Quakers on Atonement

1. Quakers have a unique perspective on the Christian message of atonement, focusing on the inward experience of God’s love and redemption. A  breakdown of their views ¹ ² ³:
2. Inner Light and Personal Experience*: Quakers emphasize the importance of direct experience with the divine, often referred to as the “Inner Light.” This inward guidance helps individuals understand and connect with God’s love and redemption.
3. Universalism and Salvation*: Quakers believe in universal salvation, where God’s love and mercy are available to all people. They emphasize obedience to the promptings of the Light, which guides individuals towards salvation.
4. Non-Traditional View of Atonement*: Quakers don’t necessarily view atonement as a transactional or substitutionary concept. Instead, they focus on the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of living a life guided by the Inner Light.
5. *Christ’s Role*: Quakers acknowledge Jesus Christ as a central figure in Christianity, but their understanding of his role can vary. Some Quakers interpret Jesus’ sacrifice as a demonstration of God’s redeeming love, while others see it as a symbol of nonviolent love and redemption.
6. Diversity of Beliefs*: Quakerism is a diverse tradition, and individuals may hold different views on atonement. Some may adhere to more traditional Christian perspectives, while others may interpret atonement in more metaphorical or symbolic terms.
7. Some notable Quaker thinkers, like Howard Brinton and William Penn, have emphasized the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice as a demonstration of God’s redeeming love. Others, like Terry Rynne, have highlighted the saving power of nonviolence in Jesus’ teachings ⁴.

Resources for Quaker Beliefs

– *Quaker Beliefs About Baptism*

    – (link unavailable) (n.d.). What Do Quakers Believe About Baptism. Retrieved from (link unavailable)

– *The Inner Light in Quaker Theology*

    – Silva, K. (2008). Contemplating the Inner Light of the Quakers (Pt. 2). Retrieved from relevant website or publication

    – MacLeod, D. J. (2003). The Creation of the Universe by the Word: John 1:6-9. Bibliotheca Sacra, 160, 305-320

– *Quaker Views on Atonement and Christ*

    – Brinton, H. (n.d.). Quaker Theology. Retrieved from a relevant website or publication

    – Vann, R. (n.d.). Development of Quakerism. Retrieved from a relevant website or publication

– Cairns, E. (n.d.). _A History Of Christianity_ (Vol. II). HarperSanFrancisco.

– Guiley, R. E. (n.d.). _Harper’s Encyclopedia of Mystical & Paranormal Experience_. HarperSanFrancisco.

– Latourette, K. S. (n.d.). _A History of Christianity_ (Vol. II). HarperSanFrancisco.

– Lewis, G. R., & Demarest, B. A. (n.d.). _The Christian Faith_. Zondervan.

– Mead, F. S., & Hill, S. S. (n.d.). _Handbook Of Denominations In The United States..

– Riggs, A. K. (n.d.). _QUEST: Quaker Ecumenical Seminars in Theology.

LSE

Hill House Meeting

TAG Christianity