Testimonies

The list of ‘testimonies’ may be less specific than the laws of Leviticus or Deuteronomy. However, both list ways some people believe God wants humans to act.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, ‘He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.’ (II Corinthians 3:6). The latter phrase is echoed in the postscript to the first of the Advices, stressing Friends’ emphasis on acting as we are led by the Spirit, rather than as led by the written word or tradition.

Whether carved on stone tablets, or carved into benches, I do not believe we need lists of ways to act. As competent ministers of the Spirit, I believe God can guide us without them.
Matthew Gee

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Comments

• Posted by geriatrikid on May 26, 2011

  I am a Christian but not a member or attender at any meeting, having come only in my eighties to a close interest in the Quaker way.

  I hope that the Religious Society will always welcome as associates any who show interest in and common concern with the behavioural tenets of the Society; and will welcome any who ask to participate eg as attenders, maybe seeking a fuller understanding.

  Not all nonbelievers will be positive unbelievers or committed to a different faith. In today’s world there are many who just have no background culturally that encompasses spiritual matters.

  In meeting with Quakers, even if only in secular activities consistent with Quaker practical standards, they may be influenced by the workings of that of God within ourselves to become more aware of a wider dimension of living and belief.

  Of course, the unseeking atheist or humanist may not be receptive. In my opinion anyone committed to such beliefs will and should have more difficulty in joining with religious fellows than we should in welcoming them and opening the door to the possibility that they will be awakened.

  If the Society is to survive and fulfil its ends it has to mingle without reserve with others of good will who are outside the door.

• Posted by miriam on June 14, 2011

  At the beginning of area meeting for worship for business this week, a Friend peered at my face closely, as though looking for something. I thought I had something unseemly and embarrassing stuck on it. Then she said, “You really don’t look Jewish”. At the end of the same meeting, another Friend approached me and peering intensely and quizzically into my eyes said, “I don’t understand. From what you say I just can’t believe you are one of them (an atheist). You say things that I would say myself”. It may time for Friends to review their assumptions about a lot of things.