Letters - 19 October 2012
From names to ducks
Quakers or Friends
I am surprised some Friends are calling for the name ‘Religious Society of Friends’ to be phased out in favour of ‘Quakers’. The origin of both names is obscure, but some say ‘Quakers’ derives from Isaiah 66:2, and ‘Friends’ from John 15:14. These Bible verses give very different images: one of God looking in favour at those who tremble at God’s word; the other of Jesus telling us that he has made known to us everything he has learned, and we are his friends if we love one another.
What are we: are we Quakers, trembling at the word of an all-knowing God; or are we Friends, loving one another, and learning from a loving God, not as God’s servants but as God’s friends?
‘Quaker’ is associated with an old fashioned image. Research carried out for Quaker Quest in 2010 showed that, although eighty per cent of British people have heard of Quakers, most associated the word with porridge oats, old-fashioned clothing, puritanism, America and avoiding modern technology. Few had accurate modern knowledge. If I say ‘I am a Quaker’ the listener will imagine I am a puritanical American who dresses like the Quaker Oats logo. If I say ‘I am a member of the Religious Society of Friends’, the likelihood is that the listener will say ‘I’ve never heard of them – tell me more…’
Matthew Gee
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