It is a big lie, spread consistently by hypocritical,
deeply dishonest detractors on SRQ, that quakerism
has nothing to do with Christian Origins.
Living in a time of great social upheaval, George
Fox rebelled against the religious and political
consensus by proposing an unusual and
uncompromising approach to the Christian faith.
REFERENCE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Fox#Unique_beliefs_begin_to_form
"Christians differ in external practice, but all are
considered 'saved' because of their belief;
rituals can therefore be safely ignored, as long
as one experiences a true spiritual conversion.
Actually, Fox considered the true Christians to
be the one who were joining with the Society of
Friends, and did not accept the salvation of
those who remained with existing groups.
The qualification for ministry is given by the Holy
Spirit, not by ecclesiastical study. This implies
that anyone has the right to minister, assuming
the Spirit guides them, including women.
God 'dwelleth in the hearts of his obedient people':
religious experience is not confined to a church
building. Indeed, Fox refused to apply the word
'Church' to a building, using instead the name
'steeple-house', a usage maintained by many
Quakers today. Fox would just as soon worship
in fields and orchards, believing that God's
presence could be felt anywhere.
Though by no means the only charismatic
throughout church history, being open to the
Spirit could include the charismata. Among
other things Fox recorded being used in
exorcism, divine healing, and 'a word of
knowledge' (1 Cor.12:8=9610). Fox also considered
himself and others to be a 'prophet.' His journal
even shows an event which could be described
as someone being 'slain in the Spirit.'"
The core idea for SRQers to reflect upon from Fox
is experiencing a true spiritual conversion. Even
though Jesus Christ was originally presented as
a new revelation from Heaven, conversion is not
necessarily a sudden, fully formed revelation.
It can also be a teaching ministry whereby the
teacher practises active listening and prays with
his listeners in intimate mutuality.
Access to God for all men and women exists
in today's fast-paced world if you would just
open your inner eyes to God's overwhelming love.
-----
David Christainsen
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