Quakers and the Afterlife

In the comments under "Gathered in the Spirit", Kimberly (Ma) asked about the Quaker conception of Heaven and the afterlife. I decided to make the answer (such as it is) a separate post, so that I can easily link to resources for anyone interested. I'm no expert in the subject, and I've tried to frame my comments in a way that avoids making blanket statements about what any particular sect of Friends believe. Quakers are notorious for having a wide variety of takes on many issues of theology. Additional input from Friends in the comments is welcome.

First of all, there are several branches of Quakers, so it's hard to say what "Quakers" believe. Evangelical Friends would probably have beliefs about heaven, hell and salvation that are very similar to other evangelicals in the U.S. Among FGC (Friends General Conference) Friends (theologically liberal) and FUM (Friends United Meeting) Friends (with a theology somewhere in between -- "mainstream"?), I think there is a wide range of belief.

My Meeting is affiliated with FGC, and I suspect that few FGC Friends take a literal view of the Biblical descriptions of heaven and hell. Some would probably describe themselves as agnostic on the issue, not really knowing what the afterlife holds, but having some sense that there will be "something more" -- a union with God/Spirit/The Universe, or something similar. Those with a more traditional view of God and the afterlife probably believe something akin to the argument put forward by Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland, Quaker pastors in the moderate tradition. (I think they are affiliated with FUM, but I'm not sure about that.) They authored a compelling book on the subject of salvation: If Grace is True: Why God Will Save Every Person. Their view of God and Christ is similar to most mainstream Christians, but as the title suggests, they reject the notion that those who do not accept salvation through Christ in this life will be thrown into a literal hell. I feel comfortable in positing that the views of most Quakers in my branch fall somewhere along a scale from the Gulley/Mulholland view to a serious doubt about the existence of any afterlife at all. (With lots of people somewhere in between.)

Quakers (of the liberal and perhaps moderate stripes) do tend to put more emphasis on the creation of God's Kingdom on Earth. Many would describe humans as being in "co-creation" with The Divine in this endeavor. In that sense, the Religious Society of Friends really is more of a "here and now" religion than many other Christian denominations in the United States.

Clear as mud? :o) Hope that helps answer Kimberly's question. If Quaker readers feel I've made a mis-characterization or have anything to add that might be helpful or interesting, please comment!

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Summer Nature

Gathered in the Spirit

I spent last week in Johnstown, PA at Friends General Conference, or "Gathering", as it is known to attenders. Quakers, most from the liberal branch of the Society, gather once a year for a week of learning, fellowship, worship, spiritual exploration, and fun. This was my first Gathering, and Brianna and Ethan came along.

There is so much I could write about the activities and events we took part in: my wonderful week-long workshop on the connections between primitive and post-modern Quakerism, lead by Robin M.; the uplifting concert by Tribe 1, in which Brianna participated with other children on stage; the opportunity to meet Eileen Flanagan in person (and attend a discussion session with her on Quaker parenting) after enjoying her blog for a couple of years now. I could go on and on about how impressive the children's program was. Brianna had a great time and Ethan seemed content to spend every morning and a couple of evenings apart from me in the loving child care. (I was floored -- so much for separation anxiety!)

But what I will always remember from FGC 2008 had little to do with the event itself. As the kids and I suffered a "series of unfortunate events" during the first half of the week, we were constantly and consistently surrounded by loving support, help, and encouragement. I can't even recall all the acts of kindness; there were so, so many. Friends from my home meeting came through in a big way, so that all of us could get what we needed, even when that meant being in two different places at the same time. I was lucky and grateful that many people in our Meeting were in attendance. At the same time, Friends who were previously strangers to me (and some who remain so still), were just as cheerfully generous and helpful. One woman from the children's program even accompanied me to the emergency room with Ethan without being asked to do so. I remain forever grateful to her and to so many others. (Ethan is fine -- it wasn't a true emergency, just something that needed immediate attention. Still, stressful enough when you're in a strange town!)

Clearly, this was truly a gathering of people who are attuned to God's holy Spirit and living according to their Inward Light. Several Bible passages occurred to me as I contemplated all that had happened, and my emotions about everything (grateful, embarrassed, exhausted, joyful, contemplative...)

First is Galatians 5: 22 - 23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Indeed. I saw every one of these fruits in action over and over again. What I wouldn't give to live in such a community every single day.

Then I thought of the truism of St. Teresa of Avila: "God has no hands but our hands to do his work today."

And of Jesus's words in Matthew: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

So, as Friends were standing in for God by ministering to me, I was standing in for God simply by being in need and accepting their help in love and gratitude. We were God to each other in those moments! I can think of nothing more profound than that.