I feel it is
imperative to the future of Friends to heal a connection to our roots, which was
based in an intimate connection to Jesus.
Many of us, including myself, have wanted to leave behind all connection
to a faith that takes part in violence toward the LGBTQ members of society, disregard for indigenous people, in-fighting between denominations of Abrahamic religions, and many countless
historical immorality involved in this notion of God. I would rather believe that we are universal in
our worship. I have come to understand, however, that it is our responsibility to call Quakers and all faith traditions into a
place of compassion and peace. It is one of those visions that seems too big to ever accomplish.
 |
| Enduring Flame 2007 by Glee |
Karen
Armstrong, through the Charter For Compassion, has been able to show the world
that at the heart of all spiritual and moral societies is the golden rule and has inspired many religious leaders and organizations to begin invigorating toward compassionate communities. She is absolutely inspiring to hear and read. I believe the golden rule is another way of
saying “the light of God in every person”.
When we refer to the light of God in every person, we mean to say that
we see that kernel of goodness and well meaning in that other person. In staying centered in this light of God in
our selves, it is easier to walk each day by this light. By this light, we respond to what is our
goodness as we encounter the other, like a mirror to the divine. Because this way of finding compassion is a
bit deeper than the golden rule, Friends may not see a need for Friends’
efforts to heal the conflicts between world religions. Quakers, as many of us know, are not immune
to conflict.
The section in the Bible from which we take our name, Religious Society of Friends (John 15:15) , ends with Jesus saying the friendship we share is knowing how to love one another. This is not easy to do, so it becomes our divine practice to seek compassionate processes in our community and beyond. Perhaps it is time to join a larger effort toward compassion and help to call humanity back into divine relationship with one another.
The section in the Bible from which we take our name, Religious Society of Friends (John 15:15) , ends with Jesus saying the friendship we share is knowing how to love one another. This is not easy to do, so it becomes our divine practice to seek compassionate processes in our community and beyond. Perhaps it is time to join a larger effort toward compassion and help to call humanity back into divine relationship with one another.
