Quakerism

Quakerism is an integral part of our classrooms and is seen in the way that faculty cares for each student and provides different approaches for different needs. Looking for “that of God” in each person guides students in their friendships, activities, and everyday life. And when students are surrounded with people who have diverse ideas and unique spirits, a sense of community becomes a central part of our core values. Through bonding experiences, activities, and service outings, students prepare for life.

Quakerism

The Religious Society of Friends, commonly called “Friends” or “Quakers,” began in England around 1650. Most people credit George Fox as the “founder” of Quakerism. As a young man, George Fox felt unfulfilled by the church of England and searched for answers to his spiritual questions. In the end, Fox realized that all the answers to his questions were within himself; he just needed to sit quietly and listen. Quakers have been doing just that ever since. Sitting together in silence, “waiting expectantly,” is the core of the Quaker worship service, called Meeting for Worship. Most Friends believe that by waiting in such a manner a person becomes able to receive direct communication with God or the Spirit, thus precluding the need for clergy or any sacraments. Quakers believe that no one is closer to God than anyone else – we are all on this journey together, helping each other to find that of God in ourselves and others.

Quakers do not have a creed or a set of rules to follow. Instead, Quakers have testimonies that we live by. Friends today generally recognize Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship as the most important testimonies of our time. We often use the first letter of each one to help us remember them all – SPICES. “The testimonies are not a set of rules to be memorized. They are a reflection of how we live when led by Spirit. They are what Quakers mean when we say, ‘Let your life Speak,’ or ‘A doer not a sayer be.’ Actions do indeed speak louder than words: they are testament to our beliefs, a reflection of who we really are. When we listen to God, and are led by Spirit, we know how to love, what to do, who to be.” (Let Your Life Speak: a Faith and Play story)

Quakers believe that there is “that of God” in every person. With this understanding, Friends schools recognize that moments present themselves in settings such as Meeting for Worship, conversations with colleagues, or deliberations among groups when an insight or deeper understanding may be reached. Quakers believe that these insights are windows through which the Inner Light may shine as “the way opens.” Among Friends, some would see these leadings as coming from a divine spirit; others might see them as coming from a depth of personal understanding.