Keeping the Faith

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Jun 1, 2000

Keeping the Faith

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This essay was stimulated by the discussions in this topic. In these discussions, we have noted the changes in Friends (Quakers) in the last three and a half centuries, and certain respects in which some contemporary groups of Friends have moved considerably from the faith of the first generation. I was asked, among other things, "what ways did early Friends have to maintain unity of faith?"

In this article I seek to provide some perspectives on this question and how the unity broke down. This are my personal perspectives. Many have thought about this issue, and some have delved much more extensively than I have into the history of Friends (Quakers). I invite others to share their perspectives on this question in discussion. Anyone may read discussions and any member of Suite101 may participate in them. If you have not joined, I encourage you to do so. Suite101 will not send you any email other than a confirmation of your joining unless you request them to do so, and will not provide your email address to any other party without your consent. Join using this link.

Unity is commonly regarded as a postive characteristic, and it certainly is when it is true unity in the spirit - the kind of unity Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). However, a coerced unity or a false appearance of unity may be destructive. In my outline of factors that may have contributed to or led away from unity, be aware that there may be negative aspects to some of the uniting factors and positive aspects to some of the disuniting factors. Those who have looked at other religious movements will also note that most, if not all, of these factors are not unique to Friends.

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The copyright of the article Keeping the Faith in Quakerism is owned by Bill Samuel. Permission to republish Keeping the Faith in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.