Hey all. Not sure if this flies in the face of EC policy, but was going to start hanging around with some local quakers, but wasn't sure about some stuff. Do all Quakers believe in a literal God/Jesus? Are there many Quakers that regard the Bible as about 95% false? How accepting are Quakers of LGBT+ people? If I wandered in as a woman one day, might they be fairly accepting? I know a lot of these questions are a little open to debate. Not trying to start a flame war, so let's not make it one Namaste all (*hug*)
Well, it doesn't fly in the face of EC policy (religious discussions are allowed as long as they are civil and don't turn into a brawl) but I actually don't really have answers to those questions. I am easily one of the least religious people on EC. But someone else on here might.
Hey WeDreamOfPeace, Those are very interesting questions. I haven't dealt with Friends (Quakers) in a long time. But, as I recall, there are no central tenets in the Religious Society of Friends. Standards/rules/etc are based on local meetings. So it would totally depend on the local group(s) of Quakers that you are interacting with. I can offer these links that might provide a little clarity on your questions, but, as I said, I think the only way you are going to get a real answer in your own personal case is to talk to your Friends. Quakers Homosexuality and Quakerism(This one doesn't talk to your Trans question, but shows the way Quakers look at one aspect of the LGBTQ community) I hope that helps.
My experience working for a Quaker institution has been that they are incredibly open minded and tolerant. My organization at least wouldn't bat an eye at a person discovering their identity. And their view on God is varied. Not all of them, especially younger generations believe in god. But there are also many conservative plain dressing Quakers out there too. My sample size is small and isolated, but from my experience, you will be welcomed. Understand though, that the level of adherence to Quaker values varies, and they are individually capable of being turds just like any other group of people. But as a group, I think you'll find them more accepting than other Christian groups.
Thanks guys for a quick response Yeah I know everyone has a capability of being a douchebag but if there are less douchebags in general than that's cool with me Peace and all that hippie ****
Honestly WeDreamOfPeace, Quakers are some of the most honest, open people that I've met. If you can continue to interact with them, I would strongly suggest that you do so - just as friends, if nothing else. And just be open with them.
There's a Quaker meeting house near me and they seem like a cool bunch. They do lots of charitable stuff and sell white poppies every November. I don't know much about their beliefs, but I have heard they are open minded towards LGBT people.
Hey all, popped by the Quakers today. Nicest people I've ever met. Great to find at least dome people in my area who aren't hateful and/or thick as a brick. Seem supportive of agnosticism, LGBT etc
