Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Quakers Christian?
A: Yes. we believe that Jesus Christ is alive and present with us, when
we gather together in his name. We accept that who we call Christ and
meet in Worship is the same Christ who was Jesus of Nazereth
Q: Did Jesus Exist?
A: Yes. There is firm historical evidence that Jesus of Nazareth existed as an historical figure. The more important question is, does Jesus exist?
We beleive that he is alive and we can know him,
today
Q: Why do you have un-programmed worship?
A: We experience Christ Jesus as we gather together in his name. We acknowledge his headship by letting him decide what will
happen in our worship. It is his right as our Lord to direct our worship
as he sees fit. He is there to speak to us the Word of God. It is only
right that he should set the agenda for our worship
Q: Is the bible the Word of God?
A: No. Jesus is the Word of God as the bible itself attests (John 1:1 and Revelations 19:13). He is the Word made
flesh, and Christ is the one who speaks to us; The Word of God. We
believe the bible is inspired by God, but it is not the Word, Christ is
the Word. The bible points to the Word, but is not the Word itself.
Q: Why don't Quakers use the 'Sacraments' of
bread and wine?
A: First of all, Jesus tells us that he himself is our food and drink (John 6:35),
and the Word that he speaks to us is our Bread and Wine, this is his
Body which he gives to us when we experience his presence in our midst.
Also, the word, 'Sacrament' does not appear in the bible.
Q: Do Quakers practise water baptism?
A: No. Jesus baptises his true followers in the Holy Spirit. Water baptism
was meant for the disciples of John the Baptist. John himself said that
he baptised with water, but the one who was to follow him (Jesus) would
baptise with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). Baptism in Jesus fulfils
and ends water baptism. Water Baptism cannot cleanse a person from their
sin. Baptism in the Holy Spirit can and does!
Q: Are Quakers a cult?
A: No. Quakers do not hold false doctrines, practise mind control
nor are we a secretive group. We are open, honest and adhere
to plain Christian teaching. We don't force our ideas or beliefs on
other people.
Q: How much money do you want from me?
A: Nothing. Let's get this clear. God does not need your money, nor
do we. Many people think that all
that Christian groups want, is money. Not so in our case. We neither ask for
money or expect anyone to donate any.
Q: What makes you different from other Christian groups?
A: The shortest answer to this is to say that for Protestants their authority is based on the
bible, and for Catholics their authority is the human institution they call the 'Church'.
For Quakers, our authority comes from Christ directly. If we take that seriously,
this has consequences for the way we worship, our ministry, and how the life of our community is ordered.
Every aspect of what we do as Quakers is designed to always puts Christ at the centre,
so we continually hear and obey. This is what makes us distinct as Christians.
Not Church-led, not bible-led, but Christ-led.
Q: Where is your Church?
A: The Church is the community of believers; God's people, Christ's followers.
It is not a building or an institution.
Q: Are you Pacifists?
A: No. We are not Pacifists. An 'ist' or 'ism' is based on human knowledge and
reasoning. We practise Christian non-violence which is not the same as
pacifism. Our refusal to take part in violence of any kind is borne out
of our obedience to Christ, who enables us to live in that spiritual place
that takes us beyond violence, including not bearing arms or serving in
the military. Jesus tells us to "Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..."
(Matt.5:44)
Here are some questions, that we will provide answers for in the future;
Do you believe in the Crucifixion and Resurrection?
Why do you have no Cross?
Is there an hierarchy?
Do you have a service?
Why do you refuse to swear oaths?
Please email us at ripleychristianquakers@hotmail.co.uk with any other question that you would like answered...