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A Program on Quaker History in the form of: Advice and QueryAdvice:Because we are individual seekers of Truth and members or attenders of a particular Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends(Quakers) we find valuable information and a meaningful identity in the documents and records, names and dates, anonymous voices and fingerprints that have been left behind during 350 years of Quaker history.Many of the ideas and practices which animate the gathered Friends at Penn Valley Meeting are ideas and practices that are woven through the history of the Religious Society of Friends. These ideas and practices are threads twisting through the Peace and Relief work in the twentieth century; through the endeavors in industry and business, the crises of separation, and the concern for social reform of the nineteenth century; through the Quietist movements and intense concern for discipline of the eighteenth century; and through the dissenting actions and foundational beliefs of the seventeenth century. These threads of thought, belief, action, and concern hold us within the wide and long tapestry of Quaker history and help us understand and claim our identity as Seekers, Children of Light, Friends of Truth, The Religious Society of Friends, Quakers. Query:(Feb.3) If we understand that Quakerism didn't spring to life fully developed in 1652, how can we understand the content of George Fox's vision on Pendle Hill and the acceptance that accompanied the preaching of his vision at Swarthmoor Hall and beyond? Early on(1652-1680's), how did events within the Friends' movement influence the development of the Society of Friends? Early on(1652-1680's), how did events outside of the Friends' movement influence the development of the Society of Friends? In what ways did Quaker ideas like 'direct revelation of God' attract attention and trouble?(Feb.10) How do we explain or understand the intense scrutiny given to the behavior of Quakers by Quakers in various times, particularly in the eighteenth century? How have Quakers developed, expressed, and practiced the division/or lack of division of secular and divine? Where do we find examples of an individual's liberty of conscience at odds with the control of the Meeting (or Meetings)? (Feb.17) In what ways (particularly in America in the 18th - 19th century) have Quakers separated from each other concerning religious ideas and practices? In what ways have Quakers come together or stayed together concerning religious ideas and practices? Over time how have have Quakers understood themselves in relation to Christianity, authority of the Bible, and evangelism? Where do we find examples of 'searching for Truth wherever it may be found?' (Feb 24) Historically, Quakers have been persecuted, oppressed, ignored, and mostly thought to be a little odd. Quakers have also been valued for practicing integrity, honesty, fairness, and neutrality. How have the developing Testimonies participated in the negative or positive impression of Quakerism? In what ways have Quakers' identity been formed (or reformed) in response to social concerns like war, slavery, Native American treatment, inequality for women, unfair business practices, treatment of the mentally ill, or lack of accessible education? |