Chester Quarterly Meeting (Quakers)

Quakers have shared beliefs, but we do not have creeds and confessions to which all members must subscribe. In particular, there is a great diversity among Quakers regarding conceptions of God and the use of different kinds of language to describe religious experience. Some Quakers have a conception of God which is similar to that of orthodox Christians and would use similar language. Others are happy to use God-centered language, but would conceive of God in very different terms compared to the conventional Christian trinity described in other Protestant faiths. A few may even describe their experiences in ways that avoid the use of the word God entirely. Quaker faith is built on experience, and Quakers would generally hold that it is the spiritual experience which is central to Quaker worship, and not the use of a particular form of words (whether that be “God” or anything else).

The Quaker way has its roots in Christianity and finds inspiration in the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus. Quakers also find meaning and value in the teachings of other faiths; we acknowledge that ours is not the only way.

The Light Within

The Light Within is the fundamental and immediate experience for Friends. It is that which guides each of us in our everyday lives and brings us together as a community of faith. It is, most importantly, our direct and unmediated experience of the Divine.

Friends have used many different terms or phrases to designate the source and inner certainty of our faith—a faith which we have gained by direct experience. The Inward Light, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Spirit of Truth, the Divine Principle, the Christ Within, the Seed, and the Inner Light are examples of such phrases. George Fox refers in his Journal to "that Inward Light, Spirit, and Grace by which all might know their salvation" and to "that Divine Spirit which would lead them into all truth." He wrote: "There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition" and encouraged Friends "to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one." Many Friends interpret "that of God" as another designation for the Light Within.

For Friends, the Light Within is not the same as the conscience or moral faculty. The conscience is a human faculty, which is conditioned by education and the cultural environment; it is not, therefore, an infallible guide to moral practice. It should nevertheless be attended to, for it is one of the faculties through which the Light shines. Friends are encouraged to test the leadings of conscience by seeking clearness, through direct communion in the meeting for worship, and through the formal Friends clearness process.

Friends' experience has been that following an enlightened conscience brings a release of the spirit and also a state of peace that are independent of the tangible results of the action taken. Spiritual power arises from living in harmony with the divine will. George Fox often spoke of the power he experienced in times of need, and of that relationship between power and the Light. For instance, he writes that "the power of God sprang through me," and, he admonishes us, "hearken to the Light, that ye may feel the power of God in every one of you."

Continuing obedience to the Light increases our gratitude for God's gifts. Among these are an awareness of enduring values, the joy of life, and the ability to resolve problems in accord with divine leading, as individuals or as a Meeting. Under the guidance of the Light, the monthly meeting is enabled to use and transform the aspirations and judgments of its members. This practice helps the Meeting make decisions and face undertakings in a spirit detached from self-interest or prejudice. Basic Quaker testimonies such as equality, simplicity, nonviolence, integrity, and community have arisen from a deep sense of individual and corporate responsibility guided by the Light Within.

Recognizing that God's Light is in every person overcomes our separation and our differences from others and leads to a sympathetic awareness of their need and a sense of responsibility toward them. Friends believe that the more widely and clearly the Light is recognized and followed, the more will humanity come into accord. "Therefore," writes George Fox, "in the Light wait, where unity is."

As a consequence of our belief that God's Light is in each of us, we welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered men and women, and have a fundamental commitment to equality and inclusion. We affirm the love of God for all people, whatever their sexuality.

Please be aware that the Quakers being described at this website are fairly typical of the majority of Friends found in the Philadelphia area in the present day. Even among Philadelphia friends, there may be individuals spread across the entire spectrum of belief running from orthodox Christian to spiritual agnostic. We have no creeds or confessions. We cherish each individual and that of God in each person, regardless of whether we agree on religious terminology. We recognize that we are all seekers.

You can find out more about Quaker beliefs and attitudes by reading our Faith & Practice which gives a flavor of the Quaker approach to life. Visit our Document Library, as well.