- At the very centre of the Quaker faith lies the concept of the Inner Light. This principle states that in every human soul there is implanted a certain element of God's own Spirit and divine energy. This element, known to early Friends as "that of God in everyone", "the seed of Christ", or "the seed of Light", means to Friends, in the words of John 1:9, "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world".
Friends generally believe that first-hand knowledge of God is only possible through that which is experienced, or inwardly revealed to the individual human being through the working of God's quickening Spirit.
[...] George Fox acknowledged that there is "an ocean of darkness and death" over the world. But he also saw that "an ocean of light and of love" flows over this ocean of darkness, revealing the infinite love of God. Friends believe that the power of God to overcome evil is available in the nature of anyone who truly wants to do the will of God. To a great extent, we are the arbiter of our own destiny, having the power of choice.
[...] There is always an element of mystery about love which people cannot fully penetrate, but Friends are convinced that it has a timeless quality. Love cannot be destroyed by death and cannot be limited by time and space.
Bill over at Seeking the Light posted recently about the relationship between ideas in Gnosticism and the Society of Friends (Quakers). These similarities have been noted before, and even a quick reading will show that we in the greater Gn Ecclesia have much to learn from (and share with) our Friends.
Quaker-Gnostic, Gnostic-Quaker
3 comments:
"(E)ven a quick reading will show that we in the greater Gn Ecclesia have much to learn from (and share with) our Friends. ..."
The other day Path-of-Gnosis Troy+ related an encounter with author Elaine Pagels which you've probably seen (http://gnoscast.blogspot.com/2006/03/elaine-pagels-in-slc.html). In the linked-to radio interview a caller asked Pagels which standard religious denomination she felt was most "Gnostic-like" and her answer was the Quakers.
To my mind Pagels gets it right, at least concerning the more pluralistic, universalist strain of Friends (but see below). Before attending my first meeting ten months ago, when I knew little about either the various Gnosticisms OR Quakerism (OR knew any Gnostics or Quakers for that matter), I sensed a profound kinship between them, notwithstanding highly divergent forms and theologies etc. (the latter in respect both to Quakers vis-a-vis Gnostics, AND within individual communities of each, for which thanks be).
One thing from my experience Quakers are uncommonly good at, that many spiritual aspirants could profitably adopt, includes what Jack Kornfield once termed "wise speech." In words, thoughts, and deeds, Friends at their best are indeed mindful of "that of God" in their fellow creatures and this is reflected in their dialogue and work together, and the by-consensus way decisions are arrived at. As we approach the coming industrial-society/ecological-systems collapse, making an art form of living and working well together could prove a prime factor in who survives and who doesn't.
Caveat: There are Quakers and there are Quakers. The Friends experience we speak of here takes place in "unprogramed" meetings (we worship silently, have no paid or other clergy or staff etc.), most of which are affiliated with Friends General Conference. Some other meetings, often affiliated with Friends United Meeting, variously described as "programed," conservative and/or evangelical, are in many respects little different, either in appearance or doctrine, from certain Protestant sects, and I doubt most Gnostics or free-range seekers would feel any more at home attending one of them than, say, your typical Southern Baptist congregation. Many meetings nowadays have a web presence and it's advisable to check them out before you visit; most FGC-affiliated meetings are cool.
Ours at any rate LOVES visitors and glories in heterodoxy (most of us anyhow). If you're ever down this way look us up. Third Sundays feature potluck after meeting and tend to draw big crowds, like maybe all of three dozen. :-) Cheers.
BS"D
I imagine the "ocean of darkness & death" is the bohu ( from baha, confusion) while the "ocean of light & love" is the tohu (from tehom, salty night woman or Tehomet, the Mesopotamian Creatrix). From B'reyshit/Genesis 1:2.
It is easy to see the similarities between the Quakers and the Gnostics. I wonder about the historical connections. I suspect we have much to learn from each other.
Some simple Friendly Non Threatening Reflections about Christian Gnosticism from my own Liberal-minded, Christ-centered and Quaker-styled outlook can be found at http://www.angelfire.com/dc/universalism/gnostic.html
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