Living an involuntary hermit's life. Working towards living a healthier, gluten-free, hopefully cancer free life with my 2 dogs, 3 chickens and loving family.



Living with intention

When stumbling through life isn't good enough anymore..... decide to be yourself and enjoy life, and pay attention to Gods gifts all around.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Quaklic?-Sunday Musings


I feel I have always been a very spiritual person. I always had a personal relationship with God and consider Jesus a close friend, even as a small child. I was raised in the catholic church. Attended mass every week, went to catechism, was baptised, first communion, confirmation, I was married in the church, my children was baptised in the catholic church.
When my children were small, my husband and I decided to look into different churches. In researching about different beliefs, I came across a faith that seem to fit what was in my heart. The Friends Church. Most people know it as the Quakers. There was only one friends church in my town. It is considered an evangelical friends church. We attended for about 10 years. I knew this particular church did not suit us well. Even though it was called a friends church, I considered it more of a community church. Open worship seemed to be an after thought that would easily be eliminated when service would be running long. The Iraq war had been going for a few years and nothing was said about it from the pulpit, or from any of the elders. I voiced my concerns to those in charge. Nothing changed, so we left. I started going to Mass on Sundays while trying to decide what to do. I then was diagnosed with cancer, continued attending my childhood faith, which was very comforting when I was so scared.
I don't go to any church service at this time. Since my last surgery, my "digestion" situation makes it very difficult being in a crowd and attending something on a weekly basis. But I miss the fellowship. If I could attend, which faith would I practice? Well that is a good question. On the surface there are not two more different christian faiths.


Catholics believe and practise infant baptism. Quakers believe in baptism of the spirit.
Catholics believe that during communion, you are consuming Christs blood and body. Quakers believe communion is becoming one with God spiritually.


Quakers attend meetings which usually include and sometimes only have Open or Silent worship. You sit quietly, praying, sometimes reading scripture, listening for Gods leadings and if you feel truly led, you might get up and speak about what God has put in your heart.


Catholics attend Mass which has liturgy, sacraments. One of the beautiful things about Mass is that you can attend anywhere in the world and still know what is going on and are able to take part.
Catholics rely on the Pope and his infallible decisions where spiritual guidance is concerned.
Quakers have the queries which are a series of questions to get you thinking where you are headed, and guide you. Quakers are very big on individual relationship with God, that there is a light inside all of us.


So the doctrines, or in the Quakers case, lack of doctrines are very different for both faiths. But they are both rich in traditions, very reverent and both believe in Inspiration.
I know most would think it is impossible to belong to both. Yes, I imagine leaders in both churches might have a problem with that. But I love both traditions.
The Catholic Faith- The Mass is one of the most beautiful, comforting traditions. So are the outward sacraments. I just don't believe you must take part in these for salvation.
Quaker faith- I love open worship, I love listening for Gods leadings, I believe all human life is sacred, not just babies, but criminals and soldiers from another country. I believe in simple living.
So my question is do I have to choose? Can I call myself a Quaklic? Do I need one label or the other? Can I enjoy the best of both faiths at the same time? I believe my relationship with God and Jesus doesn't depend on what faith I practise. My love for my Savior is deep and secure. But I love both churches, practises and traditions. Since I am not able to attend any service right now, it shouldn't matter. But it does. In my heart I want to know who I am.
So for now I am a Quaklic.

1 comment:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

You are a believer. God looks in our hearts, He knows what we are thinking.

Jesus said, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Right now, Jesus is here with us as we share our thoughts about Him and what we believe.

He has promised to never leave or forsake us.

May you feel His love, peace and strength flowing through and surrounding you each and every day.

FlowerLady