What are Quakers?

Question

I walk past a Quaker meeting hall almost everyday and I've always wanted to know what they're about. (I'm a Methodist)

Answer 1

I'm a Quaker.. or Friend as we call ourselves. Most of the other answers to your question already give you the info you need, but I just wanted to say.. join us for meeting some day!!

PEACE

P.S. my best friend is Methodist :)

Answer 2

Quakers are oats! hehe j/k well actualy they are, but thatv not your question. Man I get weird when i've been up for 24+ hours.


Anyway..
http://www.quaker.org/#2
Thats the official quaker website

"The Religious Society of Friends (commonly known as Quakers or Friends) was founded in England in the 17th century by people who were dissatisfied with the existing denominations and sects of Christianity. They were one of a number of nonconformist dissenting groups that emerged around this time. Traditionally George Fox has been credited as the founder or the most important early figure. The Society of Friends is counted among the historic peace churches. Since its beginnings in England, Quakerism has spread to other countries, chiefly Kenya, the United States, and Bolivia. The number of Quakers in the world is relatively small (approximately 600,000), although there are places, such as Pennsylvania, particularly Philadelphia, in which Quaker influence is concentrated.

Unlike other groups that emerged from Christianity, the Religious Society of Friends has tended not to have a hierarchical structure, a creed, or paid clergy. Therefore, there are several branches of Friends, which can be roughly divided into two main groups — the unprogrammed tradition and the programmed tradition...."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaker

Answer 3

The Religious Society of Friends (known as Quakers or just Friends) generally has no church hierarchy (priests, bishops, overseers, etc), recites no Creed (such as the Christian Apostle's or Nicene Creeds), has no outward rites or sacraments. There is a strong sense of equality in their beliefs. Early on in American history they promoted equal rights for women and abolition of slavery.

Many Quaker/Friends religious services have no "program" to them... not a set out religious service with planned prayers and activities. But some Friends have moved into a religious service that is more structured.

Much like in the Episcopal/Anglicanl Churches there are many different Quakers with many different beliefs about what the Bible says and how it should be interpretted/followed. This has caused some divisions in the past among Quakers.

You can find a lot more information at any of the following sites:

http://experts.about.com/q/Quakers-1550/Beliefs.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quakers#Beliefs_and_practices_of_Friends

http://quaker-easy-essays.blogspot.com/

http://www.sowingseeds.tv/ep09_quakers.jsp

Bill (who is not a Quaker but is hoping he touched on some of the major points)

Answer 4

I'm not a Quaker, but in my opinion, the Quakers are true Christians. They do not say hateful things about gay people, they do not judge people. Other Christian denominations could learn a lot from them about how to live.

I have met three Quaker people (that I know of) in my life and they were the most beautiful people I ever met.

Answer 5

The Quaker movement arose in the mid-17th century in England. Its followers called themselves "Friends of Truth", as they thought of themselves as friends of Jesus (John 15:15). In time they came to be known simply as "Friends". The name "Quaker" was a nickname used by others, as it was said that they trembled or quaked with religious zeal. Friends have since adopted the term and today the words Friend and Quaker have the same meaning. The formal title of the Quaker movement is now: "Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)".

Hope this answers your question

Answer 6

Quakers are really called the religious society of friends. It was stared up by a man called Fox and one day another christen group member went by their meeting house and saw that they where Quaking which is how they got their name. I was brought up one believe me they are christens and very good people who do not people in acts of violence of any kind but they leave it up to the individual to decide how they feel about life and spirituality. They believe in inner journeys where you get in touch with the light fo christ inside.:)

Answer 7

Why don't you go in and ask them?

Former President Richard Nixon was a Quaker, not that that means anything.

Answer 8

I'm not sure all of the theology, but I remember that whenever the Lord was mentioned, they used to tremble...thus the name Quakers.

Answer 9

Broadly speaking Quakers believe in peace, social justice, equality, truth. But ask twenty different Friends what they believe and you may get twenty different answers.

Answer 10

They make oatmeal hehe. Actually one of my Army friends was a quaker and we joked a lot about it. He teased me because I am mormon, and I always made oatmeal jokes in return. It was all in good nature though :)