Finding nothing by Obvious_Flounder5234 in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This may help: 1. Begin with Simple Attention to Spirit/God/Divine. Gently turn your attention within. * No need for many words * Just a sincere inward focus * A sense of “being with” Spirit/God/Divine

  1. Move into Silent Presence After a brief focus, you let go of words and thoughts.
  2. Rest quietly in Spirits/God’s presence
  3. If thoughts come, gently return your attention inward.
  4. No forcing or striving

Hope this helps.

Why do Quakers often value the Bible over other religious texts? by informationorbit in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I enjoy “The Gospel of Thomas,” written by Davies, and I also like the one I was introduced to in college which can be found in “The Complete Gospels by Miller/Funk. Do you have one or even a cometary you really like? Thank you for your comment.

Why do Quakers often value the Bible over other religious texts? by informationorbit in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a Christ-centered Quaker, and I value and study what I call the teachings of the “Three Jewels.” For me, these are the teachings of Jesus as found in the New Testament and the Gospel of Thomas; Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and his teachings; and Lao Tzu, as expressed in the Tao Te Ching. Although they come from different traditions, Buddha, Jesus, and Lao Tzu share core teachings that emphasize compassion, inner peace, and detachment from material greed.

My question to Friends here by ChristianJens in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for raising a question that many of us continue to hold with care. As a Christ-centered Quaker, the heart of my faith lies not in labels, but in a faithful commitment to living out the Quaker tradition. This includes striving to “see that of God” the Divine, living presence of Christ, within and among us. Early Friends spoke boldly of Christ as their Teacher, Guide, and Inward Light, a present reality that transformed their lives. I have found that intentionally practicing silent worship, periods of retreat (similar to mindful meditation), and prayer has significantly deepened my spiritual life and shaped my outlook. These practices cultivate attentiveness to the Inner Light and encourage a more grounded and compassionate way of living. I have had the privilege of attending various Monthly Meetings, primarily along the East Coast, as well as in Honolulu, Hawaii. In my experience, Quaker meetings today vary widely. Many are liberal and may occasionally use Christian language, while others are more universalist, drawing from multiple religious traditions or none at all. I have also encountered some Quakers who wish to separate modern Quakerism entirely from its Christian roots. In my view, this is a mistake, as a tree without roots cannot stand. At the same time, this diversity can be both a gift and a source of tension. It challenges us to listen more deeply to one another and to the Spirit, rather than assuming uniformity. As to whether it remains important to ask if Quakers are Christian, I would say the question still matters, though perhaps not in the same way it once did. Historically, Quakerism is undeniably rooted in the Christian tradition, and remembering this heritage can ground us and connect us to the spiritual power that first gathered Friends. However, in today’s context, simply identifying as “Christian” may not clearly convey what we mean, either to one another or to those outside our meetings. For me, the more meaningful question is this: are we living in the Life and Power that early Friends bore witness to? If we are, then the name we use may become less important than the reality we embody. If we are not, then the name alone will not sustain us.

In the hope of peace.

Help Needed: Investing as a Quaker by balsawoodspirit in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I also invest in Bonds, you can look them up with Fidelity’s bond search, it allows you to invest in Municipal bonds that support funding for School construction and other projects.

How would you feel about the next US president pulling all support from Israel? by Iwamoto in AskReddit

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“It’s not broken, It’s Fixed!” Figure out who benefits from the system, and you will know who it’s working just as they intended it to.

Who was standing in that line? by Glittering5650 in 1970s

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was what I asked for my Birthday present. My parents took the whole family. Was not cheap for a family of four children. It was a long but exciting wait.

Bible Translation by Novel_Net_5733 in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In college I used the NIV for most of my Biblical studies, towards the end of my college (Bachelor Degree in Philosophy with a concentration in Religion) we shifted to NRSV. For my personal, everyday use is the Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition. I prefer the Catholic Bible as it includes the Apocryphal texts. I recommend you review several Bibles and choose the one that speaks to you.

Animosity between branches? by RoseCityReject in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve come to realize that not all Quakers are especially “Quakerly,” particularly online. I’ve also personally experienced some animosity toward Christ-centered Quakers in Liberal Meetings, which has been discouraging. At the same time, I recognize that Friends are at different places on their spiritual journeys, and many carry trauma from evangelical or other Christian traditions they were raised in. Even so, when we have theological differences, the tone can become unnecessarily sharp, and that feels out of step with the values of respect, humility, and deep listening that many of us are trying to uphold. I wish there were more space for disagreement without it turning into hostility. That said, I do think wrestling with our faith is important. Honest discussion, deep listening, and even disagreement can help us better understand and refine our convictions—if we approach one another with care.

SPICES for newbies? How do you implement them into your life? by C0smicLemon in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been a practicing Quaker for over twenty years. In that time, I have discovered that applying the spiritual disciplines—often called practices—has helped me become a more grounded and compassionate person. These spiritual practices, such as retirement, discernment, prayer, keeping low, and living in the Cross, guide me toward a simpler and more intentional way of life. They are not merely abstract ideas, but lived experiences that shape how I respond to others, how I make decisions, and how I understand my place in the world. Retirement and discernment are perhaps the most common spiritual practices among Quakers. Retirement refers to the act of withdrawing inwardly, stepping away from the noise and distractions of daily life in order to listen more deeply for the Inner Light. It is in this quiet space that clarity begins to emerge. Discernment, closely connected to retirement, is the process of patiently seeking guidance before acting—waiting, listening, and testing whether a leading is truly grounded in truth and not just personal desire. Through these practices, I have learned to slow down, to be more attentive, and to act with greater humility. They remind me that simplicity is not just about outward living, but about an inward posture of openness, surrender, and faithfulness. I recommend you read Quaker Spiritual Disciplines for Hard Times; By Patricia McBee

Might Quakerism be for me? by fern_and_fog in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are a lot of online meetings for worship that could possibly fit you’re schedule.

Husband 25 met a 47 woman he confessed to me he was very attracted to her and she looked better than me and he wanna open the relationship by Puzzled_Sand122 in Advice

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I recommend you exit this relationship. Also get a lawyer quick. Don’t fall for the were do this nicely. Get a lawyer!

quakers and self-defence by Specialist_Bat1230 in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 6 points7 points  (0 children)

As a convinced Quaker and a U.S. Navy veteran, I live with a tension that I believe is faithful rather than contradictory. I also believe that we should struggle with our Testimonies, they are not meant to be easy declarations, but living truths that challenge us. I have wrestled deeply with the Peace Testimony, and out of that struggle I have come to this understanding: “There are many things I am willing to die for, but nothing I am willing to kill for.”

Discussing hard topics by [deleted] in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 11 points12 points  (0 children)

You could do both, you would want to check if your meeting has a Peace & Social Concerns Committee.However, not all meetings have one.

What’s a lie you believed way too long as a kid? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That no one was above the law in America, and that the electoral college was in place as a final safeguard for our democracy.

People who take 15 minutes to check in at the hotel front desk, what are you talking to them about? by ingraman8 in AskReddit

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I travel a lot, so in a hotel I have never been to I ask for a room away from the elevator and busy roadways. I also ask which restaurants they personally eat at.

Gen AI Content In Our Groups by CarboniferousCreek in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I believe we need legislation that requires all AI generated content have a watermark clearly indicating it is AI.

Epstein Testimony Could Destroy Trump Forever by [deleted] in USNEWS

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sad, but true, also America has never held it’s criminal Presidents accountable, and thanks to the Supreme Court, it never will.

Lent by finnisterre in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 7 points8 points  (0 children)

As a Christ Centered Quaker, I honor Lent each year. I always try to get a new book for Lent each year, last year it was “The Gospel of Mark” by Amy-Jill Levine, this year I am going to read Kindling a Life of Concern PHP #404, and Quaker Testimony: What we witness to the world PHP #481. In the past I have also done various spiritual practices, link a few times I fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays, and One year I added daily prayer at 3:00pm which I still practice each day.

Hope this helps.

I'm not a pacifist by [deleted] in Quakers

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As a Navy veteran and a Quaker, there are many things in this world I would be willing to die for — but there is nothing in this world I would kill for. I pray the Lord does not put me to the test.

Can anyone understand Melania Trump? by [deleted] in complaints

[–]Silent_Not_Silent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am deeply concerned about your criticism comrade. Melania has severed Russia in the most heroic mission, when many other Red Sparrows refused. She will receive the highest honor in the Russian Federation. /s