Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #7 To Become Holy 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.

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 #7 To Become Holy

November 09, 2021 • Henry Jason

0:00 | 42:00

Henry starts out with a quick summary of the first six sessions. This includes: the fear of the Lord, the inward Kingdom of God, true repentance, and taking up the Inward Cross. This is followed by a reading from Robert Barclay's Apology for the True Christian Divinity, the Fifteenth Proposition which distinguishes certain aspects of Friends’ beliefs from those of other denominations.

Henry then explains plans for the next session(s) which will focus on a tract published by the Tract Association of Friends. The tract is an excerpt from a work of Thomas Evans. A Concise Account of the Religious Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. Henry reads from this tract and then discusses it. It leads to an explanation of various words such as: holy, fear of God, belief, and doctrine.

The understanding of early Christians and early Friends was that one’s belief had to be carried out in the daily walk with God. It is not enough to simply agree to a belief or doctrine. One must exhibit the fruits of the Spirit and become “holy”. One can overcome the human tendency to fall short of God’s glory — with God’s help. This help is available in the form of the eternal Spirit, the Spirit of the Messiah, the seed of God which is within everyone. This required holiness was an expectation in early Christianity, but has been lost over the centuries before being rediscovered by Quakers.

Henry was asked about the meaning of “grace" in the context of becoming holy. Another question concerned the spirit’s agency: is it a gift, or does it only come with conscious acknowledgment? His answer involved the Christ, the Word, the enlightener as the Light that enlightens everyone that comes into the world. It is initially a seed with potentiality for growth in every human being.

A discussion ensued concerning the "day of visitation". Another question arose about the “long dark night of the Apostacy”. Finally, someone asks about the translations used by early Friends.

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.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.