Page 11 - News and Views Spring 2023

‘But Who Do You Say That I Am? Pamela Chadbourne (Poole Meeting)

I picked up this Kindler Booklet, on my way into Meeting, from our Library on ‘Quakers and Christ
Today’ by Douglas Gwyn. In its introduction Douglas Gwyn touches on the very many perspectives
on Jesus Christ among Friends, from the traditional Quaker faith of the Light within, which some
identify with the historical Jesus of Nazareth, to the other end of the spectrum, non theist Friends.

Douglas Gwyn says that the majority of Friends in unprogrammed meetings probably occupy a
variety of positions between these two perspectives. Many Friends are uncertain what they believe.
Some may voice one perspective in one situation and a different one in another.

He continues by saying that these two different perspectives are becoming increasingly muted in
our worship, and conversation with each other. Christian Friends suppress their witness out of
deference to others. Universalist and non theist Friends likewise soft pedal their criticisms of
Christianity.

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He ends his introduction, “In contrast to the 19 century painting of ‘The Presence in the Midst’ of
the Quaker Meeting for Worship, Christ has become more like ‘the elephant in the room’ we hesitate
to acknowledge”.

Wow , I felt that was a bit much but perhaps it is true !!

However, I have been sort of agreeing with some F’s that there has been a loss of Spiritual Energy
in our Meetings and wondering why … somehow the Pandemic seemed a bit of a cop out,
although I am sure this may have added to the decrease. Might we be missing the challenging
Ministry that seemed to occur more often in Meetings in the past .

I remember a Friend (many years ago!!) saying we must make a Friend of Love with all the
challenges that that entails … and incredibly, a Catholic priest speaking on the radio the other day,
remembering what inspired him to become a priest, was the late Pope saying just that.

So how do we get our Spiritual Energy back ?

Do we …….
Hold ‘Energy Cafes’ ? … along the lines of Death Cafes

Hold ‘Open to Question’ Groups? ... no questions barred

Enjoy Energising Lunches ? … nothing like that sort of nourishment to build up our
social cohesion !

Sharing ‘How I came to be me’ sessions? … Always interesting and often inspiring

I feel any or all of the above might be helpful ………. (cont)

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