We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of Friends who have permitted
us to use material for this Faith and Practice.
|
|
creed
The
lack of a creed or clear description of Quaker beliefs has
sometimes led to the misconception that Friends do not have beliefs
or that one can believe anything and be a Friend.Most Quakers take
the absence of a creed as an invitation and encouragement to
exercise an extra measure of personal responsibility for the
understanding and articulation of Quaker faith. Rather than rely on
priests or professional theologians, each believer is encouraged to
take seriously the personal disciplines associated with spiritual
growth. Out of lives of reflection, prayer, faithfulness, and service
flow the statements of belief, both in word and in deed.
‘
The Scriptures were the prophets’ words and Christ’s and the apostles’ words, and what as they spoke they enjoyed and possessed and had it from the Lord’. And [he] said, ‘Then what had any to do with the Scriptures, but as they came to the Spirit that gave them forth. You will say, Christ saith this, and the apostles say this; but what canst thou say? Art thou a child of the light and hast walked in the Light, and what thou speakest is it inwardly from God?’
margaret fell,
describing a sermon of george fox
britain yearly meeting,
quaker faith & practice, 1995, §19.07
|