What exactly is a Quaker or Quakerism?

Question

Yeah yeah, I get the guy on the oatmeal box. But REALLY, what do they beleive, what are their principles?

Answer 1

Solarius gave you a good start in understanding Friends (Quakers). I can add a little to that.

Friends have no creed or dogma, and the religion is based on direct experience of God, with the Bible seen as highly significant but not the final word of God since there is ongoing revelation even today.

There are 3 main divisions within the Religious Society of Friends: liberal (wide range of beliefs, includes some people who are not Christian), conservative (Christ-centric, closer to traditional Quakerism), and evangelical (Protestant-like church services rather than silent waiting worship).

Despite the differences between these types, they all share some core Testimonies: Peace (in word, action, thought -- not just absence of conflict but actively working towards peace), Simplicity (in speech, dress, lifestyle), Equality (of the sexes, races, classes, etc.), and Integrity (ensuring that all parts of your life reflect Friends' values). Some Friends add testimonies of community and ecology/the environment.

Because of these Testimonies, Friends are often involved in social justice issues, peace movements, etc.

I have no experience with evangelical Friends, but I can tell you a little about liberal and conservative. We prepare nothing in advance, although we may open ourselves by meditating or reading the Bible before meeting. We worship in silence, opening ourselves to the Spirit and waiting for God to speak to us. If we are given a message to share with the meeting, we stand and say it as simply and clearly as we can. This is our ministry. Sometimes no one speaks; sometimes 3 or 4 speak. I have often found that the messages speak to my condition at times when I was in too much turmoil to hear God's voice directly myself.

Thank you for your interest in Friends. If you have any more questions, or my answers were unclear, please post again. :-)

Answer 2

A Quaker is a member of the Religious Society of Friends. Here's a Quaker website, one of many, that provides a summary of their basic beliefs. I've attended several Quaker meetings, and the group sat together in total silence, awaiting the inspiration of God. That's called "unprogrammed" worship, and there is also "programmed" worship, which is more like a regular Protestant church service. Also, Quakers are usually pacifists, and are well-known for working for social justice.

http://orangecountyquakers.org/quakers/seekers/faq.htm