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Inclusive Spiritual Terminology
By Barb Luetke-Stahlman
As I struggle to express my Quaker faith, I am compelled to
use terminology that is an accurate reflection of my experience. The words I use to explain what I believe are as
important to me as the truth I seek. Initially, I felt so excluded
by Christian terms and so unable to respond in words that
reflected my faith, that I asked for a program time to be
scheduled after Meeting for Worship to discuss my dilemma
with those in my Meeting. This was granted, and the discussion that occurred that day as well as the support for my
seeking I received that day, resulted in my keeping a notebook
organized by terms. I recorded words, phrases, and explanations
that gave voice to my beliefs, and, at a later time, tried to
meld what I had written into cohesive descriptions, being
careful to credit the original historical and contemporary
Quaker authors I read. This process continues, and is a labor
of love. It has assisted me in times when I am trying to
succinctly explain to myself and others what I believe. I hope
you find my work useful as well. (Note from Sheila: As room
allows, I will use some of Barb's offerings in the Friendly
Connection in the months to come.)
Grace....Thomas Hamm, in The Transformation of American
Quakerism; Orthodox Friends, 1800-1907, (1988), defined
grace as living with challenge in a manner of acceptance,
courage and thoughtfulness. The concept of grace is that of
living with the knowledge that daily struggles, no matter the
magnitude, can be managed in a centered, loving manner.
When this type of present-response occurs regularly, it is
referred to be some as "right living" or "living in grace." Hamm
explains as well that in the 1800's, "an outward grim expres-
sion was a sign of inward grace"!
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