George Fox, the tireless preacher of Quakerism
While the Protestant or Anglican, or extreme trends were also persecuted minority, did not apply a hardness as in the Catholic, that facilitated many of these groups will progress. On the other hand the persecution had the opposite effect to that opponents sought, for being persecuted many of these minorities fled to America in search of freedom that allowed them to practice their rituals, which resulted in increase. A clear instance of this was known as the Quakers, who in a few years went from a small group of spiritualists to become an institution.
emerged in 1652 the figure of an English mystic named George Fox, who for that year he founded a spiritual movement, also isolated and hierarchical clerical system of the Catholic Church and the Anglican, but unwilling to make the mistakes that had divided Baptists and more organized than other separatist movements such as the Congregational Puritans. All these were considered by George Fox, churches away from God for pastors and teachers find their power and wealth, and out to believers of the true meaning of being Christian. This visionary, sometimes acting as a visionary, perhaps resulting in a somewhat flippant and sometimes extravagant in their ways, but no doubt had a great missionary spirit, determination and outstanding value. He came to organize a large movement in a few years reached figures: The Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers.
George Fox was born in 1624 in a small town 24 km from Leicester, England. His father, Christopher Fox, was a weaver and his mother Mary Lake, a devout woman, both belonging to a community of Puritan-leaning English Presbyterians. In this way the young Fox felt a deep religious devotion from an early age. Coming from a family of not very large financial resources, did not receive higher education in principle, be content with learning to read and write, for those times in rural England was a lot. By that time England had more access to the Bible by the Protestant parishioners, so he devoted himself to read and study to the point of becoming a teacher of scripture. Autobiographical
himself said: When I was eleven, I met the purity and righteousness, and while a child learned to live to stay pure. The Lord taught me to be faithful in all things, and to act faithfully two ways: inwardly to God, and outwardly to man "(Memoirs of George Fox )
Despite not being a scholar in religious matters, the knowledge earned him the reading and study of scripture will be made up to theologians of his time. For example often used to visit Nathaniel Stephens, the Protestant pastor of his town, with whom he had long discussions on religious matters and on many doctrinal issues with which Fox did not agree. Fox Stephens regarded as a young gifted and very spiritual, but the two disagreed on many issues.
For Fox, the search for simplicity, humility and the abandonment of luxuries, was an obsession, for the life of a true Christian would not have depended on that love of worldly things. In 1943, with only 19 years, underwent an experience that marked the way to go, first because he felt disillusioned with their religious teachers, who gave the wine, snuff and other pleasures that looked too worldly. He fell into a depressed mood and was at that moment when he said he heard an inner voice that said, " You see how young people fall into the vanity, and old in the earth, and must abstain from all , youth and adults, and m antenerte outside of everything, and be like a stranger to all .
For this cause left Leicestershire and took refuge in Barnet, where he also found solace and a out of their mental anguish. He returned with his family to leave again in search of something to give him peace. Later he described on this dark and murky period of his life: But just as the priests had left, so I left n of independent preachers, and those considered experienced, and I noticed that there was no none among them that could be heard inside [fill my spiritual needs]. And when he had lost all hope in them and all men, so that there was nothing on the outside who could help me, then, oh then I heard a voice inside me said: "There someone, even Jesus Christ, which can be heard on the inside "and when I heard this my heart leaped with joy. Then the Lord allowed me to understand why there was no one on earth that could speak to my condition, ie so that he could see to him in all his glory, and every being that inhabits the land is sinking under the weight of sin, and lost in the darkness of disbelief, as I was, and Jesus Christ t iene preeminence that illuminates, and da Graca ia and faith and power. So when God works, who will prevent it? And I knew this empirically ( Through Experience - Memories of George Fox)
This continued traveling around the country as their religious beliefs took shape. According to him, was through prayer and meditation, and reached a better understanding of the nature of their faith and what it required of him. But it was often interpreted as what the power of the Lord or the direction of the spirit, which made him make decisions or speak at a place, argue with one or other. It describes that period as "openness" in which he claimed that he came often, sudden ideas and revelations that were interpreted as a clear mandate by the Lord at the time of becoming aware of them. Also reached a deep knowledge of established Christian beliefs about creation and salvation. Some of the ideas that emerged during this period were:
- Christians differ among them by ritual practices, but all are "saved" by faith, in this way, rituals can be ignored, provided that experience a true spiritual conversion.
- The qualification for being a priest is given by the Holy Spirit, not by ecclesiastical studies. This implies that everyone has the right to be a priest, as the Spirit guides them, including m omen.
"God" dwells in the hearts of their obedient servants "religious experience is not limited to walls of a church.
-Be open to the Spirit may not yield the charisms. Among others, the exorcisms, healings and divine "revelations received wisdom." (1 Cor.12 :8-10).
himself claims to have made a cure for his life, but never boasted of becoming a healer. That is the basis
roughly the Quakers, but really has no creed or dogma, it seems that in principle accept that they are open to different ideas, take or leave depending on the community. Your idea about who should lead each congregation or group of friends, different from other religions in the sense that more than a single pastor is appointed bodies of elders, or so-called monthly meetings, they were a group of these elders that first expressed on becomings problems or group. Every now available to meet members of different counties in annual meetings, for fellowship.
also wanted to get away from big churches or temples as they were Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans and the different branches of Puritanism. Far from it avoided Fox called "church" building, using instead the word "steeple-house" (building bell), a name still used by many Quakers today. The worship of God conceived not only in church buildings but also in fields and orchards, believing that God's presence can be felt everywhere. Some common ways
provide marriage by a priest or pastor, were rejected by the Friends at first, but somehow if celebrating some kind of ritual or celebration, the young groom used to inform the council of elders on their decision to marry and in front of a group of friends as witnesses were taken in marriage or on other occasions they went to a judge or law legalize their marriage but in no case was given by any elder. Fox himself explains: God has joined man and wife before the fall of man, and that, although the man had assumed the right to join while in sin, then, when men were redeemed, the union that was God was true and honorable marriage, while we never read in the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, that no priest had ever joined in marriage no (Journal of George Fox XVIII, 271 ) organizer
His spirit made him establish an orderly system to unify different congregations, which they differed from other movements of English Puritanism emerged and managed to keep the unity of all the friends, whether city, county, or even a different country. Over time, we were establishing nominations in different categories of superintendents or supervisors, at the monthly, quarterly and annually, review the activities of the Friends of a certain region, made the appointment of priests. The early Friends did not accept the baptism with water, because they just saw as necessary symbolic baptism with the Spirit, but whether there was a certain solemnity to the acceptance of new members.
The doctrine of the divinity of Christ does not seem to be clearly defined, at least in the original Quakers, Fox's own words, such that at first did not agree, in fact refused to make use of the term Trinity, for failure to appear is in the Bible. In a letter to the governor of Barbados, to clarify their beliefs and refute the false accusations made against them said .... recognize the existence of God in whom believe us, just the one God, omnipotent and eternal God, Creator all things, as í on earth as in heaven, and preserver of all that He has made, being the God above all and blessed by all, to whom be honor and glory, supreme authority , praise and thank you, now and forever. And we recognize we believe in Jesus Christ, His only beloved Son in whom He pleases, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, to whom we owe our redemption through His blood work and the forgiveness of sins, which is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature, by whom all things in heaven and on earth have been created, the creator of all things visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers . And we recognize and believe Him who knew no sin, was sacrificed for the pecad or without bending was never found in his mouth, that he was sacr live IFIC us outside the gates of Jerusalem, was buried and rose from the dead by the power of his father, for our justification, and we ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God. ( Journal of George Fox, 310 )
This idea, based literally on what the Bible describes, was the idea that early Quakers accepted as truth, it was later when accepting precepts Trinitarian Protestants welcomed the ideas. Another issue
rejected and criticized Fox, was the collection of money from parishioners, constantly quoted the words of Jesus, "received free, give free" and with that premise, spoke not only against Catholic indulgences, but against the tithe implemented throughout the Protestant, including Anglicans.
is often said that the Quakers, or Society of Friends, have no creeds or dogmas, but in reality is not entirely true, its biblical basis makes them have some basic concepts rooted in all their congregations.
Of course their main creed would be the teaching that God's presence is in every human being without distinction of race or religion. While that does not mean accepting all religious doctrines to be acceptable to God, just this idea is summarized in that anyone with the awareness that God gave him, can at least tell good from evil. Fox preached it was necessary to have a religious experience within, and that God had given each man an inner light that is Spirit of the living God, what happened is that many did not heed the call. For Fox the interior light should be the supreme guide of human conduct, and no sacred books or the authority of priests. This does not mean to reject the Scriptures, not in any way they consider of paramount importance to know this beautiful chronicle of the history of knowledge of God by humanity, as defined in the Bible, but without worrying about this issue prophetic.
In his meetings there are no rituals or formalities and where they occur are austere, simple, logically without images. Quakerism is not intended to be a sacramental faith, but entirely spiritual. As the ancient Waldenses, no oath, in interpreting the words of Jesus that your yes be yes and your no, no, That brought them many difficulties, especially when placed before judges or authorities.
During the period between 1647 to 1657, Fox had many periods of imprisonment, because of the slander of those who considered him a mad visionary trickster innocent minds, but that did not stop its movement is not successful, because where was I could find supporters. In those days it was common for a speaker, is pastor, presbyter, or elder, of any Protestant church in England to visit a church of any denomination and be invited to submit a few words, that opportunity was used by Fox to testify, which in most cases meant the admiration of the listeners, soon became fans, but also meant the wrath of the clergy, who often went wrong stop taunting speeches by itinerant preacher, was often for this reason that ended in prison. Fox preached
also on Christian pacifism, which has earned such a reputation for being the first that failed to go to any of the wars in any country in the world. Even while noting the social injustices of his country, it strove to never use violence to achieve objectives, but using the word, even compared to large to convince them with reason and dialectics. Proof of this was his conversations with the powerful political and military English Oliver Cromwell, who managed to convince to alleviate the persecution they were subjected Friends and that this grant certain religious liberty throughout the English empire. The social and international peace remained relevant to them, and represented an important role in the antislavery movement, reform Carles and other humanitarian causes.
But the hatred toward the peace movement Fox, continued for many years, even in the supposedly free New England, in America, where the arrival of Quakers in the second half of the seventeenth century, was not well received. A ejmplo of that is a sad event occurred in July 1656, when the ship Swallow, from the Caribbean island of Barbados, anchored in Boston, the famous Puritan state of Massachusetts. They traveled a small group of friends, ready to start moving in those lands. Richard Bellingham, Deputy Governor of the colony of Massachusetts, ordered the passengers disembark prevent Mary Fisher and Ann Austin. The registers in his possession a hundred books which he said contained "Doctrines corrupt, heretical and blasphemous."
After burning the books in the marketplace, the two women imprisoned, stripped and searched for evidence of witchcraft in her body. Then sealed the window of his cell, and prisoners had to stay five weeks in the dark. Who would dare speak to them risked it imposed a fine of 5 pounds. Finally forced the two women to return to Barbados.
Things did not improve between 1659 and 1661 were rather painful for the Quaker settlers, was hanged in Boston Leddra missionaries William, Mary Dyer, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson. Others were chained in shackles, branded with hot iron, los azotaron o les cortaron las orejas. Un hombre llamado William Brend recibió 117 latigazos en la espalda desnuda con una soga recubierta de brea. Pese a recibir un trato tan brutal, la cantidad de cuáqueros aumentó y en todas partes se fueron organizando grupos de Amigos.
Cuando George Fox viajó allá en 1671, las cosas habían mejorado un poco para los Amigos, pues al parecer ya se habían establecido numerosos grupos aislados. Aquel viaje fue con el propósito de establecer un orden entre aquellos y organizar las juntas mensuales y las reuniones regulares, aclarar algunos asuntos ceremoniales, tales como los matrimonios, y otros puntos para fortalecer a las pequeñas congregaciones que se iban estableciendo.
Llegando Barbados first, there observed an unusual fact, the use of Africans as slaves, even by some friends, so they were exposed to these with dignity and be taught and educated in Christianity, without taxation. Indeed, asked whether it was possible to be granted freedom after a service time, it was clear that he disagreed with that inhuman treatment, therefore, had trouble with the authorities of the island, the governor himself was accused of inciting rebellion of slaves. It was not easy to impose this criterion as even among his own followers used to have slaves, but eventually the idea of \u200b\u200bfreedom I wanted, paid off, because in 1673, published the document " exhortation and warning to friends regarding the purchase or sale of black" , perhaps the first protest against slavery, published and distributed in the American colonies. And we know who were the Quakers and the Mennonites in 1688, the first to abolish within their communities composing the call slavery protestation of Germantown, where among other things said: We marched against the transportation of men, or theft and selling them against their will, "the document says." In Europe there are many who are oppressed for reasons of conscience, and here are victims of oppression for being black. [...] Ah! Consider this well, so who do you would behave in this man era? What is done in accordance with what di cta Christianity? "
Fox, left nothing to chance, prescribing rules to keep track of members, marriages, even spoke of the measures to take if one of those who were expelled or repudiated discipline, a method similar to that used by Mennonites and of course based on what the first Christians were to expel the offenders, in no case were left with no chance of redemption through repentance.
Quakers name apparently originated from a peculiarity often seen at meetings. One of the most striking beliefs of early Friends was the belief that each person brings something of the divine within themselves so that each person can have direct contact with the divine, without recourse to priests or sacraments, so in their steeple-houses, used to get used to pray in silence and any time anyone could go into the pulpit and speak. Sometimes some claimed to receive certain disclosures, those moments of full concentration, I did rocking or shaking his head slightly, prompting some observers put the name of Quakers, term that originates from English quake, which means shaking, why in English the term used to refer to a Quaker member of the Friends. Apparently, it was in 1650 when Judge Bennet of Derby, used that term for the first time to refer to Fox, especially when the latter rebuked him with the phrase: trembles at the word of God , the judge's response was to call Quaker Fox, before sending back to prison.
typing a Quaker meeting at the beginning --->
George Fox, had a stone in his shoe, or an obsession, these were the so-called Ranters, against whom often divided harsh criticism. Some related to the Quakers with this group of enlightened, which irritated Fox; Both movements shared persecution and arrests and often held discussions with members of these and distributed messages against this movement, which he considered blatantly wrong. The movement of the Ranters appeared in England around the year 1645 with the theme "Christ in men." Was the only point in common with the Quakers, to say that Christ lives in spirit in every person. Its members claimed that by being infused with the Spirit could not sin and were in the same state of innocence Adam in Paradise, which sometimes allowed them to live lives apparently license, as practiced nusidmo and free sex, or at least that often they were accused. In their meetings talking about a very exalted and in disarray. They were accused of preaching the expropriation of the rich and the commons. Also said they believed that in some mystical state of grace was lawful for a man to commit crimes, including murder. They were also accused of preaching that men and women should practice free love, were married or not. Indeed were the polar opposite of Quakerism founded by Fox, who did not tolerate the excesses which accused the Ranters, whether true or not. Fox makes much reference to this movement minority apparently also came to America and from which claims to have converted many of them.
As already noted, many Quakers were able to sail for America with his zeal preacher establish Friends groups in the new continent since the fifties of the seventeenth century, but not without difficulties, particularly in major Puritan colonies, which at that time had become hostile to new ideas. Fox made the trips to Barbados and New England in 1671, showing that it had made an important work of evangelization by many and had a willingness to listen to the message, much more comprehensive, and moderate than that of the Puritans, Presbyterians, Baptists and Congregationalists who completed the lineup of Christianity in that region.
Among those highlighted as Quaker missionaries was William Edmonson, who formed and organized numerous groups of Friends in Virginia and much of the interior states. But before that there were many others published their truth jealously many, Fox himself set the example by speaking to all kinds of people, not rejecting the indigenous Indians, who often listened to them as watched the humane treatment of this, no the arrogance of the missionaries of other faiths.
In 1681, another important leader among the Friends, managed to establish itself in North
teamérica, coming to form a large community of Quakers there, almost a nation of these and on behalf of religious freedom. This is one of the best drivers of the work of William Penn friends in america .--------->
William Penn was born in
1644 in the midst of an influential family of England, his father was an admiral in the British navy and had provided important services to the crown in the wars against Spain and Holland, for it, but King Charles II, he held in high esteem, making him Sir. However, the young Penn, rather than follow his father's footsteps and pursue a career in the Navy, with only 22 decided to give it another path to religious life, and in 1666 joined the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. That meant a decision that caused him to suffer persecution and be several times in prison.
soon became an advocate of freedom of ideas and especially religion, which many others were calling in England. But coming from a prominent family that he wanted to seek freedom for the Friends, through policy, which clashed in part to Quaker precepts of neutrality in world affairs. The associated politically with a party that called for tolerance, freedom, and separation of powers, as he and his men, but their attempts to get through the political changes achieved was disappointing, so that again focused on his work as a preacher and found more meaning in their work among Friends. Maintained a close relationship with George Fox, who visited Scotland, Wales, even to organize groups of friends in Holland and Germany, the zealous preacher of the Friends seemed to bear fruit everywhere. Penn soon became one of the strongest contributors to Fox, but both also suffer in their flesh the religious intolerance of his time.
As a result of hostilities that saw, decided to try to establish a free colony beyond the intolerant Europe, and decided to open countryside to the Americas, where he had heard of many Puritan colonists who had settled there, free of the pressures Anglican . As the crown wanted to reward his family for his father's work, permission was granted asylum and not only that, but a vast territory in North America and a royal decree stating that would have almost unlimited power in the new colony.
That would open the door to new lands to found a society of true freedom. He began to dream of a free nation with a just government, no crime or penalty, or war or conflicts with neighboring nations. Penn
first sent his cousin William Markham to America as a representative to buy land from the natives and make sure that the few Europeans who were already living in the territory will be loyal. Subsequently, while in 1682, Penn sailed up the Delaware River and saw his first colony. Held an equitable treaty with indigenous peoples in Shackamaxon. Then founded about a kilometer from the settlement which he called Philadelphia, a term whose root means "brotherly love" and called the whole region Sylvania, meaning forest or jungle in Latin, that state later took the name its originator and became known as Pennsylvania. The city of Philadelphia grew rapidly thanks to the publicity given by Penn to your project. Penn
few years later he returned to England and made propaganda for the newly established colony, in order to encourage his countrymen to relocate there. In his writings mentioned fertile land, forest, river and majestic wild animals which could available skins. He promised that the new government would promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, assured rights, such as separation and limitation of political power and freedom of worship, the pursuit of social equality and substantive fairness and the utmost respect for civil liberties, the vindication of the dignity of women and their active participation in public life, the absence of military, peaceful coexistence with Native Americans and their free access to the territories settlers. Everyone was wel
Register: traders, poor people and idealists eager to contribute to the formation of good governance. Logically
that attracted many settlers from Europe and not only Quakers, but Mennonites, Unitarians, Socinians. The hope of escaping the social and political ills of Europe was a great relief to the Quakers in England and Northern Ireland, where despite the progress gained, still suffered insults. In that territory also came Mennonites and related groups in the Rhine basin, for there were well received. But almost all the early settlers were Quakers. In 1683, Penn wrote about the good beginning of the colony: "We have held two general meetings, [...] and has approved at least seventy laws without the slightest disagreement."
But unfortunately that peace last long, Penn's own economic problems, returned to England to seek support, it was to leave the control of their city. Emerged as issues to do with the crime, if the Quakers could not use violence or weapons. At first, Penn evaded the issue by appointing commissioners to not Quakers, he said, "tough on citizens apply when the situation warrants. But in 1689, came the threat of war against France and this would come to America, that was a challenge even greater for a Quaker pacifist principles.
On the other hand as time passed were arrived waves of new settlers who were not Quakers and did not comply with the principles of tolerance and peace of these, including those snatched land from Indians and created conflicts with them. Quakers soon became a minority, and relations with native peoples became increasingly hostile. In 1712 William Penn suffered a disease that incapacitated him, dying in England in 1718, ending the last hope of maintaining peace and order in their so-called "holy experiment."
The religious zeal of the Quakers was declining with increasing economic prosperity. One of them, Samuel Fothergill said: "As the Friends focused their interests in this world could no longer teach their children the principles and Llosa same bian has left. "
In fact, although the draft peaceful city and a paradise of freedom barely stayed for a few decades, the coup de grace Quaker political authority came when the Governor and Council members declared war on the Delaware and Shawnee tribes in 1756. In response, the Quakers withdrew from the government, putting an end to his regime. Thus, the "experiment sacred "Penn State failed on issues about seventy-five years after its launch.
addition, because of not establishing a religion or denomination accurate and complete faith, allowing freedom of thought and beliefs to their congregations in the long run has given rise to divisions within the Friends movement. Such differences arose as to the ways in meetings, on the one side are the so-called unprogrammed Quakers, who kept quiet collection system, which intervened any person present on a voluntary basis and improvised. On the other hand worship called programmed, there is usually silent adoration, but for less time, and as part of a religious service more in the sermons given by d
and priests, elected democratically, but more or less both systems were maintained together.
<---Elías Hicks, su pensamiento revolucionario y liberal, le acercó a postulados antaño repudiados por los cuáqueros
But unlike what happened in the nineteenth century, when Quakerism fell into a crisis of unity. In 1827 Elias Hicks came to break the apparent peace and unity enjoyed by the Friends. Born March 19, 1748, Hicks was an itinerant preacher, preacher excelled in their work on Long Island, New York. He was the promoter of certain doctrines which apparently were not taken very well by some Quaker meetings. In fact, this controversy led to the first major schism within the Religious Society of Friends.
In fact, Elias Hicks, his criticisms were initially the excessive approach to Protestant views, by the Quakers scheduled. By this time noticing the influence came more emotional of the Methodists in some meetings, even accepted ideas and rituals Trinity Baptist.
Hicks wanted the Society of Friends, to return to their roots more spiritual and intimate, rejecting any influence of Calvinist Protestantism. But it brought profound changes in thought and doctrine of some magnitude. Among other things, is said to deny the virgin birth of Mary, the full divinity of Christ and the necessity of salvation through Christ's death. He also reportedly maintained that the direction of light Interior should be more authoritarian than the text of the Bible, that is further deepened in Quaker premise of personal spiritual inspiration. His detractors considered such views as heretical because it contradicted the traditional teachings of Christianity, forgetting that the issue of the Trinity, which the Fox avoided mentioning in his writings and speeches, teaching had not been widely accepted or understood by the early Quakers , not to appear that definition in the Bible. Hicks insisted that it accepted the divinity of Christ, but not as the Trinitarian Bible and matches the spoken ministry.
Hicks' teachings were very supportive in rural areas, not in the cities, therefore, Hicks's followers are often called "Farmers." They however insisted that represented the true Religious Society of Friends. Eventually
especially after the death of Elias Hicks in 1830, he developed a doctrine far from the original taught by Fox, especially since joined the rejection of the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, also came to deny that Satan was the source "of the passions" human "or who instigated the propensity to sin." Farmers stressed that basic drives, including all sexual passions, were not implemented by a foreign devil, nor the product of personal choice were actually just different aspects of human nature created by God, he gave us passions, they said. The farmers were taught that evil and suffering is not because human nature got that "propensity", but rather were the result of an excess in the indulgence of appetite. Generally
which agreed with Hicks became known as the Peasants or Hicksites, and these in turn called his detractors Orthodox Friends.
In 1858, an important and influential Quaker was the poet Walt Whitman, who became one of the most famous exponents of the Peasant, which he defined as " a wonderful group of mystics with logical reasoning , intended to make a radical revolution in a society devoted, and his influence would be felt outside of that Society ... His liberal idea is shown in works at issue in its time, particularly for his book Leaves of Grass, described as obscene for its overt sexuality and liberal idea is that the peasants came to accept extreme immorality as natural to man and established by God as well. Many Quakers left because of this moral madness. Quaker theology of God within (another name for the Inner Light), subsequently appeared in the theory of free love movement, which was considered compatible with the sociology of religion that prompted other leader of these ideas, Carl Fourier. That meant a dangerous approach to the liberal ideology of the old Ranters, as rejected by Fox, who interpreted that nothing was a sin, because in reality this did not exist.
Decades later there was another break, this was in protest of the direction taken by the English preacher J. Gurney, who came from the Quakers to enter pastoral ministry, which in principle meant that a closer and use of the Bible and the adoption of the Universal Creed, including less use of the classic silent Quaker meeting, in addition to the practice of Baptism in the ritual of initiation for new members. Many American Quakers rebelled against what they considered an imposing imported from Baptists who had always considered the world's religions. So led by John Wilbur, who protested against this interference founded the group "Conservative Friends", later in 1861 came the "early Friends", in 1887 the Friends of Iowa "and in 1904 the Friends of Virginia" .
Each group was considered legitimate heir to the Quaker heritage, but in most cases, doctrinal differences were insurmountable. Those disputes ended in the formation of three main branches: Hicksites or farmers, with more liberal trend in thought and belief, Orthodox, with a great approach to the format and Baptist evangelist, the closest to conservative Unscheduled system called (without preaching at meetings) and those who are often accused of quietísimo.
During the twentieth century, however, Friends have tried to heal their differences and seek a rapprochement. They have formed several groups or conferences to unite the various congregations and trends. For example, many Quakers have been associated with an international organization, known by the World Committee for Consultation Friends, headquartered in London. But because of the division, there are many associations or similar organizations draft, grouping many other congregations of all kinds. There is no doubt that these divisions have hurt the progress of the Friends in the world, but that if there are Quaker communities on every continent.
In America, especially in the U.S. there are many groups today claim to be from the society of Friends, a place where communities of all varieties, in which include: no universal program, affiliated with Friends General Conference; Christ-centered Quaker unprogrammed or conservative Christ-Programmed, some of these members of the Friends United Meeting and Evangelical Quakers affiliated with Evangelical Friends International. In most cases, there is little communication between these tendencies within their own Religious Society of Friends. This shows that while the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers has been a significant movement and admired his pacifism, which earned him international recognition and the struggle for religious freedom, however, have gone away from finding a homogeneous and unified body seeking Fox
The connection with political issues that separate them from their principles of neutrality. For though that was one of its early signs, the same pacifism has led them to cross dangerous borders. For example, since World War II Quaker representatives have traveled to war zones In order to mediate conflicts, as they argue that they do in order to assess the situation and try to understand the terms of the dispute, seeking non-violent resolution. But in some cases have taken sides in political conflicts, including some American politicians belonged to this community, without which their ideology prevented them from defending certain political signs in the world. The Quaker United Nations for New York City represents the membership of the Friends of the concept and principles of this world organization. Its mission is to support United Nations efforts to organize seminars and private meetings, presenting papers at the various committees of the organization and working quietly with the delegates. What you saw, it seems laudable, but they are singled out religious character of his work. Quakers
Some groups have tried to unite modernity with populist decisions in order to attract more members, for example, recently reported that one of the Quaker society, a certain country agreed to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples stated that even asking the government to change the law to allow officers to record these Quaker community in the books homosexual unions with the status of civil marriage. Recently at the annual Quaker meeting, held at the University of York, 1,200 members gave their unanimous approval to revise the relevant parts of Quaker Faith and Practice to treat gay marriage the same way as with heterosexual unions.
There is also a movement known as the Quakers non-theistic, ie they do not believe in God, even as others interested in peace, simple living, integrity, community, fairness, love of neighbor, happiness and justice , in the Quaker community and society. This group of Quakers acknowledged, have recently begun to take into account significant non-theistic beliefs in communities, in the tradition of search for truth. The non-theism among Quakers dating from the 1930's, when some members in California are separated from the group to form the Humanist Society of Friends, the timepo has become part of the American Humanist Association.
Though that above trends, it is only extreme cases, religious shows the distance and the degree of liberalization of some Quaker counidades, lost in a sea of \u200b\u200bhumanistic ideologies, but forgetting the true search of Christianity.
the death of G. Fox had worldwide about 60,000 Quakers, was a great job, no doubt, the one made by itinerant pastor. Currently, 300 years later around the world there are about 300,000 this indicate that further expansion has been weak compared to other Protestant groups. Some attribute it to her too severely, for what the expulsion of its members, a practice that applies to anyone who leaves the Quaker beliefs and customs, but the reality is that as with the congregation are the continuing divisions that have weakened their progress and some paths taken
not improve this situation.
symbol used by some Quaker groups who work in mediating conflicts .
emerged in 1652 the figure of an English mystic named George Fox, who for that year he founded a spiritual movement, also isolated and hierarchical clerical system of the Catholic Church and the Anglican, but unwilling to make the mistakes that had divided Baptists and more organized than other separatist movements such as the Congregational Puritans. All these were considered by George Fox, churches away from God for pastors and teachers find their power and wealth, and out to believers of the true meaning of being Christian. This visionary, sometimes acting as a visionary, perhaps resulting in a somewhat flippant and sometimes extravagant in their ways, but no doubt had a great missionary spirit, determination and outstanding value. He came to organize a large movement in a few years reached figures: The Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers.
George Fox was born in 1624 in a small town 24 km from Leicester, England. His father, Christopher Fox, was a weaver and his mother Mary Lake, a devout woman, both belonging to a community of Puritan-leaning English Presbyterians. In this way the young Fox felt a deep religious devotion from an early age. Coming from a family of not very large financial resources, did not receive higher education in principle, be content with learning to read and write, for those times in rural England was a lot. By that time England had more access to the Bible by the Protestant parishioners, so he devoted himself to read and study to the point of becoming a teacher of scripture. Autobiographical
himself said: When I was eleven, I met the purity and righteousness, and while a child learned to live to stay pure. The Lord taught me to be faithful in all things, and to act faithfully two ways: inwardly to God, and outwardly to man "(Memoirs of George Fox )
Despite not being a scholar in religious matters, the knowledge earned him the reading and study of scripture will be made up to theologians of his time. For example often used to visit Nathaniel Stephens, the Protestant pastor of his town, with whom he had long discussions on religious matters and on many doctrinal issues with which Fox did not agree. Fox Stephens regarded as a young gifted and very spiritual, but the two disagreed on many issues.
For Fox, the search for simplicity, humility and the abandonment of luxuries, was an obsession, for the life of a true Christian would not have depended on that love of worldly things. In 1943, with only 19 years, underwent an experience that marked the way to go, first because he felt disillusioned with their religious teachers, who gave the wine, snuff and other pleasures that looked too worldly. He fell into a depressed mood and was at that moment when he said he heard an inner voice that said, " You see how young people fall into the vanity, and old in the earth, and must abstain from all , youth and adults, and m antenerte outside of everything, and be like a stranger to all .
For this cause left Leicestershire and took refuge in Barnet, where he also found solace and a out of their mental anguish. He returned with his family to leave again in search of something to give him peace. Later he described on this dark and murky period of his life: But just as the priests had left, so I left n of independent preachers, and those considered experienced, and I noticed that there was no none among them that could be heard inside [fill my spiritual needs]. And when he had lost all hope in them and all men, so that there was nothing on the outside who could help me, then, oh then I heard a voice inside me said: "There someone, even Jesus Christ, which can be heard on the inside "and when I heard this my heart leaped with joy. Then the Lord allowed me to understand why there was no one on earth that could speak to my condition, ie so that he could see to him in all his glory, and every being that inhabits the land is sinking under the weight of sin, and lost in the darkness of disbelief, as I was, and Jesus Christ t iene preeminence that illuminates, and da Graca ia and faith and power. So when God works, who will prevent it? And I knew this empirically ( Through Experience - Memories of George Fox)
This continued traveling around the country as their religious beliefs took shape. According to him, was through prayer and meditation, and reached a better understanding of the nature of their faith and what it required of him. But it was often interpreted as what the power of the Lord or the direction of the spirit, which made him make decisions or speak at a place, argue with one or other. It describes that period as "openness" in which he claimed that he came often, sudden ideas and revelations that were interpreted as a clear mandate by the Lord at the time of becoming aware of them. Also reached a deep knowledge of established Christian beliefs about creation and salvation. Some of the ideas that emerged during this period were:
- Christians differ among them by ritual practices, but all are "saved" by faith, in this way, rituals can be ignored, provided that experience a true spiritual conversion.
- The qualification for being a priest is given by the Holy Spirit, not by ecclesiastical studies. This implies that everyone has the right to be a priest, as the Spirit guides them, including m omen.
"God" dwells in the hearts of their obedient servants "religious experience is not limited to walls of a church.
-Be open to the Spirit may not yield the charisms. Among others, the exorcisms, healings and divine "revelations received wisdom." (1 Cor.12 :8-10).
himself claims to have made a cure for his life, but never boasted of becoming a healer. That is the basis
roughly the Quakers, but really has no creed or dogma, it seems that in principle accept that they are open to different ideas, take or leave depending on the community. Your idea about who should lead each congregation or group of friends, different from other religions in the sense that more than a single pastor is appointed bodies of elders, or so-called monthly meetings, they were a group of these elders that first expressed on becomings problems or group. Every now available to meet members of different counties in annual meetings, for fellowship.
also wanted to get away from big churches or temples as they were Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans and the different branches of Puritanism. Far from it avoided Fox called "church" building, using instead the word "steeple-house" (building bell), a name still used by many Quakers today. The worship of God conceived not only in church buildings but also in fields and orchards, believing that God's presence can be felt everywhere. Some common ways
provide marriage by a priest or pastor, were rejected by the Friends at first, but somehow if celebrating some kind of ritual or celebration, the young groom used to inform the council of elders on their decision to marry and in front of a group of friends as witnesses were taken in marriage or on other occasions they went to a judge or law legalize their marriage but in no case was given by any elder. Fox himself explains: God has joined man and wife before the fall of man, and that, although the man had assumed the right to join while in sin, then, when men were redeemed, the union that was God was true and honorable marriage, while we never read in the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, that no priest had ever joined in marriage no (Journal of George Fox XVIII, 271 ) organizer
His spirit made him establish an orderly system to unify different congregations, which they differed from other movements of English Puritanism emerged and managed to keep the unity of all the friends, whether city, county, or even a different country. Over time, we were establishing nominations in different categories of superintendents or supervisors, at the monthly, quarterly and annually, review the activities of the Friends of a certain region, made the appointment of priests. The early Friends did not accept the baptism with water, because they just saw as necessary symbolic baptism with the Spirit, but whether there was a certain solemnity to the acceptance of new members.
The doctrine of the divinity of Christ does not seem to be clearly defined, at least in the original Quakers, Fox's own words, such that at first did not agree, in fact refused to make use of the term Trinity, for failure to appear is in the Bible. In a letter to the governor of Barbados, to clarify their beliefs and refute the false accusations made against them said .... recognize the existence of God in whom believe us, just the one God, omnipotent and eternal God, Creator all things, as í on earth as in heaven, and preserver of all that He has made, being the God above all and blessed by all, to whom be honor and glory, supreme authority , praise and thank you, now and forever. And we recognize we believe in Jesus Christ, His only beloved Son in whom He pleases, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, to whom we owe our redemption through His blood work and the forgiveness of sins, which is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature, by whom all things in heaven and on earth have been created, the creator of all things visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers . And we recognize and believe Him who knew no sin, was sacrificed for the pecad or without bending was never found in his mouth, that he was sacr live IFIC us outside the gates of Jerusalem, was buried and rose from the dead by the power of his father, for our justification, and we ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God. ( Journal of George Fox, 310 )
This idea, based literally on what the Bible describes, was the idea that early Quakers accepted as truth, it was later when accepting precepts Trinitarian Protestants welcomed the ideas. Another issue
rejected and criticized Fox, was the collection of money from parishioners, constantly quoted the words of Jesus, "received free, give free" and with that premise, spoke not only against Catholic indulgences, but against the tithe implemented throughout the Protestant, including Anglicans.
is often said that the Quakers, or Society of Friends, have no creeds or dogmas, but in reality is not entirely true, its biblical basis makes them have some basic concepts rooted in all their congregations.
Of course their main creed would be the teaching that God's presence is in every human being without distinction of race or religion. While that does not mean accepting all religious doctrines to be acceptable to God, just this idea is summarized in that anyone with the awareness that God gave him, can at least tell good from evil. Fox preached it was necessary to have a religious experience within, and that God had given each man an inner light that is Spirit of the living God, what happened is that many did not heed the call. For Fox the interior light should be the supreme guide of human conduct, and no sacred books or the authority of priests. This does not mean to reject the Scriptures, not in any way they consider of paramount importance to know this beautiful chronicle of the history of knowledge of God by humanity, as defined in the Bible, but without worrying about this issue prophetic.
In his meetings there are no rituals or formalities and where they occur are austere, simple, logically without images. Quakerism is not intended to be a sacramental faith, but entirely spiritual. As the ancient Waldenses, no oath, in interpreting the words of Jesus that your yes be yes and your no, no, That brought them many difficulties, especially when placed before judges or authorities.
During the period between 1647 to 1657, Fox had many periods of imprisonment, because of the slander of those who considered him a mad visionary trickster innocent minds, but that did not stop its movement is not successful, because where was I could find supporters. In those days it was common for a speaker, is pastor, presbyter, or elder, of any Protestant church in England to visit a church of any denomination and be invited to submit a few words, that opportunity was used by Fox to testify, which in most cases meant the admiration of the listeners, soon became fans, but also meant the wrath of the clergy, who often went wrong stop taunting speeches by itinerant preacher, was often for this reason that ended in prison. Fox preached
also on Christian pacifism, which has earned such a reputation for being the first that failed to go to any of the wars in any country in the world. Even while noting the social injustices of his country, it strove to never use violence to achieve objectives, but using the word, even compared to large to convince them with reason and dialectics. Proof of this was his conversations with the powerful political and military English Oliver Cromwell, who managed to convince to alleviate the persecution they were subjected Friends and that this grant certain religious liberty throughout the English empire. The social and international peace remained relevant to them, and represented an important role in the antislavery movement, reform Carles and other humanitarian causes.
But the hatred toward the peace movement Fox, continued for many years, even in the supposedly free New England, in America, where the arrival of Quakers in the second half of the seventeenth century, was not well received. A ejmplo of that is a sad event occurred in July 1656, when the ship Swallow, from the Caribbean island of Barbados, anchored in Boston, the famous Puritan state of Massachusetts. They traveled a small group of friends, ready to start moving in those lands. Richard Bellingham, Deputy Governor of the colony of Massachusetts, ordered the passengers disembark prevent Mary Fisher and Ann Austin. The registers in his possession a hundred books which he said contained "Doctrines corrupt, heretical and blasphemous."
After burning the books in the marketplace, the two women imprisoned, stripped and searched for evidence of witchcraft in her body. Then sealed the window of his cell, and prisoners had to stay five weeks in the dark. Who would dare speak to them risked it imposed a fine of 5 pounds. Finally forced the two women to return to Barbados.
Things did not improve between 1659 and 1661 were rather painful for the Quaker settlers, was hanged in Boston Leddra missionaries William, Mary Dyer, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson. Others were chained in shackles, branded with hot iron, los azotaron o les cortaron las orejas. Un hombre llamado William Brend recibió 117 latigazos en la espalda desnuda con una soga recubierta de brea. Pese a recibir un trato tan brutal, la cantidad de cuáqueros aumentó y en todas partes se fueron organizando grupos de Amigos.
Cuando George Fox viajó allá en 1671, las cosas habían mejorado un poco para los Amigos, pues al parecer ya se habían establecido numerosos grupos aislados. Aquel viaje fue con el propósito de establecer un orden entre aquellos y organizar las juntas mensuales y las reuniones regulares, aclarar algunos asuntos ceremoniales, tales como los matrimonios, y otros puntos para fortalecer a las pequeñas congregaciones que se iban estableciendo.
Llegando Barbados first, there observed an unusual fact, the use of Africans as slaves, even by some friends, so they were exposed to these with dignity and be taught and educated in Christianity, without taxation. Indeed, asked whether it was possible to be granted freedom after a service time, it was clear that he disagreed with that inhuman treatment, therefore, had trouble with the authorities of the island, the governor himself was accused of inciting rebellion of slaves. It was not easy to impose this criterion as even among his own followers used to have slaves, but eventually the idea of \u200b\u200bfreedom I wanted, paid off, because in 1673, published the document " exhortation and warning to friends regarding the purchase or sale of black" , perhaps the first protest against slavery, published and distributed in the American colonies. And we know who were the Quakers and the Mennonites in 1688, the first to abolish within their communities composing the call slavery protestation of Germantown, where among other things said: We marched against the transportation of men, or theft and selling them against their will, "the document says." In Europe there are many who are oppressed for reasons of conscience, and here are victims of oppression for being black. [...] Ah! Consider this well, so who do you would behave in this man era? What is done in accordance with what di cta Christianity? "
Fox, left nothing to chance, prescribing rules to keep track of members, marriages, even spoke of the measures to take if one of those who were expelled or repudiated discipline, a method similar to that used by Mennonites and of course based on what the first Christians were to expel the offenders, in no case were left with no chance of redemption through repentance.
Quakers name apparently originated from a peculiarity often seen at meetings. One of the most striking beliefs of early Friends was the belief that each person brings something of the divine within themselves so that each person can have direct contact with the divine, without recourse to priests or sacraments, so in their steeple-houses, used to get used to pray in silence and any time anyone could go into the pulpit and speak. Sometimes some claimed to receive certain disclosures, those moments of full concentration, I did rocking or shaking his head slightly, prompting some observers put the name of Quakers, term that originates from English quake, which means shaking, why in English the term used to refer to a Quaker member of the Friends. Apparently, it was in 1650 when Judge Bennet of Derby, used that term for the first time to refer to Fox, especially when the latter rebuked him with the phrase: trembles at the word of God , the judge's response was to call Quaker Fox, before sending back to prison.
typing a Quaker meeting at the beginning --->
George Fox, had a stone in his shoe, or an obsession, these were the so-called Ranters, against whom often divided harsh criticism. Some related to the Quakers with this group of enlightened, which irritated Fox; Both movements shared persecution and arrests and often held discussions with members of these and distributed messages against this movement, which he considered blatantly wrong. The movement of the Ranters appeared in England around the year 1645 with the theme "Christ in men." Was the only point in common with the Quakers, to say that Christ lives in spirit in every person. Its members claimed that by being infused with the Spirit could not sin and were in the same state of innocence Adam in Paradise, which sometimes allowed them to live lives apparently license, as practiced nusidmo and free sex, or at least that often they were accused. In their meetings talking about a very exalted and in disarray. They were accused of preaching the expropriation of the rich and the commons. Also said they believed that in some mystical state of grace was lawful for a man to commit crimes, including murder. They were also accused of preaching that men and women should practice free love, were married or not. Indeed were the polar opposite of Quakerism founded by Fox, who did not tolerate the excesses which accused the Ranters, whether true or not. Fox makes much reference to this movement minority apparently also came to America and from which claims to have converted many of them.
Illustration of a book and n describing some practices related
the Ranters, the antithesis of the early Quakers,
with which relations are vided however.
the Ranters, the antithesis of the early Quakers,
with which relations are vided however.
As already noted, many Quakers were able to sail for America with his zeal preacher establish Friends groups in the new continent since the fifties of the seventeenth century, but not without difficulties, particularly in major Puritan colonies, which at that time had become hostile to new ideas. Fox made the trips to Barbados and New England in 1671, showing that it had made an important work of evangelization by many and had a willingness to listen to the message, much more comprehensive, and moderate than that of the Puritans, Presbyterians, Baptists and Congregationalists who completed the lineup of Christianity in that region.
Among those highlighted as Quaker missionaries was William Edmonson, who formed and organized numerous groups of Friends in Virginia and much of the interior states. But before that there were many others published their truth jealously many, Fox himself set the example by speaking to all kinds of people, not rejecting the indigenous Indians, who often listened to them as watched the humane treatment of this, no the arrogance of the missionaries of other faiths.
In 1681, another important leader among the Friends, managed to establish itself in North
teamérica, coming to form a large community of Quakers there, almost a nation of these and on behalf of religious freedom. This is one of the best drivers of the work of William Penn friends in america .---------> William Penn was born in
1644 in the midst of an influential family of England, his father was an admiral in the British navy and had provided important services to the crown in the wars against Spain and Holland, for it, but King Charles II, he held in high esteem, making him Sir. However, the young Penn, rather than follow his father's footsteps and pursue a career in the Navy, with only 22 decided to give it another path to religious life, and in 1666 joined the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. That meant a decision that caused him to suffer persecution and be several times in prison.
soon became an advocate of freedom of ideas and especially religion, which many others were calling in England. But coming from a prominent family that he wanted to seek freedom for the Friends, through policy, which clashed in part to Quaker precepts of neutrality in world affairs. The associated politically with a party that called for tolerance, freedom, and separation of powers, as he and his men, but their attempts to get through the political changes achieved was disappointing, so that again focused on his work as a preacher and found more meaning in their work among Friends. Maintained a close relationship with George Fox, who visited Scotland, Wales, even to organize groups of friends in Holland and Germany, the zealous preacher of the Friends seemed to bear fruit everywhere. Penn soon became one of the strongest contributors to Fox, but both also suffer in their flesh the religious intolerance of his time.
As a result of hostilities that saw, decided to try to establish a free colony beyond the intolerant Europe, and decided to open countryside to the Americas, where he had heard of many Puritan colonists who had settled there, free of the pressures Anglican . As the crown wanted to reward his family for his father's work, permission was granted asylum and not only that, but a vast territory in North America and a royal decree stating that would have almost unlimited power in the new colony.
That would open the door to new lands to found a society of true freedom. He began to dream of a free nation with a just government, no crime or penalty, or war or conflicts with neighboring nations. Penn
first sent his cousin William Markham to America as a representative to buy land from the natives and make sure that the few Europeans who were already living in the territory will be loyal. Subsequently, while in 1682, Penn sailed up the Delaware River and saw his first colony. Held an equitable treaty with indigenous peoples in Shackamaxon. Then founded about a kilometer from the settlement which he called Philadelphia, a term whose root means "brotherly love" and called the whole region Sylvania, meaning forest or jungle in Latin, that state later took the name its originator and became known as Pennsylvania. The city of Philadelphia grew rapidly thanks to the publicity given by Penn to your project. Penn
few years later he returned to England and made propaganda for the newly established colony, in order to encourage his countrymen to relocate there. In his writings mentioned fertile land, forest, river and majestic wild animals which could available skins. He promised that the new government would promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, assured rights, such as separation and limitation of political power and freedom of worship, the pursuit of social equality and substantive fairness and the utmost respect for civil liberties, the vindication of the dignity of women and their active participation in public life, the absence of military, peaceful coexistence with Native Americans and their free access to the territories settlers. Everyone was wel
Register: traders, poor people and idealists eager to contribute to the formation of good governance. Logically that attracted many settlers from Europe and not only Quakers, but Mennonites, Unitarians, Socinians. The hope of escaping the social and political ills of Europe was a great relief to the Quakers in England and Northern Ireland, where despite the progress gained, still suffered insults. In that territory also came Mennonites and related groups in the Rhine basin, for there were well received. But almost all the early settlers were Quakers. In 1683, Penn wrote about the good beginning of the colony: "We have held two general meetings, [...] and has approved at least seventy laws without the slightest disagreement."
But unfortunately that peace last long, Penn's own economic problems, returned to England to seek support, it was to leave the control of their city. Emerged as issues to do with the crime, if the Quakers could not use violence or weapons. At first, Penn evaded the issue by appointing commissioners to not Quakers, he said, "tough on citizens apply when the situation warrants. But in 1689, came the threat of war against France and this would come to America, that was a challenge even greater for a Quaker pacifist principles.
On the other hand as time passed were arrived waves of new settlers who were not Quakers and did not comply with the principles of tolerance and peace of these, including those snatched land from Indians and created conflicts with them. Quakers soon became a minority, and relations with native peoples became increasingly hostile. In 1712 William Penn suffered a disease that incapacitated him, dying in England in 1718, ending the last hope of maintaining peace and order in their so-called "holy experiment."
The religious zeal of the Quakers was declining with increasing economic prosperity. One of them, Samuel Fothergill said: "As the Friends focused their interests in this world could no longer teach their children the principles and Llosa same bian has left. "
In fact, although the draft peaceful city and a paradise of freedom barely stayed for a few decades, the coup de grace Quaker political authority came when the Governor and Council members declared war on the Delaware and Shawnee tribes in 1756. In response, the Quakers withdrew from the government, putting an end to his regime. Thus, the "experiment sacred "Penn State failed on issues about seventy-five years after its launch.
addition, because of not establishing a religion or denomination accurate and complete faith, allowing freedom of thought and beliefs to their congregations in the long run has given rise to divisions within the Friends movement. Such differences arose as to the ways in meetings, on the one side are the so-called unprogrammed Quakers, who kept quiet collection system, which intervened any person present on a voluntary basis and improvised. On the other hand worship called programmed, there is usually silent adoration, but for less time, and as part of a religious service more in the sermons given by d
and priests, elected democratically, but more or less both systems were maintained together. <---Elías Hicks, su pensamiento revolucionario y liberal, le acercó a postulados antaño repudiados por los cuáqueros
But unlike what happened in the nineteenth century, when Quakerism fell into a crisis of unity. In 1827 Elias Hicks came to break the apparent peace and unity enjoyed by the Friends. Born March 19, 1748, Hicks was an itinerant preacher, preacher excelled in their work on Long Island, New York. He was the promoter of certain doctrines which apparently were not taken very well by some Quaker meetings. In fact, this controversy led to the first major schism within the Religious Society of Friends.
In fact, Elias Hicks, his criticisms were initially the excessive approach to Protestant views, by the Quakers scheduled. By this time noticing the influence came more emotional of the Methodists in some meetings, even accepted ideas and rituals Trinity Baptist.
Hicks wanted the Society of Friends, to return to their roots more spiritual and intimate, rejecting any influence of Calvinist Protestantism. But it brought profound changes in thought and doctrine of some magnitude. Among other things, is said to deny the virgin birth of Mary, the full divinity of Christ and the necessity of salvation through Christ's death. He also reportedly maintained that the direction of light Interior should be more authoritarian than the text of the Bible, that is further deepened in Quaker premise of personal spiritual inspiration. His detractors considered such views as heretical because it contradicted the traditional teachings of Christianity, forgetting that the issue of the Trinity, which the Fox avoided mentioning in his writings and speeches, teaching had not been widely accepted or understood by the early Quakers , not to appear that definition in the Bible. Hicks insisted that it accepted the divinity of Christ, but not as the Trinitarian Bible and matches the spoken ministry.
Hicks' teachings were very supportive in rural areas, not in the cities, therefore, Hicks's followers are often called "Farmers." They however insisted that represented the true Religious Society of Friends. Eventually
especially after the death of Elias Hicks in 1830, he developed a doctrine far from the original taught by Fox, especially since joined the rejection of the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, also came to deny that Satan was the source "of the passions" human "or who instigated the propensity to sin." Farmers stressed that basic drives, including all sexual passions, were not implemented by a foreign devil, nor the product of personal choice were actually just different aspects of human nature created by God, he gave us passions, they said. The farmers were taught that evil and suffering is not because human nature got that "propensity", but rather were the result of an excess in the indulgence of appetite. Generally
which agreed with Hicks became known as the Peasants or Hicksites, and these in turn called his detractors Orthodox Friends.
In 1858, an important and influential Quaker was the poet Walt Whitman, who became one of the most famous exponents of the Peasant, which he defined as " a wonderful group of mystics with logical reasoning , intended to make a radical revolution in a society devoted, and his influence would be felt outside of that Society ... His liberal idea is shown in works at issue in its time, particularly for his book Leaves of Grass, described as obscene for its overt sexuality and liberal idea is that the peasants came to accept extreme immorality as natural to man and established by God as well. Many Quakers left because of this moral madness. Quaker theology of God within (another name for the Inner Light), subsequently appeared in the theory of free love movement, which was considered compatible with the sociology of religion that prompted other leader of these ideas, Carl Fourier. That meant a dangerous approach to the liberal ideology of the old Ranters, as rejected by Fox, who interpreted that nothing was a sin, because in reality this did not exist.
Decades later there was another break, this was in protest of the direction taken by the English preacher J. Gurney, who came from the Quakers to enter pastoral ministry, which in principle meant that a closer and use of the Bible and the adoption of the Universal Creed, including less use of the classic silent Quaker meeting, in addition to the practice of Baptism in the ritual of initiation for new members. Many American Quakers rebelled against what they considered an imposing imported from Baptists who had always considered the world's religions. So led by John Wilbur, who protested against this interference founded the group "Conservative Friends", later in 1861 came the "early Friends", in 1887 the Friends of Iowa "and in 1904 the Friends of Virginia" .
Each group was considered legitimate heir to the Quaker heritage, but in most cases, doctrinal differences were insurmountable. Those disputes ended in the formation of three main branches: Hicksites or farmers, with more liberal trend in thought and belief, Orthodox, with a great approach to the format and Baptist evangelist, the closest to conservative Unscheduled system called (without preaching at meetings) and those who are often accused of quietísimo.
During the twentieth century, however, Friends have tried to heal their differences and seek a rapprochement. They have formed several groups or conferences to unite the various congregations and trends. For example, many Quakers have been associated with an international organization, known by the World Committee for Consultation Friends, headquartered in London. But because of the division, there are many associations or similar organizations draft, grouping many other congregations of all kinds. There is no doubt that these divisions have hurt the progress of the Friends in the world, but that if there are Quaker communities on every continent.
In America, especially in the U.S. there are many groups today claim to be from the society of Friends, a place where communities of all varieties, in which include: no universal program, affiliated with Friends General Conference; Christ-centered Quaker unprogrammed or conservative Christ-Programmed, some of these members of the Friends United Meeting and Evangelical Quakers affiliated with Evangelical Friends International. In most cases, there is little communication between these tendencies within their own Religious Society of Friends. This shows that while the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers has been a significant movement and admired his pacifism, which earned him international recognition and the struggle for religious freedom, however, have gone away from finding a homogeneous and unified body seeking Fox
The connection with political issues that separate them from their principles of neutrality. For though that was one of its early signs, the same pacifism has led them to cross dangerous borders. For example, since World War II Quaker representatives have traveled to war zones In order to mediate conflicts, as they argue that they do in order to assess the situation and try to understand the terms of the dispute, seeking non-violent resolution. But in some cases have taken sides in political conflicts, including some American politicians belonged to this community, without which their ideology prevented them from defending certain political signs in the world. The Quaker United Nations for New York City represents the membership of the Friends of the concept and principles of this world organization. Its mission is to support United Nations efforts to organize seminars and private meetings, presenting papers at the various committees of the organization and working quietly with the delegates. What you saw, it seems laudable, but they are singled out religious character of his work. Quakers
Some groups have tried to unite modernity with populist decisions in order to attract more members, for example, recently reported that one of the Quaker society, a certain country agreed to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples stated that even asking the government to change the law to allow officers to record these Quaker community in the books homosexual unions with the status of civil marriage. Recently at the annual Quaker meeting, held at the University of York, 1,200 members gave their unanimous approval to revise the relevant parts of Quaker Faith and Practice to treat gay marriage the same way as with heterosexual unions.
There is also a movement known as the Quakers non-theistic, ie they do not believe in God, even as others interested in peace, simple living, integrity, community, fairness, love of neighbor, happiness and justice , in the Quaker community and society. This group of Quakers acknowledged, have recently begun to take into account significant non-theistic beliefs in communities, in the tradition of search for truth. The non-theism among Quakers dating from the 1930's, when some members in California are separated from the group to form the Humanist Society of Friends, the timepo has become part of the American Humanist Association.
Though that above trends, it is only extreme cases, religious shows the distance and the degree of liberalization of some Quaker counidades, lost in a sea of \u200b\u200bhumanistic ideologies, but forgetting the true search of Christianity.
the death of G. Fox had worldwide about 60,000 Quakers, was a great job, no doubt, the one made by itinerant pastor. Currently, 300 years later around the world there are about 300,000 this indicate that further expansion has been weak compared to other Protestant groups. Some attribute it to her too severely, for what the expulsion of its members, a practice that applies to anyone who leaves the Quaker beliefs and customs, but the reality is that as with the congregation are the continuing divisions that have weakened their progress and some paths taken
not improve this situation. symbol used by some Quaker groups who work in mediating conflicts .
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