6 May 2024

Quakerism: Religion, Philosophy, or Something Else Entirely?

If you’ve ever delved into Quakerism, you might have found yourself scratching your head. Is it a religion? A spiritual path? Just a really nice way to live your life? The answer, like most things in life, is complicated and impressive.

Okay, so what exactly do Quakers believe?

At the heart of it, Quakers believe there’s a higher intelligence available in everyone. They call this the Inner Light, and it means they see the potential for goodness and a direct connection to the ultimate source in all people, full stop. This leads them to reject stuff like creeds and religious hierarchies. Instead, they spend time during silent worship meetings, being open to guidance from within.

But is it  a religion?

This is where it gets sticky. Quakers have roots in Christianity, and some still identify as Christian. But many others consider themselves spiritual without a specific religious label. They do awesome stuff like championing truth, equality, environmental issues, pacifism, and simply being decent humans (which honestly, the world needs more of).

Sounds more like a philosophy then…

Here’s the thing: Quakers don’t just sit and think about how to be good. Their belief in that Inner Light drives them to act in the world. As an example, they’ve got a whole history of fighting for social justice, from abolition of slavery to women’s rights, and beyond.

So, what’s the deal?

Maybe the question isn’t whether Quakerism fits neatly into a box. Instead, maybe it’s a beautiful example of how faith, spiritual seeking, and practical action can intertwine. Here’s how to think of it:

• Religion-ish: They have the belief in a higher intelligence (that Inner Light), but it’s entirely non-dogmatic with no priests or other hierarchy..
• Spiritual Path: It’s all about seeking truth and connecting with that inner prompting.
• Philosophy of Life: Quakers have a strong set of values (equality, peace, truthy, simplicity) that guide how they live.

The Takeaway

Whether you call it a religion, a spiritual path, a philosophy, or just a profoundly good way to be, Quakerism offers something valuable. It emphasizes the potential for good in every person, encourages deep listening and reflection, and inspires action for a better world. And who wouldn’t want that?

Want to learn more? Check out a Quaker meeting or their website for deeper info!