Resisting Empire with the Quaker Calendar
“Early Friends were very concerned about […] being truthful, but also [about] not giving credit to pagan gods and goddesses. For example, on Sunday, one might worship the sun. On Monday, one might worship the moon. […] But Friends didn’t believe in these gods. So why say their names?
[The Quaker] calendar simply says first month, second month, third month. And then the days of the week are very simple. First day, second day, third day. We don’t list any holidays at all […]
Another thing that this calendar reminds me of is just how pervasive empire can be. Roman gods and goddesses were part of an empire that oppressed people…So that’s in the past. But today, what things about empire do I need to be avoiding? Where am I giving in where I shouldn’t? […] The calendar is a good reminder that sometimes you need to say no. And sometimes you need to be different because it’s part of being faithful.”
— Eileen Kinch, 2024
Clerk of the Tract Association of Friends
Today’s Invitation
Consider what elements of the systems of power, privilege, and control you should avoid or stand against.
This Week’s Query
How do you resist empire in your life?
How do you take responsibility for the ways in which you have benefited from and been complicit with empire? How does living each day with integrity and love require you to be different or in the minority?
Banner image: Zan Lombardo
Read the source of today’s quote
