What to Expect in Quaker Meeting for Worship

[@Quakerspeak]

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[@HL-xz8zf]

This is every introvert's dream church. I grew up as a pentecostal and feel stressed with the hype, bright lights, monitors, sound systems. How can you possibly listen to anyone let alone God with all that over sensory chaos?

[@sopranomegs]

I agree! I grew up Pentecostal and am also an extreme introvert and this appeals to me so much!

[@Gnosis4me4you]

There’s a lot of small Pentecostal churches with no lights, heavy sounds, and people screaming. Just gotta find another one.

[@theomega4homeschool325]

Yes

[@gonngivdgn1923]

🥱

[@JoJoDelBosque]

I never grew up as a Pentecostal, but I do feel anxiety during the pomp and circumstance of religious services. It makes me look for the exit.

[@yabobayo5787]

I am a Muslim and I looooved it seriously. I just started watching videos on Quakers and it is pretty cool. I will definitely going to check out their church for sure.

[@nyles7470]

remember to be focusing on Allah the whole time no matter what :)

[@studiodevelopers2467]

@Boxey collectey Lol thanks for writing. Great to hear you like them. Lol yabo bayo likes them lol he's Muslim or Arab. The Arabs are really cool and love sharing. Totally opposite of the jews

[@studiodevelopers2467]

@Boxey collectey Thanks for commenting nice to meet you.

[@maxb9315]

@@studiodevelopers2467 Are you denigrating Jewish people?

[@coindog6336]

@@studiodevelopers2467 The Jews I've met must be very different from the ones you meet

[@urgulp1554]

I am quite impressed by this, I never knew much about Quakers before today but I like the simple way in which they worship, without all the usual rights and rituals. It looks like a really peaceful and straightforward religion.

[@helenaville5939]

Hi Ur gulp. I agree. I am not a member but I have been attending Quaker meetings for about eighteen months. I feel completely "at home" with the people in this organisation... they are so kind and positive I also love that they actively live their beliefs. For example, they protest peacefully against the wrongs in society. They are 100% anti-war. Their full name is "The Society of Friends" and they truly are friends to one another... and to me from the first day I went along to a meeting. They believe in living simple but fulfilling lives by being industrious and helping others less fortunate. There is no hierarchy, so everyone has an equal standing. Women are treated equally to men and always have been since the day it was founded several centuries ago. There is no list of "rules of behaviour" like we find in other Christian religions. It is just a wonderful organisation that acknowledges the spiritual freedom and equality of the individual. And of course because it is not run by strict discipline and dogma it doesn't attract control freaks. The nicest, most balanced and intelligent people I've ever met are the Quakers I met since I started attending meetings.

[@urgulp]

Lovely to hear :) My father used to attend Quaker meetings many years ago after moving to a new town, they helped him find employment as well as settle in to a new community where he didn't know anybody. He still speaks very fondly of them to this day, although he has moved in a more Eastern religious direction.

[@riskromer9773]

Helenaville how do you mean you're not a member but you've been attending the meetings?

[@lshulman58]

@@riskromer9773 most religions allow non-members to attend and practice as much or as little as they like, sort of try it out for however long you want to before deciding to formally join or not. I suppose it is like people "dating" or even "living together" without making the formal commitment of "marriage". Often the only difference between being a formal "member" and not is that members can vote on things the church does while non-members do not have voting rights. Another analogy might be people who live in a given country without becoming official "citizens" (like "ex-pats" living abroad or people in the USA who are here on visas).

[@blackalien6873]

You can stay home and do the same thing.

[@b.3432]

Who else is here because of Jessica

[@danielemartinelli5477]

Me! I didn't know what Quakerism was but when she explained what it was I found it so interesting. Btw Jessica is awesome.

[@ryanp6575]

me!

[@JaleM]

who is Jessica?

[@powerpuff4ever]

Jalemakila a youtuber that happens to be a Quaker

[@flummoxedgiles]

Me 😁

[@crossbuckfarm1365]

“If God has ever spoken, then God is still speaking.”

[@NickolasShipman]

Think about what that means. That's powerful stuff ❤

[@brunildamarrero7035]

Reminds me of mediation, listening inside for answers coming from God.

[@TheForkedtoungue]

Well god is within you therefor you are god, and our god does not judge so there is no place for us to judge anyone or anything.

[@betsywoolbright8059]

​@@TheForkedtoungueyou're completely incorrect

[@mortalclown3812]

My first Quaker meeting was the Sunday after 9/11. It was the deepest collective silence I've ever experienced - perhaps the only one. The peace thrummed through my body until it landed in a space of no noise at all. It was pleasant and, at the time, unfamiliar. 💫☺️ The place was full that day, too. Our grief was immense and palpable, but relieved somewhat in the 'we', in the comfort of the gathering. Fwiw, it seemed that every age, ethnicity and even nationality was represented. For anyone who's ever wondered what a gathering of humans focused on inner light would feel like, I guess Quakers are doing it as well as anyone. Lastly, I believe that the vibrations in those quiet meetings ramp up the world's heart. And perhaps that the spirits of our beloved who have passed away are near, as well. Thanks for your kind forbearance in reading this if anyone's gotten this far. ☺️ I send us all light, extra angels and hope. 🌏💫💙🙏📿

[@faithoffaith]

In my opinion silence is probably the best way to truly connect with God and feel the warmth and love surrounding you...Especially when you have people to experience it with just adds to the energy and spirit.

[@Rayblondie]

There is a place for everything before God, silence, prayer, praise, dance and even shouting if you check the scriptures. There is a time for all these things. Not just silence.

[@helenaville5939]

+Tony Conrad. The Quakers share all of those activities too during their many social activities within the Quaker organisation. But the Meetings are for silent assembly. When it comes to connecting with God silent assembly makes a lot more sense to me than gathering to hear endless man-made dogma and rules of behaviour. Thankfully in this world there are many organisations with different preferences on how best to connect with God. The Quakers' way appeals to me and doesn't appeal to you and this should be perfectly fine. I hope you have already found, or will eventually find, whatever way suits you best.

[@betsywoolbright8059]

Listening in silence is a good way to hear the Lord tell you about sin in your life too.

[@sneakerbabeful]

​@@betsywoolbright8059 Oh, blow off.

[@safetcucaj385]

That is very beautiful. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless these Quakers in full.

[@frogtownroad9104]

May He bless you too friend

[@robsmith7567]

I went to a Quaker meetings a couple of times. The people were very friendly and open minded. It's nice to see people genuinely interested in welcoming you. A very compassionate and humble bunch.

[@LarsPallesen]

I just realized that I like the Quakers :-)

[@kernowarty]

I like their oats

[@schlookie]

@@kernowarty And their Cadburys chocolate.

[@TheForkedtoungue]

... and Greenpeace, Amnesty international and Oxfam all founded and funded by Quakers.

[@normawingo5116]

This makes so much sense, imagine everyone stopping and saying I’m listening. That’s so powerful. I’ve never felt okay with others rules about something as personal as religion, but this feels very welcoming.

[@moorooster223]

what about the 613 rules given in the torah and the many extra rules given in the gospel

[@sneakerbabeful]

​@@moorooster223 Did you read what she wrote? Obviously, not.

[@ariisayshii]

i used to go to a friends school and every wednesday we would have meeting for worship and it was actually pretty comforting. people would stand up and say nice things and sometimes the whole school would have meeting for worship together and the pre-k kids always said something cute

[@frogtownroad9104]

Yeah why was it always Wednesday? XD

[@jamessorensen3447]

There are different kinds of Quakers. Where I live most Quakers are of the evangelical variety. They have 10 or 15 minutes of silent worship but they also have sermons, hymns, and a hierarchy. It was okay for a while, but after an elder told me I should move to another country because I didn't agree with his conservative political views, I left. Now I practice this on my own every day.

[@juliagoesfrugal]

That feels like a group of Quakers who lost their way. There should never be a hierarchy in Quakerism. We all have a piece of light in us.

[@renesmith6533]

I’m so sorry for your bad experience, I’m glad you continued your relationship with God. I hope and pray He directs your path to a fellowship near you. God has called us to be a connected body....❤️🙏🏻

[@p47rr]

People will let you down. Jesus never will. As for conservative political views. If you take the time you will find that you are on the side of Jesus or the side of the devil. Hate the sin. Not the person.

[@fullofgracehomestead]

There was a division of the quakers just as modern religion. Some became about self than God.

[@janetprice85]

Never let individuals deter you from your seeking to connect with God. Even the " godly" can produce short sighted people. Believe me I'm 72 and have met a few. Humans will be humans. God is the constant.

[@Olde-Raleigh-Shoppe-NC]

My grandmothers family had deep roots in the North Carolina Quakers (Britt Family). They are usually good, hardworking, solid people, without all the frills or expectations that some religions have. Very accepting of everyone, never above or below anyone. You are taught that growing up, over and over and over. Most Quakers were anti-slavery and saw it as it was, an "evil".

[@InFideScientiam]

"See? We were the cool religion back *hundreds* of years ago. We believed Black ppl had rights just like you and me." Hardly a rallying cry. Quakers owned slaves, too. Until they formally banned it among their members. Other religions, like Catholicism, ALWAYS maintained that outright slavery was morally wrong from the very beginning. Yes, there was discussion surrounding it amongst some - but our theological underpinnings were always strong as far as teaching goes and the dignity of each and every person.

[@stessalvarado3008]

​​@@InFideScientiam interesting seeing how Catholicism was the banner under which most of Central and South America were raped, pillaged, and enslaved, at least economically, and still suffer poverty to this day because of it! I'm Catholic but I don't agree with a large majority of the Church's history. It's disguising how people are starving in the streets of Mexico but the Catholic churches are guilded in gold from all the wealth they stole. Pobody's nerfect!

[@OHYS]

i love how simple and straightforward this is.

[@olyavmusic]

This seems like meditation and listing for God/the universal energy in that meditation. Lovely.

[@UniversalistSon9]

I’ve secretly been Quaker all of my life❤️

[@AmethystDew]

Me too!

[@loretimberlake1525]

Looked up info about modern Quakers after reading about it in AP U.S History. I’m honestly shocked by how much I love these ideas. It seems like something I would love to be a part of. Oops.

[@audrey9278]

That happened to me too! We were just talking about it in class today and my teacher explained how the meetings worked and I thought "That's so cool! I wanna check that out!"

[@pjgs4933]

Same here LOL. They seem really cool.

[@mariamichael1807]

This truly resonates with me; peaceful, loving, just being x

[@davidcoyle1084]

This resonates with me greatly. Someone asked what is the point of going to church just to sit and be quiet...why not stay home and meditate? I think it takes more DISCIPLINE to be silent in a group...especially if you are a social butterfly in other settings.

[@3ggshe11s]

It can be hard, especially if you're used to the distraction of noise. Harder than it looks. Sitting in silence can be intimidating. It can force us to look within ourselves at things we may have been blocking out. But it can also lead us to hear the still, small voice that we might otherwise have never heard.

[@summerbreeze553]

I went to my first meeting a few months ago. It was very welcoming.

[@michaelroark3263]

I grew up in suburban Philly, surrounded by very old meetings and steeped in the Quaker tradition which I found fascinating. My Scout troop was evenly divided between Catholics like me and Protestants. When we went camping we Catholics would be taken to the nearest Catholic church while the Scoutmaster, a licensed Sunday School teacher, would lead a service in the campsite. Meanwhile the one Quaker kid and his father would go off to the woods to meditate. I eventually became a priest, very happy in my own tradition but always trying to observe the times of silence called for in the liturgy, with decidedly mixed outcomes. One Monday morning the parish secretary said that at the silence after Communion her 8-year-old daughter whispered, "Father's taking his nap now." Oh well.

[@jimreily7538]

That's a wonderful story. You're a Catholic priest ? Are you a parish priest ? I have a friend who is, right now, in the process of becoming a Dominican brother. I think his title is Brother but he is not ordained yet.

[@notalagerboy]

I spend my daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Learned it by reading Venerable Fulton Sheen's books. Good to know that I am also a Quaker. An RC one. I will be calling myself as such. Thank you for sharing.

[@victoriabrown3314]

this is what true prayer is all about, not saying Amen after someone else’s prayer, to be still, quiet and truly focus

[@astrotter]

I grew up in the Methodist Church, and have gone through phases in the decades since then, including various shades of atheism and Zen Buddhism, and nothing has quite set right. I'd enjoy attending a Quaker service, once it's safe again. My great-grandmother was descended from Quaker settlers in North Carolina who were conscientious objectors during the Civil War, so it would be meaningful to feel that connection as well. Thank you for posting these helpful videos.

[@sackettfamily4685]

I pray that you have found your way into the arms of Jesus! Because he's coming back soon!

[@isamuhammad5671]

These are of the mystical essence of Christianity. George Fox to me; after studying his works - was a true mystic!!

[@bellamckinnon8655]

What an open and peaceful-sounding religion. I'm agnostic but can definitely value this way of faith. Very interesting. Thanks for the educational video.

[@badromenful]

I went to Quaker Friends church growing up, we sung hymns , and listened to our preachers sermons,and were lead in prayers and prayed to our holyfather , we did not just sit and listen from what I remember

[@TechBearSeattle]

There are several "streams" in the Quaker river. If a community calls itself a church rather than a meeting, it likely is part of the "evangelical" stream. Evangelical Quakers typically have "programmed worship," which follows a format similar to the standard Protestant service, with hymns and a sermon. The "liberal" and "conservative" streams have retained the older practice of "unprogrammed worship," which is the subject of this video. Some meetings borrow from both programmed and unprogrammed worship, and might start their silent worship with a Bible reading and end with a hymn, for example. This video does give the impression that all Quaker worship is unprogrammed, which can be chalked up to this being the first season of the video series. Later videos have done a much better job of including the diversity of Quaker faith and practice.

[@ernestgrouns8710]

I feel really drawn to this, there's just a goodness that puts a warmth in my heart.

[@uhm3030]

I like how Quakers have their personal experience with the Lord, but to achieve true connection with the Lord, its important for the church to read the bible together as a community, for a deeper understanding of who he is and how they can live their lives in the way God would want them to. The scripture is life breathed: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -- 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible is the source of Christianity is -- if it was never made, we would barely understand who God is. It's also important to implement prayer in their quiet time with the Lord. Prayer is the trigger of a connection between themselves and God, as you allow themselves to dwell in the presence of God, talk to Him and repent and give everything to him.

[@MsPea]

To me, this seems so much more appealing than a church service where a preacher is yelling at you, telling you what to do and how to feel and what God wants. It's the arrogance of most religious people that puts me off. Quakers seem so calm and peaceful. I've been thinking for some time of going to a meeting, but didn't know what to expect. Thanks for this.

[@jfcnotagain5452]

i love this.

[@nicholasotieno4665]

The conversations have really blessed me. It is always good to know how fellow Quaker believers practice their faith.

[@EmmaEgypt]

They seem super nice and humble, yet full of joy.

[@ermesliriano4324]

I came here because of Fleabag S02E04. I will try a Meeting for Worship in my congregation. Blessings!

[@corytom4328]

This is what I think God was talking about. (Gathering with others to worship and pray) you don't need big money sound systems, light set up, dj booth, etc...

[@deborahelle4801]

i took a few online quizzes, they said I should be a Quaker, after watching this. I think I am. never been a fan of gold and glitz. idols and rituals. prayer is communication between the self and God.

[@LipSyncLover]

Literally the same reason Im here lol

[@kaitlyncleary3424]

What test?

[@nandinibandhini]

Seriously me too!! Lol.

[@MrCanigou]

Beautiful ! Funny to notice the similarity we experience as we meet every week with 3/4 friends to meditate quietly for 40 minutes and enjoy sharing afterwards whatever comes in anyone's mind.

[@EdWelchusc80]

My grandparents were Quakers. Moving from NC to SC where no Quaker meeting houses existed, they joined the Baptist Church. I’m Baptist but interested/curious about the faith of my forefathers.

[@mmore242]

Zazen Christ style. I love it!

[@helenaupshaw1097]

Thus was a great video! I'm an Episcopalian and watching Fleabag got me curious about Quaker meetings. Thanks for the information!

[@helldomine68]

Quaker here!

[@kevinhull7925]

I plan on visiting my first Quaker meeting this Sunday, something I've wanted to do for 16 years.

[@beaufitz8993]

Peace, love, harmony, love….Wow!!

[@igrdcjjn]

Gostaria de entrar em contato com cristãos quakers. Pr. Cássio Roberto.

[@scotsway1]

Christian Deist here (or perhaps more accurately a Christian PanenDeist). As a PanenDeist, I tend to see my relationship with the Divine/God/Source as being more intra-personal rather than inter-personal and so that Quaker Meeting seems to work fir me. Your mileage may vary. 😊

[@vashlash6870]

Being silent is key to getting closer to God. You shouldn't endlessly blab about yourself and not let the other person speak. Same with God.

[@matthewc.x.langford3521]

Thank you for this

[@deenoberry3360]

I think the silent atmosphere offers an opportunity to actually listen to our own conscionce. Personally having a large family and working multiple jobs I don't have time to think I sounds crazy but if I didn't have a digital watch I'd have no idea what day or time it is. I recently attended a church of Christ service and like the quiet simple service and focus on the word and not the commercialized worship loved it but my wife is opposed to leaving current church. While church of Christ isn't the same thing it seems the quakers take it further which intrigues me. I'd definitely checkout a meeting if there was one close.

[@Anvanho]

It sounds very inviting ... there's a a center fairly close to where I live.

[@kathycarroll2385]

Some of my ancestors were quakers, so I was interested to know about the quakers.

[@arthurcantrell1954]

God says to use silent prayer and let spirit speak for us! This is needed in so many other denomination!

[@bryannielson8113]

I was not very familiar with Quakers or what their worship service was like. I enjoyed watching this video and learning about what seems like a great group of believers and people in general.

[@eduardovalentin9416]

So quick question. What is the difference between being quiet with a bunch of people versus being quiet with just myself? Why not stay home, and then hang out with friends or family afterwards? I recognize the communal aspect afterwards, but that can be done truly anywhere.

[@TechBearSeattle]

Quakers hold that God speaks to each of us individually. We also hold that God speaks to all of us communally. The premise for Meeting for Worship is to allow God to speak to us all, as a community. For this reason, Meeting for Worship (at least in unprogrammed Meetings) is often not very quiet. Someone may be moved to say a few words about forgiveness, or give an impromptu prayer about patience, or belt out a verse or two of "Amazing Grace," or just comment about how beautiful the tree in the front yard is because it is spring and the tree is in bloom, and it will be what another person there needed to hear. As important as private reflection is, it cannot replace the experience of Meeting for Worship.

[@eduardovalentin9416]

@@TechBearSeattle So is there any reference to the early church's teachings and form of worship when this is brought up? (thanks for answering my questions by the way, I've always thought quakers were interesting)

[@TechBearSeattle]

@@eduardovalentin9416 Quaker Meeting for Worship is not based on ancient forms. Then again, neither is more general Protestant worship. If you are interested in the practices of the ancient Church, you may want to track down a translation of the Didache, one of the earliest worship manuals we have (it was most likely written in the 2nd century.)

[@eduardovalentin9416]

@@TechBearSeattle love the didache. And thanks. I figured, and I knew that about protestant worship. But truly appreciate the clarification on Quakers

[@emilylednicky6718]

Because humans need shared experiences.

[@hopefultraveler3543]

I thought there are some Quaker churches that do have a more "structured" service?

[@Quakerspeak]

There are! But even Friends Churches tend to have silent worship at the core of their programmed meetings.

[@soupdragon12345]

very nice , I went to quaker meeting in England for over a year .I stopped going Now live in America and kind of miss it . Here In Arizona I have not found a meeting to attend . I still have my Red book , I will not part with that ever. I loved the quiet and the friendship .

[@peacenlove3faith302]

I wish I had this by me, I know I would sit in a corner on the floor, Not being alone when having to conform to regular society ways of rights and wrongs with communication with God would be my dream gathering

[@timmurphy4688]

This sounds great. I’m very shy but I’m looking for a place to worship

[@littlemissalwayswrite]

Would it be inappropriate to journal during the meeting?

[@GustavoCorralesR]

A true communion. They move me.

[@goscott2]

THIS is very interesting. I never knew this about Quakers. This is very similar to the House Church movement and the way that meetings are handled. My interest has definitely been peaked.

[@charlesray2983]

At 3:35, some ladies when sitting down contemplate not only their inward being to see God, but their outward surroundings as well. Contemplating not only what God says within, but also without. This is i good thing i believe, however, moments before we're told its not about the outward part at all, its only the inward parts that matter. Either its the inward alone, or its the both together. Im wondering which is the true Quaker teaching?

[@user-kg2vy1mb6f]

I Rememeber this When I used to attrnd a quaker school in Iowa

[@DeeLee-v4c]

What’s the catholic equivalent? An adoration session?

[@jacobcarter2992]

You know when you sleep your getting quite time with the Spirit right, you guys are on the right track, it's all about Christ, He is the end goal

[@f.m.r.1437]

I would like to attend, but the only meeting I know of in this area is several miles from my home. I'm a long-time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and happy to be, but would like to check out the Quakers way of worshiping. Norman Vincent Peale is the one who made me aware of the Quaker's beliefs.

[@Peter-wp5vb]

You in SLC? You should just go

[@thelepper]

This is a great video. Once again, I'm a big fan of AJ and his insights!

[@margies5625]

There is That of God in everyone. I've been to a completely silent, gathered meeting. At the rise of Meeting people asked each other, "Did you feel it?" "Did you?" Yes, I did. We all did.

[@everlastingcurves]

What do people with social anxiety or ADD do to calm themselves? How do they make it through the meetings that seem mostly silent?

[@radrook4481]

That social anxiety might be misunderstood by other members as undesirable. If you can't fit in by sitting quietly and breathing silently despite having clogged sinuses, deviated nasal septum and Asthma then best not to go. Misinterpretations will inevitably abound.

[@justinamarina6741]

My family is Quaker but I like preaching the word of God. I believe a person should read the Bible before sharing what God has in mind for each believer in Christ Jesus. I like singing, fellowship, and prayer during each service.

[@frogtownroad9104]

You would probably love the Evangelical Quakers. Check them out

[@danielleduverney7931]

I read about George fox and what I see now it's totally different because he believes in Jesus Christ and relying on the holy Spirit it reminds me of the spiritual Baptist Church in Trinidad when I read about George fox and everything now people change he and naylar preach God's word so this I see is different because man change everything compare to back then

[@crimetimedocs]

Be still - wonderful

[@marnih]

Honest question - Couldn't prayerful listening happen at home? Why go to church?

[@hollyccam]

What nice religion :) I had know idea what Quakers were like

[@radrook4481]

Sitting there in silence waiting for someone to think of something to say only to have some Bozo go into discriminatory Trumpian diatribe under the guise of being inspired isn't exactly what I consider worship.

[@LipSyncLover]

@@radrook4481 huh? Trumpian? Where? Ive been reading theyre rather liberal

[@andjelaninkovic9780]

Old Quakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqSncmiGnrifoqc

[@sherpaderpdingo3405]

I never understood what a quaker was and I have been reading up on it on wiki. The opening paragraphs essentially say they decend from protestants but are basically non denominational. but later in the article it says they're most evangelists. Can someone help me understand how that can be? I found that confusing.

[@Quakerspeak]

That's odd -- Quakers are among the *least* "evangelical" of Christian offshoots (at least, that section of the Religious Society of Friends that explicitly identifies as Christian), in my (Ron's) experience. We also have a website at quaker.org that you might find helpful!

[@TheHolyMongolEmpire]

So a good place to take a nap.

[@radrook4481]

A good place to hope and pray that some racist Bozo who now feels empowered doesn't use the speaking opportunity to push Trumpian ideals while some minority member, who was stupid enough to have attended, has to sit there and squirm or else leave.

[@TheHolyMongolEmpire]

Radrook well you better vote for a non democrat in the coming election and vote Green or some other party because democrats say they're against racism but they're only for corporate gains, the same as Shit head republicans. The only way to change America is vote for something other than democrat or republican.

[@honingbijtje83]

I am curious about this! And also, this doesn't scare me like normal churches do (because of all the dogmas and abuse of power). I would love to connect with others, so I might actually go to a meeting...

[@timsmith3377]

Just discovered this video from a Wikipedia link. As a Baptist, I decided to look into Quakers from a book I'm reading by Richard J. Foster ("a Christian theologian and author in the Quaker tradition") called "Celebration of Discipline." I was turned on to that book by the late Dallas Willard, an evangelical Southern Baptist minister/philosopher. According to the Wikipedia link, Quakers come in "all shapes and sizes." That is to say, there are liberal Quakers, conservative Quakers, anti-theist Quakers, evangelical Quakers, etc. I suspect that some of the people on this video are *not* the evangelical Quakers, if I understand the term right. So, if I understood this video correctly, the average Quaker church meeting entails coming in and "listening to God" in quietness. "Celebration of Discipline" calls this meditation, or maybe contemplation. It seems to me that meditation is something best done alone to help cut out any distractions. Also, how do you know you are hearing from God and not Satan, or just your own imagination? I know when I'm hearing from God if it lines up with what the Bible says. But then, I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible and that it is "God breathed." According to Wikipedia, not all Quakers believe that -- Liberal Quakers, for instance. Further, the early Church did not meet together in this way, from my understanding. They did not gather together and sit quietly. There was a teacher that taught them various things (Acts 11:26; 15:36) ; they sung hymns (Mark 14:26; Colossians 3:16); they prayed (Acts 1:14). Sometimes, as the Spirit led, they spoke in tongues, healed the sick/injured, and prophised. Moreover, Jesus commanded us to be baptized and to baptize others, if possible (Matthew 28:19). As we know by the thief on the cross, this isn't always possible. This is something that His apostles did as well (Acts 16:30-33; 1 Corinthians 1:14). From what I read in Wikipedia, Conservative Quakers, at least, do not practice water baptism. So, I'm trying to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. To that end I am seeking out the various disciplines that will help make that happen -- meditation, for example. But some of the practices that *some* Quakers engage in are not Biblical, and not things that Jesus would do. Jesus Himself insisted on being baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). That speaks volumes. Jesus often went off *by Himself* to pray to the Father. Maybe we should do the same when meditating/contemplating? I don't know, it just seems to me that some of the Quaker teachings are not Biblical or things that Jesus would do. Thanks for the video. It was very informative.

[@janej6253]

Amen!

[@brent6518]

Your interpretation

[@gravelflinger]

From what I think I'm hearing it sounds like everybody has their own view of what they believe with some exceptions such as to be kind to others and to love the planet. Every other issue is an open book so I guess it makes sense to be quiet at the meetings since not speaking will avoid conflict amongst the believers.

[@LiquorWithJazz]

It almost sounds like group meditation?

[@theworldwontlisten27]

I am going to attend my first meeting this month January 2018 its taken me 5 years ..lol

[@bobbyc.1111]

so quakers believe in Revelation too. That is still happens. Because if we believe God answers us we hear him through our minds our hearts that is revelation

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

Small kids ARE NOT quiet. So what am I supposed to do?

[@EqualizerCombatives]

Essentially meditation then really. Which is a great thing. I am curious as to what the Quakers would respond like on a Psychedelic trip via Mushrooms. Think it would be incredible for them.

[@piderpark6547]

The world could use more quiet reflection and humility. There’s nobody there up on a podium telling you what to think or do, just yourself and God.

[@confridesable]

I like this religion. What should I do in order to become a Quaker?

[@billriccobono]

Look into a local meeting or church in your area. People are very approachable and Friendly (The Society of Friends). Don't be afraid to ask questions--- we get it all the time. Ask to talk to the "clerk" or pastor. The are 4 branches of Qism so I don't know who is in your area.

[@confridesable]

Thank you Bill, very nice your answer. Maybe here in Spain there is a Quaker community, a Society of Friends. Have a nice day.Bill Riccobono

[@violettbellerose1173]

Bill Riccobono What happens if you don't find any Society near you?

[@ngatihine6072]

Do you have to get baptised into it

[@oldtwinsna8347]

@@ngatihine6072 no, they do not believe in rituals of this nature

[@robmiller6890]

Wonder how this differs from sazen

[@KHTimeProtecter]

I don’t agree with Christianity as a whole. But one hour of quiet meditation and prayer where anybody can spontaneously speak what the Divine is saying to them without any external coercion? I can get behind that.

[@typeaboutit]

Where do the oats come into play?

[@Epimpin101]

Quakers were known for being very trustworthy business people, so companies named themselves after Quakers so people would trust their company.

[@ervinhoward9806]

Are there any interactions with the biblical scriptures, biblical teaching, or preaching during these quiet times (Matthew 4:4; Acts 15:30-31; Ephesians 3:4; I Tim 4:13)?

[@frogtownroad9104]

Christ centered friends read the scriptures either in or outside of meeting. We don’t speak unless moved by the light of God as described in the Gospel of John.

[@Tiffanyw14]

I don't know yet how I feel I think the idea great but not so much. Because unless people stay in the word and are sanctified and live holy. God ain't gonna speak to you unless your a born again Christian. As Christians we are suppose to already have a prayer closet to pray and meditate and try to listen to God. But if you don't know the word how can you hear God? You can't always.

[@mothafuckinanarchist5392]

Look, please read the Bible. “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”- Gospel according to Luke. “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.”- Acts of the Apostles So God didn’t speak to all those people during the Pentecost? Stop saying where the Kingdom of God is like you know better. The scriptures say it, in The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (inner light). No offense, but you should read the word of God instead of rambling like you understand any better than these folk.

[@richardglady3009]

Thank you.

[@yourhusbandismyboyfriend1714]

So different from what I’m accustomed to, but it’s so very interesting.

[@vowel2562]

I still dont understand how you know the meeting is over?

[@frogtownroad9104]

A church leader will start shaking hands

[@carlyleellis6984]

Hi and thanks for a wonderfully produced video on Quaker worship. I respect the idea of quietness and listening for God to speak to us through meditation. I also listened to your video "9 core Quaker beliefs" where I did not hear the following addressed; Do you believe in bible is the inspired word of God? Do you believe in the trinity as described in the bible? What is the Quaker doctrine of sin, salvation and heaven/hell? Thanks!

[@awiezi]

Are there any Bible quotes about group prayer I'm doing my GCSEs and I am using Quakers as an example of group prayer.

[@janel342]

Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name I am there also( Jesus) New Testament don’t know where.

[@JN-0peny0ureye5]

Any religious gathering intimidated me with the expectation of a dress code. My curiosity "what am I suppose to wear to this church?!" usually comes up in my mind.

[@josephr.gainey2079]

Where were the meeting for worship scenes filmed? The meeting room is beautiful!

[@jonwattsmusic]

Hi Joseph! Those scenes were filmed at Downingtown Friends Meeting in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. They were very gracious to let me film there!

[@josephr.gainey2079]

***** Thank you for the information and your prompt reply. I appreciate all you are doing and I'm learning a lot. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@radrook4481]

Long benches facing each other in a semicircular manner makes it hard to find a place to look without having to stare at someone.

[@Nafenja]

I love Quakers so so much. 😍