Durham Friends Meeting

“Quakerism 101”

A short course for interested members and attenders
Introducing the history and principle elements of Quakerism.

Introduction

There has always been a need in a Quaker meeting for attenders and members to come to an adequate understanding of Quakerism.  Unprogrammed (“silent” worship) meetings do not provide a very good setting for explaining the principles of Quakerism and so the attender naturally is left with some basic questions. What sort of a religion is this in which I find myself involved?  What is its history? What does it stand for?  How is it practiced and what are the principle theological tenets?  How is it organized and what are the expectations of membership?  Durham Meeting is making this course available to all adults and teens in Meeting who wish learn more about Quakerism or to refresh their knowledge.

It should be pointed out that the intention of this course is only to provide a brief introduction to the basic historical, theological, and structural facts of Quakerism.  A deeper and more broad education regarding Quakerism is available in many other venues and, most importantly, the experiential basis of Quakerism must be apprehended through ongoing worship and work.

In February, 2009, Durham Meeting is offering “Quakerism 101” in four 2-hour evening classes.  (Traditionally, the Q‑101course has been 6 units based the curriculum published by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.)  Our four evening classes are spaced at two-week intervals beginning on Thursday evening, February 5th and will be held in the old meetinghouse building.  Participants are invited to prepare for each class by reading approximately 10 – 15 pages of study material found by clicking on the appropriate class link below.  Additional resource materials are referenceded for more extensive study, often with internet links.

The four units of study are:

1.  The Quaker Explosion
The Experience of Early Friends and The Light Within

                                Thursday Evening 7:00, February 5, 2009              [Click here for the study materials for Unit 1]

2.  Quaker History – Proud and Painful

                                Thursday Evening 7:00, February 19, 2009             [Click here for the study materials for Unit 2]

3.  Quaker Practice – How and Why
Worship, Ministry, Business, and Membership

                                Thursday Evening 7:00, March 5, 2009            [Click here for the study materials for Unit 3]

4.  Living our Light:  Quaker Witness
                          – A Powerful Legacy, A Challenging Present

                                Thursday Evening 7:00, March 19, 2009            [Click here for the study materials for Unit 4]

There should be ample time for questions and discussion at these classes.  Bob Passmore, Kent Wicker, and other experienced Friends plan to participate and share their knowledge. The classes should be stimulating and fun!

– John Hunter