Page 5 - 1.News and Views Spring 2025 for Jim.

Discernment Stephen Feltham

An acquaintance, outside of Quakers, was once overheard to scorn the advice from his CoE vicar that
the answers he was looking for may be found via ‘discernment’. His response was “What’s that?”

A Quaker Friend recently was once heard to say during a Meeting for Worship for Business “I do not
know what discernment really means” .

Discernment is a word frequently used within Quaker circles and I presume that many of us have our
own understanding of what it means. However, I am also apprehensive that a significant portion of the
Quaker membership, whilst recognising the term and even using it, do not have a clear understanding
of it. I believe that each of us, if applying ourselves to the term, will come up with something. For my-
self, I have arrived at a set of words that give me a clarity of what discernment is.

It is my hope that others too will share a similar understanding although I doubt that many would come
up with the same set of words as me. It is a greater hope that there is no conflict between the different
sets of words. One hopes that unity exists not only on the understanding of the word ‘discernment’ but
also on the ultimate outcome of the discernment process.

The following works for me, how does it lie with you?

Discernment is fundamentally a spiritual practice.

Via contemplative or mental activity, a conclusion, output or outcome is arrived at that harms none,
may benefit all, and brings clarity and contentment to the practitioners.

If this is not fully achieved then discernment is not fully complete.

In arriving at the above set of words I am mindful that our process of discernment is an endeavour to
understand the will of God regarding the topic before us. I am, however, troubled that my definition
above lacks reference to Divine inspiration or a leading. Nonetheless, I see no case to assume that be-
cause God is not mentioned then God is not present. For that reason, I feel the above definition is an
acceptable platform from which to ascertain the effectiveness of a discernment process. At least, I hope
so.

What is a contemplative or mental activity?
In this context, it is a practice that whilst being aware of the topic at hand, endeavours to empty the
mind of all thought and considerations, thus allowing the subconscious, Divine inspiration, or holy spirit
to come into the forefront of one’s mind.

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