The Heart of The Matter

“To understand Quaker process one must understand the value system that undergirds all Quaker function. In seventeenth century Britain, George Fox and the Friends of the Truth were troubled by unjust religious and political practices. From their experiences the Quaker tenets or testimonies emerged; three hundred and fifty years later these tenets remain current. All Quaker form is integral to these testimonies: the meeting for worship; the process for administrating corporate business; the marriage ceremony; the rearing of Quaker children, i.e. family values; and the memorial meetings. The Inward Light permeates all, not only for the Christian Quakers, but also for that small minority who would view themselves as agnostics, and for the few non-Christian Friends as well,” p 92.
Lyn Cope-Robinson, The Little Quaker Sociology Book,Canmore Press, 1995.

Along with most new Quaker members I have puzzled at Quakers special meaning for Light. To hold someone In The Light. What does it mean? To learn more of Inward Light here are two version:

1.

“And what would it be like to be in the Light of God’s face shining upon you?
With that thought, I became bathed in a sacred power and majesty. My pain disappeared as I was overwhelmed with love, joy, and peace. In this moment of worship, I experienced a communion like none I had ever known. As I sat in my hospital bed in the darkness, I no longer felt alone. While I know they were not physically present, I began to see faces of members of meeting, other Christian friends and family, and other devout friends from other faith traditions. As this continued, I began to see smiling faces of people that I did not know, complete strangers that seemed to be from across the world. It was as if everyone was smiling and shining their face upon me. Coming away from that experience, I sensed this is what it is like to be held in the Light.”

2.

“This is the vision I had at a Meeting for Worship on March 14th. [2025] Evidence of its divine source is how counter the idea is to my strongly held political opinions and the anger I feel toward the current administration of my country.”

The president, vice-president and cabinet members are standing in a circle with their arms around one another. I tell them that they are forgiven and that God loves them unconditionally. Their faces begin to shine with broad smiles.

Next the circle is enlarged with their family members who are also told that they are forgiven and that God loves them unconditionally. Their reaction is similar.

I then tell them that this love can be spread to all people and especially those who are in need of help. Finally, over 350 million people join the circle and receive the same message.

I find that recalling this vision is extremely difficult and yet vitally important for my soul.”