It was lovely to go away for a few days even though in hindsight, I should have been more aware my mobile phone. This somewhat elderly device is very set in its ways, has a mind all of its own and severe attitude problem when it comes to describing Quakers.
Whilst at the beach with a few spare moments, it seemed a good idea to send a text message to my mother, letting her know some things I had been doing and to wish her a happy Easter. There was beautiful scenery about, so many other distractions and at the time it did not seem of particular significance that I did not receive a reply.
On my return I was somewhat dismayed when my
Mother tactfully referred to that very disrespectful text message that I had
sent her on Easter Day.
Through lack of vigilance on my part, it would seem she had received a message to say that I was having a lovely time on the South Coast and had spent Easter morning with "Suckers." Even allowing for her alternative Baptist upbringing and daughter's wicked sense of humour, this implication about the Local Quaker Meeting did rather concern her.
Since the risk had been evident for a while, I was able to explain how some of the keys on my phone are less responsive than they should be. Instead of providing the word "Quakers" as originally intended, we had both received "Suckers" instead. Although the need for greater vigilance has been emphasised, it would seem to me that even very very bad phones need to be forgiven. I remain sentimentally attached to this libellous piece of technology since it was originally given to me by my son. My Mother remains unconvinced on how a system of predictive text messaging could possibly make life easier!
It probably goes without saying that the Meeting for Worship I attended on Easter Morning was lovely. Perhaps all those friendly welcoming individuals would feel a little dismayed to be described as "Suckers." I hope very much that they would be able to see the funny side.
The term "Quaker" could also hardly be described as flattering. Early Quakers can have been in very little doubt that the majority of people really did not like them. Although they may not have been described as "Suckers" some of the other terms used at this time went pretty close!
These days things are a little different. Quite often, people on hearing that I am a Quaker, will go on to describe some other Quaker they have encountered at some point in their lives. This practice gives me the impression that we are rather endangered (comparable to pandas) so people feel a responsibility to introduce us to each other! Since these other Quakers that I get to hear of, are invariably very worthy, I usually feel a little guilty as if the average expected standard of Quakers has now mysteriously dropped.
At other times it is evident to me, that Quakers are not without their faults. They might seem
arrogant especially when that characteristic belief of having the Light
Within is not properly explained. Traditionally Quakers have been particularly inclined to preaching. This characteristic which often comes full on, is only likely to be welcome if you just happen to agree.
At times Quakers can be particularly disruptive, launching themselves in to some form of action simply because they believe there is a right to be heard. When we do not take the trouble to appreciate different perspectives there is the risk of being both arrogant and ill informed.
At times Quakers can be so preoccupied by the possibilities of good as to completely ignore the danger. This approach can make us risky to have around. Instead of generating trust, the world suddenly becomes more uncertain- even scary if you do not happen to be particularly strong in the first place. Quakers are not exempt in their ability to make misjudgements, get it all quite wrong, and cause considerable unhappiness to others. Possession of a peace testimony does
not apparently stop us from being extremely forceful in our opinions, and arguing with considerable enthusiasm among ourselves.
I recall once how a journalist asked me whether Quakers really were a religion. To him it seemed we were now much more like a debating group whose identity was shaped by sharing a particular type of culture, mostly hippies, very liberal and with a shared social obligation at best. This devastating observation emphaised to me how easy it would be to forget our place.
To me it would seem the crucial difference between a Quaker and a Sucker was about maintaining our Meetings for the purpose of Worship.
Tuesday 22 April 2014
Wednesday 16 April 2014
The Quaker Shopping Trip
Quakers have often been known to describe themselves as "Seekers after Truth." This would seemed to me as being a particularly useful role because it implies having sufficient bravery to take on the commitment of an entirely independent spiritual journey.
In the past, when working with young people, I have compared this life experience to pushing a trolley round a very large supermarket.
With some of us there may be a temptation to visit only the small specialist shops where everyone there is polite, speaks the same (somewhat mysterious) Quaker language, already knows you, and when you start talking, there is so much you already have in common. It is very reassuring to be surrounded only by ingredients that you feel very comfortable with and know. To me, this is a very introverted process, more a matter of reflecting our culture back on ourselves in a form of self-flattery, than belief. Perhaps there is also some pride in that ecologically produced hessian shopping bag shipped from the other side of the world and containing mostly oats!
Instead the very big shopping environment is I believe, about trust invested in the whole of humanity, its worth, potential and freedom. Here there is an opportunity to love the whole of mankind. As we engage with other people we are to be constantly surrounded by choice and challenged.
During that journey there will be many different situations. Some products are very conveniently placed whilst others require effort and investment to reach out and find. There might well be a temptation to shop only at eye-level and hurry past the chill cabinets. No body likes to suffer although it may be of significance that ice-cream can only be found in a freezer!
Some products will already be on the list so we can reach out with certainty, having already predicted their use. There might well be some luxuries about to serve as a distraction and we don't really need. Perhaps we should be alert to the effects of subversive advertising, choosing our prophets wisely. Despite best intentions, at times it really does seem as if the enticements of a chocolate aisle with all their associated beliefs and the sense of superiority this gives you over all the local doctors and dentists is some kind of heaven!
In some areas of the store there will be exotic ingredients to provide a challenge in the same way we might encounter other faiths. All of these items will require us to live adventurously and take more effort. Some may taste really good, encouraging us to come back for more, whilst others seem like a firery blast of hell to our sensitive Quaker palates. There will then be much talk about simplicity, all our Quaker testimonies will mysteriously be revived, and those "heretical" new concepts will remain very firmly on the shelves next time we shop.
An honest search for truth encourages us to be very precise about what seems relevant to our condition. Those "three for the price of one" offers can as a result, be a little disconcerting for Quakers. At times we may turn up at the local ecumenical group through love of God and sincere commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus, only to discover that some well-intentioned evangelist has slipped a complimentary copy of the Nicene Creed into our basket! Whilst believing ourselves entitled not to buy every item in the shop, there is however also a very clear responsibility to respect products that are attractive and relevant to others.
The bargain basket is strategically placed containing items that do not seem particularly attractive to the manager of that store. Many of these products would seem to have almost reached their sell by date as if there is a very limited capacity these days to gain very much from history. History can get a little bashed around sometimes and without the best of motives, assume improbable shapes. With the right preparation, none of this collective experience need be wasted. Homemade Quaker soup can taste very good. You do not have to digest the whole lot in one go because there is the option of sharing knowledge or putting batches away for future enjoyment in the freezer. Quaker Meetings often have a "celery Friend." These history enthusiasts may be added to any stale old otherwise unintelligible product to revive it!
What happens then when you reach the check out? Most of us will at some point look back on their lives thinking "I cannot believe how much that cost me!" wondering if all the items they picked up were worth it and if they have the capacity to pay. Close to the tills there is often a panic reaction as we throw in a few bars of chocolate into the trolley to avoid going hungry. Perhaps we may stop for a few moments, go through that shopping list and then retrace steps for some crucial item that has somehow been forgotten. A few Quakers re-invent the whole week's menu rather than admit they were wrong.
As we wander out of that store, perhaps with the addition of halos and wings there will bags of experience to carry, and I believe, that currency of all that we have been able to invest through love still with us.
In the past, when working with young people, I have compared this life experience to pushing a trolley round a very large supermarket.
With some of us there may be a temptation to visit only the small specialist shops where everyone there is polite, speaks the same (somewhat mysterious) Quaker language, already knows you, and when you start talking, there is so much you already have in common. It is very reassuring to be surrounded only by ingredients that you feel very comfortable with and know. To me, this is a very introverted process, more a matter of reflecting our culture back on ourselves in a form of self-flattery, than belief. Perhaps there is also some pride in that ecologically produced hessian shopping bag shipped from the other side of the world and containing mostly oats!
Instead the very big shopping environment is I believe, about trust invested in the whole of humanity, its worth, potential and freedom. Here there is an opportunity to love the whole of mankind. As we engage with other people we are to be constantly surrounded by choice and challenged.
During that journey there will be many different situations. Some products are very conveniently placed whilst others require effort and investment to reach out and find. There might well be a temptation to shop only at eye-level and hurry past the chill cabinets. No body likes to suffer although it may be of significance that ice-cream can only be found in a freezer!
Some products will already be on the list so we can reach out with certainty, having already predicted their use. There might well be some luxuries about to serve as a distraction and we don't really need. Perhaps we should be alert to the effects of subversive advertising, choosing our prophets wisely. Despite best intentions, at times it really does seem as if the enticements of a chocolate aisle with all their associated beliefs and the sense of superiority this gives you over all the local doctors and dentists is some kind of heaven!
In some areas of the store there will be exotic ingredients to provide a challenge in the same way we might encounter other faiths. All of these items will require us to live adventurously and take more effort. Some may taste really good, encouraging us to come back for more, whilst others seem like a firery blast of hell to our sensitive Quaker palates. There will then be much talk about simplicity, all our Quaker testimonies will mysteriously be revived, and those "heretical" new concepts will remain very firmly on the shelves next time we shop.
An honest search for truth encourages us to be very precise about what seems relevant to our condition. Those "three for the price of one" offers can as a result, be a little disconcerting for Quakers. At times we may turn up at the local ecumenical group through love of God and sincere commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus, only to discover that some well-intentioned evangelist has slipped a complimentary copy of the Nicene Creed into our basket! Whilst believing ourselves entitled not to buy every item in the shop, there is however also a very clear responsibility to respect products that are attractive and relevant to others.
The bargain basket is strategically placed containing items that do not seem particularly attractive to the manager of that store. Many of these products would seem to have almost reached their sell by date as if there is a very limited capacity these days to gain very much from history. History can get a little bashed around sometimes and without the best of motives, assume improbable shapes. With the right preparation, none of this collective experience need be wasted. Homemade Quaker soup can taste very good. You do not have to digest the whole lot in one go because there is the option of sharing knowledge or putting batches away for future enjoyment in the freezer. Quaker Meetings often have a "celery Friend." These history enthusiasts may be added to any stale old otherwise unintelligible product to revive it!
What happens then when you reach the check out? Most of us will at some point look back on their lives thinking "I cannot believe how much that cost me!" wondering if all the items they picked up were worth it and if they have the capacity to pay. Close to the tills there is often a panic reaction as we throw in a few bars of chocolate into the trolley to avoid going hungry. Perhaps we may stop for a few moments, go through that shopping list and then retrace steps for some crucial item that has somehow been forgotten. A few Quakers re-invent the whole week's menu rather than admit they were wrong.
As we wander out of that store, perhaps with the addition of halos and wings there will bags of experience to carry, and I believe, that currency of all that we have been able to invest through love still with us.
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Contains free gift! Scatter wherever you like and Cultivate with care.
This morning I had quite a shock to discover the number of people who have been looking at this blog page over the past 24 hours. Although it is tempting to go on at this point about how totally amazing it is for me to communicate in this way, I think it would be more appropriate to just concentrate on using the right currency. Otherwise all that I write here will be like looking at my own reflection (which tends to get less pretty the longer I have to look!) and of very little use to you. With all these potential hazzards in mind, I would rather not be dealing in "amazing" or even being known. Instead, lets forget the lesser options, that wish to feel important, a desire to win or the reassuring feeling you get from believing it is possible to get it absolutely right sometimes.
Despite our obvious diversity, it does seem to me this morning that we have an option of moving one step closer together. We might feel a little silly doing this sometimes. Washing the feet of a stranger can be a very uncomfortable business which usually requires getting down on your knees to do. Perhaps like me, you also wonder if it would ever be possible to stand up again afterwards with so many feet to wash, and yet we usually do. Without wishing to put any readers off their breakfast, perhaps I should also mention that feet have an unfortunate tendency to develop certain physical characteristics that could not be described as beautiful (even by your own mother!) and very often smell. There is no guarantee a message of love and respect for another human being will be appreciated, understood or form part of a reciprocal arrangement. Instead there is only an opportunity to do something for this troubled broken world, to put ourselves at a lower level to another human being, to go where we are needed.
Whether or not it feels right, comfortable or seems to be successful, I do not think any of us should allow ourselves to be misled. To love is the most powerful thing we do. Even though we may not be able to imagine, believe in God or feel entitled to use his name, the things we do in love for another human being last forever. There are rewards described in the Scriptures as "the Kingdom of God" we can neither imagine or see. Love entitles us to work for nothing else, because the presence of love is enough. Whatever our starting point in life might be, whatever we believe and wherever we might be, just one single act of love can bring us together.
Instead of even trying to write something sensible this morning, or trying to impress anyone, I am now going to do something reckless. Please go back to your families, your families, your faith groups, your community, wherever they might be. Tell them that someone very scared, very silly, who does not know quite what she has taken on with this blog, and calls herself a "Secret Quaker," is sending you and them her love. Whatever you think, whatever you believe, wherever you are right now, there can be no exceptions because we are already loved. There is more than enough to go around and we are also human.
Despite our obvious diversity, it does seem to me this morning that we have an option of moving one step closer together. We might feel a little silly doing this sometimes. Washing the feet of a stranger can be a very uncomfortable business which usually requires getting down on your knees to do. Perhaps like me, you also wonder if it would ever be possible to stand up again afterwards with so many feet to wash, and yet we usually do. Without wishing to put any readers off their breakfast, perhaps I should also mention that feet have an unfortunate tendency to develop certain physical characteristics that could not be described as beautiful (even by your own mother!) and very often smell. There is no guarantee a message of love and respect for another human being will be appreciated, understood or form part of a reciprocal arrangement. Instead there is only an opportunity to do something for this troubled broken world, to put ourselves at a lower level to another human being, to go where we are needed.
Whether or not it feels right, comfortable or seems to be successful, I do not think any of us should allow ourselves to be misled. To love is the most powerful thing we do. Even though we may not be able to imagine, believe in God or feel entitled to use his name, the things we do in love for another human being last forever. There are rewards described in the Scriptures as "the Kingdom of God" we can neither imagine or see. Love entitles us to work for nothing else, because the presence of love is enough. Whatever our starting point in life might be, whatever we believe and wherever we might be, just one single act of love can bring us together.
Instead of even trying to write something sensible this morning, or trying to impress anyone, I am now going to do something reckless. Please go back to your families, your families, your faith groups, your community, wherever they might be. Tell them that someone very scared, very silly, who does not know quite what she has taken on with this blog, and calls herself a "Secret Quaker," is sending you and them her love. Whatever you think, whatever you believe, wherever you are right now, there can be no exceptions because we are already loved. There is more than enough to go around and we are also human.
Monday 14 April 2014
Why it take guts to use the "G word"?
It quite amuses me to note the extreme lengths some Quakers will go to at times to avoid mentioning the "G word". To achieve these intellectual heights, and theological detour, we note various aspects of God, embrace that insurmountable academic challenge of finding exactly the right words, hedge our bets by referring somewhat obliquely to "Some Higher Being", and risk offending a considerable number of other faiths by talking solely and very enthusiastically about "The Light Within."
Does this process make us more enlightened than our predecessors or even other faiths? Perhaps it makes us proud and less responsive to the guidance which comes through silence? Early Quakers would I believe, have been totally mystified about how anyone could possibly "quake" about an entity entirely within them selves. It would seem to me as if these days we have chosen to dispense with that sense of urgency and wonder.
This fragile relationship reminds me of partnerships which go on for years on a day to day basis without taking on a commitment. There may be many benefits. A relationship of this nature could be mutually understood, result in economic stability, a lovely home, and even children. Some would argue it is considerable more honest to scrutinise and review a relationship with such regularity, rather than to take on a new identity, risk becoming half the person you were before and be straddled with the lasting commitment associated with marriage.
Those who have ever been married will know that marriages are not made in heaven, coming without any blemishes and a life-time guarantee. Instead they are not the same thing as romance and there will be many, many challenges ahead. Instead of being made in heaven, we have an opportunity to create a little bit of heaven through them, through honesty, love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, the manner in which we choose to support other family members and bring up children.
It would seem to me that, just as the term "marriage" implies commitment, using the word "God" extends a matter of belief into an undertaking that will affect the choices we make through life. Given all the other opportunities about and that a Covenant of this nature would involve some kind of law, no wonder we seem so afraid of taking on this commitment. As with marriage, I do not think this relationship would be possible without firstly some clear evidence that the other party in this relationship understood and loved them.
For many Quakers this evidence of love often comes through their surroundings. Though promptings of the Spirit and considerable practice, we are particularly good at daffodil ministry. I would almost expect at this time of year for it to be mentioned quite a bit
in Meeting. For those rainy, cold days in a relationship, it may be very hard however to feel more than a tiny ineffective spark of light going on inside you. There may be many life situations when "Some higher being" may seem quite unreasonable and illogical when it comes to dispensing justice. Just as with marriage there will be times when our relationship with God will be tested,
This relationship reminds me of how George Fox went through a particularly dark time in his life. As kingship was being restored, he had good reason to feel terrified through his links to the old regime, besides a huge sense of failure that the concept of an English Commonwealth had failed. At this crucial time, I think George Fox referred back to his relationship with God. Just as it is usual for one or both parties to wear a ring as a sign of their lasting commitment to each other, he remembered that we have a Law, drawn up through love and understanding of the human race, to keep up going. George Fox spoke later of an ocean of darkness that was overcome by an ocean of light. From that moment on Quakers had a peace testimony through following a very precise instruction contained within the Ten Commandments. "Thou shalt not kill."
Does this process make us more enlightened than our predecessors or even other faiths? Perhaps it makes us proud and less responsive to the guidance which comes through silence? Early Quakers would I believe, have been totally mystified about how anyone could possibly "quake" about an entity entirely within them selves. It would seem to me as if these days we have chosen to dispense with that sense of urgency and wonder.
This fragile relationship reminds me of partnerships which go on for years on a day to day basis without taking on a commitment. There may be many benefits. A relationship of this nature could be mutually understood, result in economic stability, a lovely home, and even children. Some would argue it is considerable more honest to scrutinise and review a relationship with such regularity, rather than to take on a new identity, risk becoming half the person you were before and be straddled with the lasting commitment associated with marriage.
Those who have ever been married will know that marriages are not made in heaven, coming without any blemishes and a life-time guarantee. Instead they are not the same thing as romance and there will be many, many challenges ahead. Instead of being made in heaven, we have an opportunity to create a little bit of heaven through them, through honesty, love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, the manner in which we choose to support other family members and bring up children.
It would seem to me that, just as the term "marriage" implies commitment, using the word "God" extends a matter of belief into an undertaking that will affect the choices we make through life. Given all the other opportunities about and that a Covenant of this nature would involve some kind of law, no wonder we seem so afraid of taking on this commitment. As with marriage, I do not think this relationship would be possible without firstly some clear evidence that the other party in this relationship understood and loved them.
For many Quakers this evidence of love often comes through their surroundings. Though promptings of the Spirit and considerable practice, we are particularly good at daffodil ministry. I would almost expect at this time of year for it to be mentioned quite a bit
in Meeting. For those rainy, cold days in a relationship, it may be very hard however to feel more than a tiny ineffective spark of light going on inside you. There may be many life situations when "Some higher being" may seem quite unreasonable and illogical when it comes to dispensing justice. Just as with marriage there will be times when our relationship with God will be tested,
This relationship reminds me of how George Fox went through a particularly dark time in his life. As kingship was being restored, he had good reason to feel terrified through his links to the old regime, besides a huge sense of failure that the concept of an English Commonwealth had failed. At this crucial time, I think George Fox referred back to his relationship with God. Just as it is usual for one or both parties to wear a ring as a sign of their lasting commitment to each other, he remembered that we have a Law, drawn up through love and understanding of the human race, to keep up going. George Fox spoke later of an ocean of darkness that was overcome by an ocean of light. From that moment on Quakers had a peace testimony through following a very precise instruction contained within the Ten Commandments. "Thou shalt not kill."
Sunday 13 April 2014
When angels speak.
Those who have read my blog for a while will know that I am about as old-fashioned as you can get as a Quaker. As if by instinct, there is still a seventeenth century trait of resistance to programmed worship, wishing to argue with "hireling-priests", and refusing to cough up on tithes should anybody ask. This morning however, knowing that I would be working later, I got up uncharacteristically early for a Sunday morning and went to the local "steeple-house" for their 8 am communion.
It was lovely to be greeted at the door by some friendly natives of the Anglican Church who did not seem at all concerned when I introduced myself as a Quaker. It seemed I should consider myself a guest and just as it would be quite inappropriate for visitors to re-decorate somebody else's home, I decided to respect differing opinions and do my utmost to fit in. An honest search for truth should stand up to scrutiny. For me, the friendly and respectful engagement I have enjoyed with other faiths over the years has strengthened my sense of commitment and identity as a Quaker.
Increasingly, I find myself able to appreciate the beauty of an old English Church. This may seem a strange thing to say, but I think these are intended to be used by seekers after truth regardless of where they had got to. We all have a right to be there. Although some people find religious symbols and images a distraction, to me these are a reminder of how nothing in life is static. People adapt to different environments, generations of local people have given their time and their talents to enhance these surroundings, building up layers of knowledge to the best of their ability. Together we have all mellowed, blended in, becoming beautiful over time through love in the same way as our buildings.
In the silence before the service began, some angels in a church window managed to attract my attention. They seemed quite amenable to some interfaith dialogue, so I introduced myself as one of those awkward Quakers who was doing her best to be the right sort of guest. It seemed only fair to warn them however that just like the Old Testament prophet Jacob, we have a tendency to wrestle rather than just listen to angels.
Angels are never quite as they seem. These ones had bright red or green wings which resulted in a very vibrant effect but must have made them feel a little self- conscious in heaven amongst the exclusive radiant white of others. Perhaps they understood how uncomfortable it can feel when you do not feel comfortable with the words everyone else is saying in the creed, that emphasis on belief, not everything said seems relevant to your condition and you do not quite fit in.
During this conversation, I couldn't help noticing how, like many Victorian stained glass windows, the faces of these angels all tended to look the same. Perhaps the artists responsible for this work had only one available model. Since it would have been necessary to keep re-arranging her in various poses, she must surely have been someone of considerable stamina and patience. Perhaps a very bored uncomfortable angel with stiff creaky joints was just longing to thump the artist by the time this window was complete!
At this point I noticed that each angel was carrying a different musical instrument. Since it might be assumed they were making an acceptable noise in heaven, I began to feel slightly guilty having just purchased a metronome to address some of my musical deficiencies and been terrified of it ever sense. It seemed I have been letting my music teacher down whilst all these angels were saying, "Look what we can do, because we have excellent time-management skills, do not run away from a problem and know how important it is to practice." I promised to try harder so as not to disappoint them.
As the service was about to start, I thought again about the angels identical faces, wondering perhaps if our egos slipped away, it might be easier to be one. Early morning Spring sunshine shone through angels to colour the floor with light. It seemed to me that it was possible to be in a considerable number of other worshipping environments besides a Quaker Meeting to hear the ministry of Friends.
It was lovely to be greeted at the door by some friendly natives of the Anglican Church who did not seem at all concerned when I introduced myself as a Quaker. It seemed I should consider myself a guest and just as it would be quite inappropriate for visitors to re-decorate somebody else's home, I decided to respect differing opinions and do my utmost to fit in. An honest search for truth should stand up to scrutiny. For me, the friendly and respectful engagement I have enjoyed with other faiths over the years has strengthened my sense of commitment and identity as a Quaker.
Increasingly, I find myself able to appreciate the beauty of an old English Church. This may seem a strange thing to say, but I think these are intended to be used by seekers after truth regardless of where they had got to. We all have a right to be there. Although some people find religious symbols and images a distraction, to me these are a reminder of how nothing in life is static. People adapt to different environments, generations of local people have given their time and their talents to enhance these surroundings, building up layers of knowledge to the best of their ability. Together we have all mellowed, blended in, becoming beautiful over time through love in the same way as our buildings.
In the silence before the service began, some angels in a church window managed to attract my attention. They seemed quite amenable to some interfaith dialogue, so I introduced myself as one of those awkward Quakers who was doing her best to be the right sort of guest. It seemed only fair to warn them however that just like the Old Testament prophet Jacob, we have a tendency to wrestle rather than just listen to angels.
Angels are never quite as they seem. These ones had bright red or green wings which resulted in a very vibrant effect but must have made them feel a little self- conscious in heaven amongst the exclusive radiant white of others. Perhaps they understood how uncomfortable it can feel when you do not feel comfortable with the words everyone else is saying in the creed, that emphasis on belief, not everything said seems relevant to your condition and you do not quite fit in.
During this conversation, I couldn't help noticing how, like many Victorian stained glass windows, the faces of these angels all tended to look the same. Perhaps the artists responsible for this work had only one available model. Since it would have been necessary to keep re-arranging her in various poses, she must surely have been someone of considerable stamina and patience. Perhaps a very bored uncomfortable angel with stiff creaky joints was just longing to thump the artist by the time this window was complete!
At this point I noticed that each angel was carrying a different musical instrument. Since it might be assumed they were making an acceptable noise in heaven, I began to feel slightly guilty having just purchased a metronome to address some of my musical deficiencies and been terrified of it ever sense. It seemed I have been letting my music teacher down whilst all these angels were saying, "Look what we can do, because we have excellent time-management skills, do not run away from a problem and know how important it is to practice." I promised to try harder so as not to disappoint them.
As the service was about to start, I thought again about the angels identical faces, wondering perhaps if our egos slipped away, it might be easier to be one. Early morning Spring sunshine shone through angels to colour the floor with light. It seemed to me that it was possible to be in a considerable number of other worshipping environments besides a Quaker Meeting to hear the ministry of Friends.
Saturday 12 April 2014
One step closer. Ways of talking to God.
It would seem to me that Quakers have almost as many different ways to describe God as there are Quakers. There are terms such "The Light Within" "Some Higher Being" "a Divine Presence" besides a legacy of adjectives and phrases inherited from our Christian origins. Many of these names and descriptions are quite difficult for me to imagine or understand. As with all words, the somewhat clumsy ways in which we attempt to describe God will mean different things to different people and can be misleading.
At times it would seem there is a temptation to be too clever, as if by a huge act of the intellect, or through finding the right set of words it might be possible to do something more. Throughout history there have after all been individuals hoping to gain sufficiently high a status to listen in of the Almighty. Through science, critical analysis and other forms of academic knowledge we may perhaps still aim to construct a tower of Babel, believing that those with a particular type of knowledge should have some kind of an advantage when it comes to communicating with God.
Although there would seem very good reason to feel discouraged in our efforts, or dismayed generally at the historic collective insights of the human race, this is only an indication of having set our sights too high. Most religious faiths describe a process whereby for their own protection, God deliberately takes on some very different form to communicate with human beings. To emphasis this disparity, throughout the Old Testament it was widely believed that a human being would die if he ever caught sight of God.
Old Testament prophets were as a result, particularly astute in setting what we might well describe these days as being "SMART targets". The emphasis here was not on gaining a special insight or even finding something credible and manageable enough to believe in. Instead of speculating on the nature of God, they considered all that God had done and continued to do through creation, and such evidence though history and their daily lives of love, nurture and support. This trust enabled them to listen. Whereas today we might think to ask questions, even negotiate about what we believe to be the priority of our needs, traditionally communication with God has been almost entirely about worship.
The way we might begin this kind of conversation would seem to me very much like my three year old grand-daughter has been practising a great deal of lately. At first the word "thankyou" must have seemed totally superfluous to her requirements. A three year old will however begin with a little prompting and reassurance. It starts perhaps by thanking parents for such obvious things as food. In time those horizons will steadily widen to involve others. Although it is I believe still impossible to see God, whilst thanking others for their time, thoughtfulness, patience, understanding, love, support and forgiveness, each individual life may be gradually seen in context.
Perhaps like a small child we should also be alert to Creation. In our search for God we might also blow on the seed head of a dandelion, count the interval between thunder claps and lightening, splash in every available puddle, celebrate every single one of our birthdays with some kind of a party, and remember to paddle whenever we encounter the sea. Maybe we also need to practice guilt-free chocolate and ice-cream through seeing life in perspective. Each moment of joy, humility and thankfulness takes us I believe, one step closer to God.
Despite having been responsible for conveying God's law to humanity, the idea of seeing or understanding God would have been quite preposterous to Moses. A healthy respect for the wonder of creation combined with a much more realistic sense of his own unworthiness enabled him instead him to listen out for whatever God had to say.
For this reason I am particularly glad to be a Quaker. Our method of worshipping in silence seems more honest about our limitations. This is an open opportunity in which we are all free to follow our unique spiritual journey without believing ourselves bound by ritual, creeds or pre-conceptions. Perhaps in that time we may confirm upon ourselves a responsibility to love our neighbour as ourselves and so emerge from that time of silence one step closer to God through being better at being Friends.
At times it would seem there is a temptation to be too clever, as if by a huge act of the intellect, or through finding the right set of words it might be possible to do something more. Throughout history there have after all been individuals hoping to gain sufficiently high a status to listen in of the Almighty. Through science, critical analysis and other forms of academic knowledge we may perhaps still aim to construct a tower of Babel, believing that those with a particular type of knowledge should have some kind of an advantage when it comes to communicating with God.
Although there would seem very good reason to feel discouraged in our efforts, or dismayed generally at the historic collective insights of the human race, this is only an indication of having set our sights too high. Most religious faiths describe a process whereby for their own protection, God deliberately takes on some very different form to communicate with human beings. To emphasis this disparity, throughout the Old Testament it was widely believed that a human being would die if he ever caught sight of God.
Old Testament prophets were as a result, particularly astute in setting what we might well describe these days as being "SMART targets". The emphasis here was not on gaining a special insight or even finding something credible and manageable enough to believe in. Instead of speculating on the nature of God, they considered all that God had done and continued to do through creation, and such evidence though history and their daily lives of love, nurture and support. This trust enabled them to listen. Whereas today we might think to ask questions, even negotiate about what we believe to be the priority of our needs, traditionally communication with God has been almost entirely about worship.
The way we might begin this kind of conversation would seem to me very much like my three year old grand-daughter has been practising a great deal of lately. At first the word "thankyou" must have seemed totally superfluous to her requirements. A three year old will however begin with a little prompting and reassurance. It starts perhaps by thanking parents for such obvious things as food. In time those horizons will steadily widen to involve others. Although it is I believe still impossible to see God, whilst thanking others for their time, thoughtfulness, patience, understanding, love, support and forgiveness, each individual life may be gradually seen in context.
Perhaps like a small child we should also be alert to Creation. In our search for God we might also blow on the seed head of a dandelion, count the interval between thunder claps and lightening, splash in every available puddle, celebrate every single one of our birthdays with some kind of a party, and remember to paddle whenever we encounter the sea. Maybe we also need to practice guilt-free chocolate and ice-cream through seeing life in perspective. Each moment of joy, humility and thankfulness takes us I believe, one step closer to God.
Despite having been responsible for conveying God's law to humanity, the idea of seeing or understanding God would have been quite preposterous to Moses. A healthy respect for the wonder of creation combined with a much more realistic sense of his own unworthiness enabled him instead him to listen out for whatever God had to say.
For this reason I am particularly glad to be a Quaker. Our method of worshipping in silence seems more honest about our limitations. This is an open opportunity in which we are all free to follow our unique spiritual journey without believing ourselves bound by ritual, creeds or pre-conceptions. Perhaps in that time we may confirm upon ourselves a responsibility to love our neighbour as ourselves and so emerge from that time of silence one step closer to God through being better at being Friends.
Thursday 10 April 2014
Scrutiny of religion.
Many years ago I became a born-again Christian. Caught up in the enthusiasm and with a strong sense of mission, I decided it would be a very good idea to study Religious Knowledge for A level. For the next few days I went looking for a school that still provided the subject at the required level in its curriculum. This was not that easy task since of all the available "ologies" about, "theology" was by far the least fashionable at the time. Eventually however I discovered a school which cannot have been particularly happy at the financial implications of having just having two very determined pupils and a teacher who for some inexplicable reason was prepared to teach the subject.
It was a little strange to be working in a large, virtually empty classroom. The first impression I had of my classmate proved correct. He always sat just behind me as if to oversee every operation in that room as a general. At times he would lift up his desk lid and slam it down hard so I was never entirely relaxed during lessons. This totally unnerving academic genius produced homework good enough for publication. To break the monotony which comes, I believe, from already knowing all the answers, he would sometimes lean back, shut his eyes as if to relax and allow me to answer a question.
Looking back on those times I still find it incredible to think of me as a sixteen year old having this opportunity to learn. Spiritual journeys can however develop a tendency to proceed in some quite unexpected directions. With very little regard for my conversion experience which had been very much a matter of belief, some dramatic under-pinning took place almost straight away.
The first lesson we were introduced to the synoptic problem. Although this method of comparing gospel narratives proved quite an unnerving problem, from that moment I was hooked. Form criticism came a few weeks later. I struggled at first to understand the concept although an image of the four evangelists each happily constructing a patchwork quilt using all their favourite items of mostly oral history has remained with me every since. Within a few weeks, my missionary enthusiasm had been transformed into those skills necessary to become a detective. Supported initially by that course, I was ready to be objective, identify with honesty centuries of Church politics and tradition to find the historical Jesus.
Perhaps it was inevitable that a Seeker after truth should discover Quakers at some point along the way. The company of those who traditionally place so high a regard on the importance of honesty, can be very reassuring on that journey.
When you are looking for something however, it does seem very important that you do not loose sight of the focus of your investigation. Like any investigation, there might well be prophets with different priorities, inaccurate, misleading observations, those who distort the evidence and whether intentionally or otherwise, put you off track. In our enthusiasm to dispense with knowledge that does not seem relevant to our condition, there may be a temptation to become arrogant. I am reminded here of my very clever classmate who would deliberately allow me to answer some of the questions. Quakers can seem at times to be a little caught up in their own opinions.
In our search for truth there may be a tendency to "throw the baby out with the bath water" or watch in rather an uncaring way as a crucial aspect of the ministry of early Friends slips slowly down the plug-hole. We may at times put in additional understanding to the mix, to scent the water, making certain challenging truths more comfortable to our taste. Some Quakers forget to turn the taps off by refusing to use their minds, or by having dialogue with other faiths. Lately and perhaps most worrying of all, there has been a growing tendency to leave room entirely and so let the baby drown
It may be misleading to evaluate a course entirely by the exams. My classmate excelled, passed with the top grade and simultaneously gained a scholorship to Oxford. Although my results were not that great, I gained a love for my subject which has remained a passion. Whilst it might have seemed to others that this opportunity to study Religious Knowledge with some exceptional competition, would undermine my faith, or seem disrespectful, I discovered that honesty scrutiny can be very beneficial to religion. It would seem to me that we have been given our minds and each a unique set of evidence for a reason. Our role should be to trust in the power of the truth, take on the challenge of a spiritual journey, engage with our beliefs, because a house built upon rock will last.
It was a little strange to be working in a large, virtually empty classroom. The first impression I had of my classmate proved correct. He always sat just behind me as if to oversee every operation in that room as a general. At times he would lift up his desk lid and slam it down hard so I was never entirely relaxed during lessons. This totally unnerving academic genius produced homework good enough for publication. To break the monotony which comes, I believe, from already knowing all the answers, he would sometimes lean back, shut his eyes as if to relax and allow me to answer a question.
Looking back on those times I still find it incredible to think of me as a sixteen year old having this opportunity to learn. Spiritual journeys can however develop a tendency to proceed in some quite unexpected directions. With very little regard for my conversion experience which had been very much a matter of belief, some dramatic under-pinning took place almost straight away.
The first lesson we were introduced to the synoptic problem. Although this method of comparing gospel narratives proved quite an unnerving problem, from that moment I was hooked. Form criticism came a few weeks later. I struggled at first to understand the concept although an image of the four evangelists each happily constructing a patchwork quilt using all their favourite items of mostly oral history has remained with me every since. Within a few weeks, my missionary enthusiasm had been transformed into those skills necessary to become a detective. Supported initially by that course, I was ready to be objective, identify with honesty centuries of Church politics and tradition to find the historical Jesus.
Perhaps it was inevitable that a Seeker after truth should discover Quakers at some point along the way. The company of those who traditionally place so high a regard on the importance of honesty, can be very reassuring on that journey.
When you are looking for something however, it does seem very important that you do not loose sight of the focus of your investigation. Like any investigation, there might well be prophets with different priorities, inaccurate, misleading observations, those who distort the evidence and whether intentionally or otherwise, put you off track. In our enthusiasm to dispense with knowledge that does not seem relevant to our condition, there may be a temptation to become arrogant. I am reminded here of my very clever classmate who would deliberately allow me to answer some of the questions. Quakers can seem at times to be a little caught up in their own opinions.
In our search for truth there may be a tendency to "throw the baby out with the bath water" or watch in rather an uncaring way as a crucial aspect of the ministry of early Friends slips slowly down the plug-hole. We may at times put in additional understanding to the mix, to scent the water, making certain challenging truths more comfortable to our taste. Some Quakers forget to turn the taps off by refusing to use their minds, or by having dialogue with other faiths. Lately and perhaps most worrying of all, there has been a growing tendency to leave room entirely and so let the baby drown
It may be misleading to evaluate a course entirely by the exams. My classmate excelled, passed with the top grade and simultaneously gained a scholorship to Oxford. Although my results were not that great, I gained a love for my subject which has remained a passion. Whilst it might have seemed to others that this opportunity to study Religious Knowledge with some exceptional competition, would undermine my faith, or seem disrespectful, I discovered that honesty scrutiny can be very beneficial to religion. It would seem to me that we have been given our minds and each a unique set of evidence for a reason. Our role should be to trust in the power of the truth, take on the challenge of a spiritual journey, engage with our beliefs, because a house built upon rock will last.
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