What is Quakerism and what is its mission today? Cultural Response

Unprogrammed Quakers are arguably a counter-cultural phenomenon.  This has been true since its inception in the 1650s.  George Fox and the early Quakers found themselves in the middle of social chaos, after three armed rebellions, now called the English Civil War, the beheading of King Charles I, and the exile of King Charles II.  The Scottish Church split from the English Church, breaking the Anglican hegemony over religion in England.

Into this social unrest, various religious people started their own forms of worship, among them George Fox and the early Quakers.  This was a rather ragged affair, with groups and people traveling around the country to gather support, to learn what was happening, and, possibly, just to see what was there.  The early Quakers formed what, to them, was a sane response to unjust uses of power.  Thus, one of the firm convictions that they held to was equality between all people.  England’s caste system segregated people, on the basis of birth, into rigid economic classes.  Until this time, social mobility was limited to minor changes in trade and to the fortunes, whims, or generosity of one’s Lord - he who owned the land in the region.  Thus, the Quaker stance of equality was countercultural and radical at the time.

Modern unprogrammed Quakers continue this tradition.  Social mobility is less an issue now (though not entirely a non-issue).  Modern Quakers focus more on peace and other matters of justice.  War is seen as a symptom of unjust dealings leading to the greater injustice of “collateral damage.”  The roots of war are greed, most generally, and Quakers protest the use of power for economic ends, as they protest the basic unfairness in taking advantage of conflict of interest.

Indeed, many unprogrammed Quakers see their mission as voicing counter-cultural ideals.  Whether this involves interrupting abuse of power (e.g. the death penalty with its problematic assumptions, its blatant bias towards punishing those already economically disadvantaged) or disenfranchisement due to social prejudice, unprogrammed Quakers seek ways to create equality and tolerance of difference, values not held in high esteem in most modern cultures.

For these reasons, unprogrammed Quakers are politically liberal, socially progressive, and, some would say, somewhat difficult to silence.  Nonviolent communication and action form the basis of many of their programs - AVP (the Alternatives To Violence program); NVC (nonviolent communication program); vigils for peace, against the death penalty; interfaith dialogue; medical missions to places that modern medicine ignores; education programs which seek to equalize opportunity; immigration rights programs; legislative lobbying; feeding programs in times of war or economic dislocation.  

Many unprogrammed Quakers refuse to pay “war taxes,” the portion of income tax that supports military budgets, or to own cars, in order to decrease their carbon footprint.  Most attempt to apply the values of peace, simplicity, equality, integrity, and forthright speech in their daily lives.  This action alone, sadly, is also highly counter-cultural.