Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast
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.
The music in our podcasts is from Paulette Meier's CDs: Timeless Quaker Wisdom in Plainsong and Wellsprings of Life available at paulettemeier.com.
Find out more about Ohio Yearly Meeting at ohioyearlymeeting.org.
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Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast
Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #3 Inward/Outward
In this session, Henry focuses on the “Inward” vis-a-vis “Outward" aspects of all reality. He starts out quoting Philippians chapter 2, verse 5. This verse calls us to think as Jesus did. He then goes on to read an episode from Luke, chapter 17:20-21. This is the incident where Jesus explains where the Kingdom of God is to be found. Many current English translations of this story will use words like “among you” etc., rather than the correct translation “within”. Henry then expounds on the Greek word for “kingdom”, and then explains the origins and reasons for the term “Kingdom of Heaven” for “Kingdom of God". He also points out that the words “Life” and “Eternal Life” are really equivalent to the “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God".
A participant asks about the early Friends' understanding of the Inner Light. Henry Confirms that we should go deeper than “This little light of mine”. The Light is initially experienced as a divine, spiritual agent requiring a transformation in us. He proceeds to explain how in the English of the 17th century, the word “convincement” meant “conviction”, "being convicted", “being found guilty".
A moving reading from Francis Howgill’s writings is given. Henry then discusses chapter 6, verse 15 from the Gospel according to John. This section describes the occasion when the crowds tried to make Jesus into an outward king, not understanding him to be an inward spirtual king. He then proceeds to explain the importance of taking up "the inward cross of Christ". He asks, “What is a cross?” and then makes it clear that this inward cross is used to crucify anything in ourselves which is not of God. We are shown references for the need to take up this inward cross in Matthew, chapter 10, verse 38; Luke, chapter 14, verse 27, and Matthew, chapter 16, verse 24.
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.
Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!
We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.