Thought for the Week: An atomic soap bubble
Jonathan Doering explores an apt image for Quakerism today
I blow another soap bubble as my son laughs. It jumps and dances on the floor: a skin of constantly reforming rainbow colours. Move in closer and we find the atom: a building block of existence: when scrutinised, it is revealed to be composed of space, within which different particles weave around each other in creative dynamic harmony. Is this an apt image for Quakerism today?
The present moment is a time of great flux amongst Friends. The recent World Conference in Kenya brought together Christian and non-Christian, theist and nontheist, programmed and unprogrammed to confront differences as well as to share similarities. Recent contributors to the Friend have talked about the need to turn afresh to our Christian roots, or evolve away from these roots, or give ourselves to the process of spiritual seeking. There are as many forms of Quakerism as there are Quakers.
The confluence in British Quakerism of diversity, tolerance and openness is a particular gift and one we must cherish. Yet the best gifts pose a challenge; perhaps here it is to nurture the atomic soap bubble. Not for its own sake, but to remain as open to new light as possible.
It is a very human urge to compartmentalise, as well as to change something for the better. The Society’s openness leaves it vulnerable to these urges just as much as any parish church might fall under the thrall of a ‘militant’ group of parishioners. If we are so open to different views and practices, is there a danger that we might find ourselves blown by a prevailing wind to join another religion – or else be endlessly blown in circles on the sea of faith and not be anything at all? This cannot happen if we cleave to the core testimonies, our acceptance of the Spirit and silent worship.
Although the roots of the Society lie in Primitive Christianity, openness to new light has always been there. George Fox saw the inspiration of the Spirit as fundamental, studying the Koran in translation as well as knowing his Bible by heart. William Penn said:
The humble, meek, merciful, just, pious and devout souls are everywhere of one religion; and when death has taken off the mask they will know one another, though the diverse liveries they wear here make them strangers…
I recall meeting members of the Sufi Dialogue Society in Meeting and what beautiful human beings they were. I remember visiting Brighton Synagogue and call to mind the warm welcome and wit of the congregation there. In my Meeting now there is an attender who is also a Methodist preacher of abundant spiritual insight. Do I wish to cease to be a Quaker because of these experiences? No, I do not, because Quakerism has given me the gift of meeting and knowing these people and others, and forging a personal way ahead because of the experiences and understanding gained.
It is not an easy, passive, response to attempt to preserve the dynamic creative harmony of the atomic soap bubble. It is the hardest response of all, but I would argue that this is how we will remain as open as possible to the promptings of love and truth in our hearts.
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