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Archiver > QUAKER-ROOTS > 2002-04 > 1017986012


From: "Frank Myers" <>
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Quaker/ Methodist Connection
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 23:56:45 -0600
References: <200204040706.g3476NB05195@lists5.rootsweb.com> <3CAC7F5B.394097C6@teleport.com> <002101c1dc53$df2191c0$c2a2fa43@pavilion>


It may be inaccurate to suggest that Friends and Methodists have had
much in common theologically over the course of their respective
histories. At the outset, their approaches and beliefs were quite distinct.

However, Friends have been known to disagree among themselves
and split into factions; and some of those factions were heavily influenced
by the same 19th Century evangelical fervor that swept much of U.S.
Protestatism.

Especially in the Midwest, many assemblies of Friends took on many
of the characterists of the religious majority - programmed worship
(as opposed to silent waiting), a "professional" clergy, even adoption of
such
concepts as "born again" and "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

So I suspect a Friend's compatability with Methodist Episcopal faith
and practice could have depended upon the Quaker tradition he or she was
accustomed to. Someone accustomed to attending a Friends "church,"
singing hymns, listening to sermons, etc., might worship easily among
Methodists, perhaps even become one with relatively little discomfort,
especially if no Quaker meeting were nearby.

A more traditional Friend, with a more traditional background, might
have had more problems.

This is only my opinion, but it certainly is based upon the various
threads of "Friendship" that have influenced my own family and
personal outlook.

Frank


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