easy to overlook. Yet the Quakers are a force that we shouldn’t ignore.
   
   
3. Let’s start with the name of the group: how did believers come to be known as Quakers?
   
   There are various responses to this question, even among Quakers themselves.
   
   One theory is that Quakers put the fear of God into the authorities when they protested against corruption and injustice. They made judges and members of the local council tremble at the word of God.
   
   However, others believe the opposite. They say that it was the Quakers themselves who trembled when they were brought before the authorities on charges of public disorder that stemmed from their protests.
   
   A third theory relates to how Quakers worship. Throughout history, believers have spoken of being so absorbed in worshipping God - so tapped into spiritual energy - that they shook from head to toe. It happened in the Bible, and it happens today in certain churches. It was also said to have happened during the early years of Quakerism.
   
   
4. So, what distinctive contribution have Quakers made, and still make, to church history? In the Bible, James, one of the early Christian saints, writes that faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
   
   Quakers have a very practical theology, so throughout history, they have put their faith into action. For example, Quakers founded some of the earliest banks so that people could use their wealth in the most efficient way. Barclays, Lloyds and Friends Provident were all founded by Quakers.
   
   The shoe manufacturer Clarks is a Quaker firm too. Quakers also set up prominent businesses in chocolate and confectionery: Cadbury’s, Fry’s and Rowntree’s were all founded by Quakers. They created an industry where the workers were given not only a job, but also communities in which to live.
   
   In addition, Quakers have been at the forefront of much social reform. They supported the abolition of slavery and prison reform. Women have always had a prominent role in their church organization. Amnesty International, CND, Oxfam and Greenpeace have Quakers at the heart of their structures and activities.
   
   During the First and Second World Wars, many Quakers registered as conscientious objectors, stating that they were unwilling to break God’s commandment not to kill. However, they didn’t sit back and hide. Instead, they formed the Friends’ Ambulance Unit and rescued many wounded and injured soldiers, often at great risk to themselves. The Quaker slant on Christian faith has always been to put their faith into action.

Time for reflection

What do we believe? We may not have a religious faith, but we do live our lives by a series of priorities and rules: there are steps that we would not take. We have attitudes to money, to sex, to the use of power and influence. We have aims for our own lives and the life of our community. Quakers would ask, ‘How much does that faith - that set of values - lead you to action?’

What we believe does not merely affect our personal lives; it also affects how we respond to those around us, in the respect and support that we grant them.

What we believe affects how we use our money too. Do we use it all for ourselves or do we share with a world of need?

What we believe affects whether we speak truth to power, or intervene and protest at injustice and prejudice.

What we believe, if turned into action, can have a beneficial effect for our whole world. That’s the message that Quakers would wish to pass on to us.

Extension activity

1. Quakers believe that we can all experience the light within. Most Quakers believe this to be the light of God. To experience it, the main requirements are to be still and listen.
   
   Encourage the students to create times of stillness in their lives. It may be only one minute’s silence, but it could be longer. Within the stillness, suggest that the students ask themselves two questions:
   
   - What might I do today that will put what I believe into action?
   - What single action will I take?
   
   Students can then put their faith into action, just like the Quakers.