Quakers and the Light
“There’s not an authority that I need to appeal to or try to seek from somebody else. [The light is] here and it’s there and it’s in all of us, together. Seeking my piece of that is incredible. But being in a community that is seeking that same thing: amazing.”
— A.J. Mendoza, 2014
Quaker activist
Reader Responses
If there is “that of God in everyone” what does that mean for your relationship with yourself?
When has someone seen that of God in you?
Because I do believe that there is that of God in me, I do not have to work to achieve a unity with it, but my work is to uncover it.
Carmel M., Rochester, NY, USA
Knowing that some part of my very self is "of God" calls me to love myself in new ways... to care and protect my body, take ample time to rest, eat properly, actively cultivate my mind, and indulge in my spirit; it makes it easier to laugh often at/with life's sweet conundrums.
It inspires me to nurture my relationship with the One who created me and breathed into me that divine spark. Somehow it enables me to extricate my mind from the constant whir of our present political struggles long enough to honor the light within and, in the presence of God who is LIGHT, recharge and reorient myself before launching back into the quest for peace and justice for all.
Carol B., Petros, TN, USA
As a practicing Quaker, I usually feel good, happy that I’ve helped someone! I don’t expect anything back! However, I think any sincere “Thank you, mahalo” from someone I’ve assisted is sometimes this person’s way of expressing/seeing “that of God” in me, unknowingly!
Sabina S., Honolulu, HI
This Week’s Messages
Mon Oct 06
What Quakers Mean by “the Light”
“When early Friends spoke of the Inward Light, they were referring to the Light near the beginning of the gospel of John (1:9): “The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” Although for them, this Light was identified with Christ, it conveyed much the same meaning that the expression “that of God in every one” has for many contemporary Friends.” …
Tue Oct 07
The Powerful Cords of Loving Kindness
“We beseech Thee, through Him that hath loved us and given Himself for us, that Thou wouldst draw us all, whether now far from Thee or near unto Thee, by the powerful cords of Thy loving kindness, out of darkness into Thy marvellous light, that we may ever dwell in Thy light and in Thy love, and know the fullness of Thy power, Thy glory, and Thy majesty. Amen, and Amen.” …
Wed Oct 08
Quakers Are Recovering the Living Deity
“Friends, beginning with George Fox, realize that something of God dwells within each and every human being, and that, therefore, He is reachable by us through direct contact, and we are within His reach, subject to His immediate influence. This is the well-known basis of Friends worship.” …
Thu Oct 09
Let Us Shout Good News from the Housetops!
“If one has been visited by a direct sense of inward presence, he is driven to tell everyone who will listen to him. Strange and unendurable irony – that Friends who speak so much about the Inward Light should so timidly hide their own light under a bushel! The time has come to preach the faith we have resolved to practice. If we have good news for our brothers, and I believe we do, let us shout it from the housetops!” …
Fri Oct 10
Seek that of God in Yourself, Too
“Self-compassion is extending toward one’s self the same kindness that one would show toward a good friend in pain. Imagine the situation: Someone you care about confides over a cup of coffee the news of a job loss or failing health. As they describe their situation, you notice their head lowering, the suffering in their eyes. Most likely, you would listen with care and patience, rather than reacting with harsh judgments or impatience.” …
Sat Oct 11
The Inward Light Has Two Dimensions
“First, the Inward Light reveals our shortcomings (sins) and second, it guides us towards a better life. Many liberals don’t feel comfortable with the word “sin” so I’d like to suggest a definition that is both biblical and compatible with our modern Quaker ideas. “Sin” in the Bible is not primarily about morality; it is about ethics. Jesus didn’t condemn the adulterer; he lambasted religious hypocrites and those in power, especially the 1%. The prophets of the Hebrew Bible were more concerned with justice than with personal morality. Prophets condemned the rich, lifted the concerns of the poor, and called on God’s people to live lives of justice and truth [….]” …
