Quaker Worship

by Martin Hubbe

"Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me." For me, these are some of the simplest words to talk about faith and practice in the Religious Society of Friends, a group commonly known as the "Quakers."

The beginnings of Quakerism were in the mid-1600s in England. George Fox, one of the early leaders of the Friends, grew frustrated as a young man after talking with many church pastors. None of them were able to "speak to his condition" and satisfy his spiritual search. After diligent prayer, Fox eventually had an "opening" in which he became convinced that Christ himself comes to teach each seeker. Fox's insights and charisma made a big impression when he spoke to individuals and groups who were likewise seeking for a more meaningful spiritual path.

One of the most distinctive features of early Friends was the practice of silent worship. The Raleigh Friends Meeting (see below) is just one of the local groups that continues this form of worship service. Our intention is to wait quietly and attentively until the spirit of God urges someone to speak. Sometimes a worship hour is filled with several heartfelt messages, as different members of the meeting share what they have been called to say. Sometimes a rich hour of silence is broken only by muffled sounds of nature, cars going by, and voices of children in their "first-day school" classes. Friends are urged to listen uncritically to the voiced messages, knowing that even a mundane-sounding message may have a spiritual value for someone present.

Historically, the lives and thoughts of Friends have been profoundly shaped by lessons found in the Bible, especially in the gospel of John and the letter of James. But there has been a strong sense that revelation continues, and that we people are meant to experience what God continues to say to us today, as we continue to seek what is true. Though we may learn a lot about the spirit from scripture, it is the personal experience of the spirit that is most important. Friends have spent a lot of time pondering such questions as, "How do I know that this idea comes from God?" "How do I know that some idea I heard today in the Meeting for Worship didn't spring from someone's ego?" One criterion used by Friends is whether, upon quiet reflection, an idea resonates with everyone present. The Clerk of a Friends Meeting is designated to help judge whether the Meeting has come to unity. Friends also ask themselves if the new idea is consistent with lessons taught by Jesus while he was among us.

Many early Friends were radical activists of their day, having a major influence on prison conditions, protesting against war, and helping to start a movement against slavery. The urge to change the world as well as ourselves has become revived, especially in the 1900s, partly in response to the emergence of modern warfare. Many readers will recognize the Religious Society of Friends as one of the historic "peace churches," along with the Mennonites and Brethren. Does this tendency for political and social activism spring from our emphasis on inner change? Is it related to our habit of listening to the subtle voices, which may come from God? Is it related to our practice of communal decision making? We don't know. For me, these kinds of questions just add to the fun of Friends worship and seeking.

Martin Hubbe has been a member of the Religious Society of Friends for 17 years and attends Raleigh Friends Meeting. He teaches papermaking technology (chemistry) at NCSU. Friends worship is held each First-Day (Sunday) from 10:00am to about 11:00am at 625 Tower Rd., near to Cameron Village. For more information, visit www.rtpnet.org/friends. Mr. Hubbe can be reached at 919-513-3022.