gracie said:
well, like i've said, Quaker beliefs are pretty diverse, but i'll try to give you an outline based on the Hicksite Quakers' beliefs i'm most famialr with. also be aware that many of the terms you've mentioned above just aren't part of Quaker theological speak, but i'll do my best. warning: gross generalizations ahead!
salvation and blood- many liberal Quakers understand living a simple, pious life style as its own salvation. there is not alot of emphasis placed of Jesus' death as a means of salvation, as Quakers tend to focus more in Jesus' life and teachings then his death.
sin, atonement, redemption- Quakers generally believe that sin results from not listening to the voice of God's love within us, from acting selfishly and judgementally based on this shutting out of God's voice. there is no formal process of atoning for sins, though during meeting some Friends will rise and voice concerns that they are struggling with to the congregation, and ask that they pray for them in their striving for the right path. Quaker's generally don't believe in orginal sin and beliefs vary as to the role of Jesus as a saviour of souls. many Quakers see the teachings of Jesus, however, as a model for a simple life of love and service lived close to God, which in its own way is spiritualy redeeming in this life.
judgement- few Quakers tend to see God as a judge, more of a subtle spirit. Quaker beliefs about the afterlife vary, though the general idea is that good deeds and love matter more in the end than creed.
righteousness- the Quaker ideal of livelihood is one based on simplicity, service to others, pacifism, and striving to hear God in all aspects of life. i think that's pretty much the running definition of Quaker righteousness.
holiness- ah, this one's tricky. well, God is surely holy. but many Friends would also contend that all aspects of life are holy, and that all human life is holy, as well. which is not to say that the concensus is that God is synonymous with all things, no. but God is with all things and people, and His influence and guidance can be witnessed and heard if one uses the open senses of the spirit.
sanctification- could you clarify this term some? see, this is one of those terms i'm just not familiar with within the context of Quakerism. what is being sanctified?
!
Sanctification in the christian realm is
a state of being set apart for God from the corruption of the world, not conforming to the world but abstaining from it.
But only thru the transforming power of the Holy Spirit
Do you believe the Holy scriptures are God's divine words of truth involving obedience to his commands, salvation of the soul thru faith in Jesus instruction,counsel,on how to live in holiness towards God and how to worship and praise him which all help maintain devotion to Him. and that it explicitly talks about ,original sin, law,righteousness,holiness judgement,repentence,hell,atonement, the death,burial resurrection and ascenssion of Jesus Christ and so much more.
Many religious sects seem to maintain a resemblence of holiness and righteousness and appear very closely related in many beliefs and practices to true christianity (followers of Christ)and will say they believe in Jesus, but cut and paste from the original scriptures and from ,personal interpretations,opinions,creating in themselves a new doctrine.
Then these are passed down from generations and people grow up being taught these new doctrines, of course convinced this is the path ,how far many have fallen from the beaten path of the true scriptures and teachings of God's word and Christ.
They actually appropriate these new set of doctrinal teachings to their particular lifestyles and thus have a new religion,of course claiming thaey are from God.
2Timothy 3:5 they have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
Key word is power.
What does that mean ,well they have an image of God likeness but the power that God gives to the true church for conversion and salvation and obedience is the same power that God used to raise Christ from the dead, that dwells in the true believers who follow Him and adhere to all His word,not bits and pieces that fit there lifestyle, the whole word.
The whole tenants of the CHRISTIAN faith are wrapped up in these, original sin, law,righteousness,holiness judgement,repentence,hell,atonement, the death,burial resurrection and ascenssion of Jesus Christ and so much more.
It is an awesome feeling being part of an organization or sect with strict adherences to practices,standards,rights and beliefs,but if they only have their origin in and from man and his traditions, rationale, intellect,perceptions and assumptions what often appears are many variances within the particular sect.
It becomes man made, based on the individual ,how empowering would that be if we all came with our own set of beliefs and adherences.
Why won't men follow the true word of God ,because
it is light (light exposes the hidden things,like hearts ,motives) t
John3;19 light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
This is not to bash your belief ,but I have trouble when people profess to be associated with Christ but only follow ,part of His teachings and /or make up ther own,not that it is your desire to create your own,I'm not sure where your faith oringinated and who influenced you, maybe they are the one at fault.
When I say, fault, I mean in comparison to the doctrine they profess to believe in and that of Christ's, the fault lies in what os contrary to sound doctrine
