Awhile back I wrote about hearing a teenage Friend talk about being asked by “Christian” peers about what Quakers believe and how it differs from other Christian and “born again” groups — and how she didn’t know how to answer.
Well, this is a situation up with which I shall not put. So I’ve prepared a resource for this Friend and others, not only of that younger Friend’s generation but perhaps older ones as well who are flummoxed when confronted with such queries. This applies particularly to so-called “Liberal Friends” — thee knows who thee are.
And here it is, or a snippet thereof, from the cover:
“What’s The Password for Jesus?” is now at the printer. It will be back and available soon. Meantime, come back in a day or two and I’ll be posting various other snippets from it. Like this one . . . .
Q. Why Don’t I Know Much About Quakerism – Or Other Churches?
One, you’ve taken part in lots of Quaker activities, but not in anything like a “class” on Quakerism and its beliefs. I don’t think there’s been any such class for you to take. (There are several kinds of Quakers, and you’ve been raised among what are called “Liberal Quakers.” More about this as we go along.)
And two, you haven’t been taught about other churches and what they believe and do either.
If you think about it, not knowing much about these two things is bound to make it hard to explain Quakers, or figure out how they might be like – or different from – other groups.
But as you’re noticing, churches and religion are important to people around you. So it’s a good idea to get familiar enough to be able to explain your group, and understand at least a little about others. . . .
Like this one, maybe . . . ??
Thee knows who thee is. [Thee was singular when you was only plural.] Plain speech in’t anymore. Or it is something completely different.
Chuck Fager says: Thomas, thee knows perfectly well that Quaker “plain” speech got totally rococo and out of whack with the rest of English usage by the early nineteenth century. And in my experienece, when one hears it used unself-consciously today (very rare), it is usually among families with long Quaker pedigrees, and there it has turned into the complete inversion of its original function, which was an expression of a radical equalitarianism. When the old Quaker families use it with each other today, it is the purest in-group code.
One could wax indignant about this. Or one could just be bemused.
I can’t wait for the book. Just what the doctor ordered.