Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #13 The Peace Testimony Artwork

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This is a podcast of Ohio Yearly Meeting. We are a collection of Conservative Quaker Meetings based primarily in Ohio. By conservative, we do not mean politically conservative. Conservative Friends are known for their commitment to conserve the Original message of the first generation of Quakers. These Quakers, in turn, saw their movement as a revival of primitive Christianity. We hope the installments of our podcasts will present the understandings of Conservative Quakerism.

So, if thee is interested in learning the differences between Conservative Quakers and other Quakers, or would like to understand differences between Quakers and other Christians, thee may well be at the right place. On the other hand, the Conservative Quaker perspective is so strikingly unique in contemporary society, that it will be a balm to many seeking spiritual fulfillment. To assist these seekers is the true intent of publishing our podcast.

A good many of the podcast installments will be presented by Henry Jason. Henry is knowledgeable in the Greek of the New Testament and has a fascinating way of tying the meaning of the original words with the writings of early Friends. Listening to him provides a refreshing view of scripture and is an excellent way to learn about original Quaker theology. Henry's podcasts are usually bible classes and so they are often interspersed with discussions, questions and insightful comments by his students.

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Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #13 The Peace Testimony

March 07, 2022 • Henry Jason

Henry’s broad focus for this session is the peace testimony of Friends (Quakers) and early Christians. The peace testimony was generally held during the first two to three centuries by early Christians. He begins by reading an excerpt on the Friends peace testimony from a document called, “A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends” adopted by 1913 by all seven of the Conservative yearly meetings in existence at that time.

Next, Henry moves on to the “Peace Declaration of 1660” created by Friends to give to the English king, King Charles II. The “Peace Declaration of 1660” was written to make clear that Friends were not in any way connected to the rebellion and violence advocated and practiced by the Fifth Monarchy Men.

Later, Henry moves to multiple biblical passages which support the Friends peace testimony: Isaiah 11:6-9 (from which the Friends’ derived the concept of the peaceable kingdom), Matthew 5:43-48, and Romans 12:19-21. Next he refers to Matthew 5:5. Henry finishes the biblical examples with a reading of James 4:1-3.

Moving from biblical references, Henry then reads and comments on some very early Christian writers, drawing examples from the book, The Early Christians by Eberhard . Henry mentions Hippolotus’ writing in “The Apostolic Tradition”. These extra-biblical excerpts from the Christian community were all written when being a Christian was illegal, and punishable by death.

When it comes to Quaker writings and their adherence to the peace testimony he quotes William Penn and Robert Barclay, in his Catechism.

Finally, Henry goes on to show how Barclay, in other places restates this theme of the peace testimony that Quakers are called not to return evil for evil, but be initiators of the Peaceable Kingdom.

Documents:

A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends
“Statements Opposing War”, A pamphlet reprinted in 1993, probably available at Stillwater Friends Meeting in Barnesville, Ohio. It provides a number of testimonies from various Friends in Ohio Yearly Meeting covering much of the 20th century.
The Apostolic Tradition, by Hippolytus of Rome
A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras of Athens
First Apology

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org.

Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome!

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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