i like it that quakerism doesn’t force children into becoming quakers since birth, i think all religions should be like that

@littlemisswolfee1095

2 жыл бұрын

1000%

@emmaeriksson7155

2 жыл бұрын

Jehovas has the same policy so it has nothing to do with good or bad sign of a religion HOWEVER bc of my background with knowing jehovas I just want to clarify that Quakers and jehovas has little in common

@elizatotty4295

2 жыл бұрын

Baptist is like that

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

@@emmaeriksson7155 seems like it as based on my knowledge of the religion if someone grows up and chooses to not to become a JW, they very well may be shunned by their family. It seems most quakers do not operate in that way

@charliev4156

2 жыл бұрын

There would probably be a lot less religious people if all religions did that

my favourite quaker fact is that they traditionally don't take their hats off/bow to people as they view everyone as equal regardless of rank. my favourite historical anecdote attached to this fact is that when a quaker met king charles ii in the 1600s and didn't take their hat off (scandalous!) the king took his off instead, because (to paraphrase off the top of my head) "one of us has to" also during the 17th century someone asked at a meeting of scientists whether transfusing blood from a good person to a bad person would make the bad person a good person, to which someone said they should try putting the blood of a quaker into the archbishop loool

@lolololololutrythcfy

2 жыл бұрын

i love how chill charles II was with that 😭 what a lovely interaction

@nataliebushman1049

2 жыл бұрын

Oooo that 2nd part though... Glad they respect the Quakers, but those sound like fighting words

@Amy_the_Lizard

2 жыл бұрын

@@nataliebushman1049 Oh definately

@Amy_the_Lizard

2 жыл бұрын

Oh I heard a much more frustrating varient of the second one where some homophobes were irrationally paranoid that recieving organ transplants from gay people would turn them gay. Don't remember where I ran across that, I think it was in one of those KZread videos where people react to stuff people post on Reddit...

I like the idea of "vague minimalism." Simplicity is better when I don't have to give up my whimsical aesthetic. I NEED MY WHIMSY

@rosehill9537

2 жыл бұрын

Whimsy is essential to life IMO

@actiaslunate

2 жыл бұрын

I have a Whimsy ❤️ she's my 5 year old kitty😻

@rosehill9537

2 жыл бұрын

@@actiaslunate that is an awesome name for a kitty.🥰

@actiaslunate

2 жыл бұрын

@@rosehill9537 🥰🥰 🥰

@randomguda

2 жыл бұрын

Vague minimalism as in I only have what I need and YES I do in fact NEED all of these shiny trinkets, they make me happy

"You're basically Mormon" 😂😂 As someone who was raised mormon and only recently escaped, I found that hilarious. The two have essentially zero similarities.

I'm an atheist, with a pretty bad history in organized religion (raised as Baptist Christian) but Quakers are probably my favourite group of religious folk! I'm very behind the core values, the activism, and the lack of pressure to convert people/letting people choose to join or leave. Religion will never be for me, but I recognise how intimate and personal it is to people and I support people getting what they need from it, and I wish more religious groups were more like y'all

@SonsOfLorgar

2 жыл бұрын

Similiar here

@samanthamei4756

2 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%

@lauren8627

2 жыл бұрын

Staunch atheist. Absolutely agree.

@cbryce9243

2 жыл бұрын

Ditto.

@risw.3821

2 жыл бұрын

I'm being raised as a "Liberal" Christian, basically we're chill with all people and preach it as such. I despise going to church, it's hard to focus (ADD + staying still for an hour = major anxiety), but I did not get a choice in my religion. I HAVE to be christian. We get dedicated as a baby, we cannot make that choice, our parents do. From that point on (from what has been explained to me) if we DARE to leave we are turning our backs on God. Also I find that God is really hypocritical, ah yes fear but love me. Ah yes, let me give you a child and almost let you kill them to remind you that I must be above family. I don't want to go to church, I don't want to believe in a god who has done nothing for me. There was a dark time in my life and I followed the advice of my church: Pray and work, he'll listen. I didn't feel like he was listening, I did not get someone speaking for him telling me that he is what I need. No I did the work and I got into therapy, and I have learned that my anxiety and depression IS NOT the devil.

Since I converted to Quakerism my mom always jokes that it is the most non-religious religion lol 😂 my parents are super supportive and sweet but they love to clown me 💕

@lindafreeman7030

2 жыл бұрын

You need to introduce your mom to Unitarian Universalism.

@brittanycecile

2 жыл бұрын

Check out atheism. Ironic that non-religious have to identify with the religion. I'm a secular humanist 🤣

@XxarnyxXx

2 жыл бұрын

@@brittanycecile I’m agnostic and I’ve met many atheist and agnostic quakers! It’s a misconception that you have to be Christian or theist to be Quaker lol

@kirstinmckeown3581

2 жыл бұрын

@@lindafreeman7030 I'm U*U and I'm finding a lot of the things around Quakerism and UUism to be very, very similar. I think there would be a stiff competition for the title of "Most non-religious religion".

My dad had untreated schizophrenia and after he and my mom got divorced and he was no longer working because he was disabled and he lived a pretty isolated life. A Quaker family that lived in his neighborhood pretty much adopted him and would go pick him up and bring him to all their big get togethers as of he were a member of their family.

I grew up in a Jewish household and when our congregation was moving synagogues / didn't have a place to meet, the Quaker meeting house let our community use their space and I remember thinking that was very cool of them and inclusive!

@HowItFeelsToFlyx

2 жыл бұрын

My city centre meeting house has rooms for Muslims to do ablutions and pray which I think is really cool

@professeurolive

24 күн бұрын

We have a synagogue that rents our meeting house!

Christianity and organized religion has hurt me badly. It didn't help that I grew up in Christian Science which is a weird religion to begin with (I believe in modern medicine, going to doctors and vaccines), and that I went to Catholic School for a few years. I could not reconcile my naturally curious mind with the inconsistencies and contradictions in the Bible. I also didn't like the feeling of praying for something, having it not work and then being told I didn't pray hard enough. I wonder if I had grown up in Quakerism if my relationship with religion would be different. All I can do now is try to love myself, be a good person, and treat people with respect and dignity.

@queenizzy01

2 жыл бұрын

Is Christian Science a denomination of Christianity? I grew up as a flavor of Protestant and was always told that LDS and Jehovah’s Witness weren’t real Christians but Christian Science never came up in conversat

@BuinidhMoChridheDoAlba

2 жыл бұрын

@@queenizzy01 I am a Mormon, although I no longer follow the religion. There is general misconception about whether Mormon are Christians because they read a different book. A lot of people don't realise that they still read and follow the bible. They are as Christian as catholics, and generally better at practicing what they preach

@amyhull754

2 жыл бұрын

I was also deeply harmed by the flavor of Christianity I grew up in. I, too, experienced people telling me that if I was struggling it was because i wasn't trying hard enough because "God never gives you that which you are unable to bear," so bearing it poorly were told we weren't trying hard or that we'd already been doing wasn't enough. It's horrifically demoralizing. I alway felt bad for those in Christian Science...no meds...? Nope.

@lindsaymorrison7519

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry people told you that ❤️

@SonsOfLorgar

2 жыл бұрын

Was raised a moderate lutheran, was elected to the ruling council of a local church at 21yo. served in a minor role for three years. Rejected religion for the abusive Stockholm syndrome I see all organized religion as completely about a year after that. Non organized religion varies between benign delusions of magic to just as harmful as the organized forms.

My partner is a Quaker and has quite a similar style of dressing as you, and a lot of Friends in her meeting and at Woodbrooke have complimented her on it, so I hope that eases your mind a bit regarding that! One of my favourite things about Quakers is that you're classed as a Young Quaker until you're 35 😂

I don't understand how people justify being anti LGBTQ+ when they also claim to have beliefs that specifically say to be inclusive/open/loving/to treat others the way you want to be treated, or in this case, peace/equality

@igtut1

2 жыл бұрын

They justify it by interpreting homosexual behaviors as harmful. The issue there is that framing gayness as hurting someone requires a set of unfounded presumptions such as "same gender love is lesser" or "being an infertile couple is bad."

@igtut1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mmeh. "Real" Christians try to emulate Christ's example and try not to judge others. Homosexuality wasn't in the bible until this past century. Even before then, it has changed slightly with every translation. A perfect, literal version of the bible doesn't exist. The text contradicts itself from the first book. Just be kind. That's all Jesus wants.

@igtut1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mmeh. You clearly don't give a crap about anything I say.

@mirjanbouma

2 жыл бұрын

@@mmeh. wow, you conclude that they haven't read the Bible fully based on that one short comment? You sound extremely judgemental. Perhaps you should do less reading and more practicing. Jesus said "love does no harm to a neighbor". If God said something that disagrees with that in your opinion, I'm all ears.

@Amy_the_Lizard

2 жыл бұрын

Or the whackos preaching that they must burn the non-believers yada yada yada...(seriously, I ran across a guy saying we needed to go back to burning witches at the stake a few weeks ago and just...wow. That guy was nuts. Dude also thought witches would live in giant underground bunkers after the apocalypse - I don't even have the faintest idea where that part came from...)

what I love about quakerism is its long history of pacifism/anti-war activism. My great-Grandparents were quakers living in Germany in the 30-40's and they campaigned against the nazi's and for peace in Europe. My great-great-Grandparents helped found the Friends Ambulance Unit during the first World War. They inspire me everyday to fight for peace.

@aquillerjay4286

2 жыл бұрын

My grandparents where in the Friends Ambulance Unit too

Quakerism is probably the only religion that I'd feel comfortable poking my head in on. I have a lot of religious trauma. But you guys have a real safe feels 🥰

@lolimapotato

2 жыл бұрын

Another suggestion for religions that might give you safe feels is buddhism. Theres loads of different types - triratna buddhism is the one i know the most about and every meeting ive encountered has been so friendly

@BleachedBlackSocks

2 жыл бұрын

@@lolimapotato paganism is probably also quite decent for that. Since there are really no "sins" its just like.. yo don't hex people.

@alexreith4877

2 жыл бұрын

A religion that is similar to Quakerism in Unitarian Universalist and like Quakerism there are UU churches that are christian andthose that are non-christian. I had a UU minister perform my Wiccan wedding and he said the only stipulation that he had for our ceremony was that it have some religious/spiritual grounding and not be a secular ceremony. I/we wrote the ceremony as solo practitioners and he performed it. I also attended a Quaker meeting regularly during college and it was nice and also very "hands off" spiritually.

@lolimapotato

2 жыл бұрын

This thread is nice and comforting :)

@BleachedBlackSocks

2 жыл бұрын

@@lolimapotato its basically just people talking about religions that aren't normally full of mean people... I'm sure eventually someone will start arguing :(

About: "It's a very closed community, but less intense than other versions of Christianity." My personal experience as a protestant christian, who is interested in other faiths: I came upon the Meeting House of the Society of Friends in Temple bar, Dublin. So I went to their "meeting for worship" on thursday evenings. It was lovely. I felt welcomed, but not pressured (like it is sometimes the case, when you go to a service and get imidiatly asked to become a member, or to get involved in other groups and activities of this community). They were not surprised, that a stranger wanted to try out their "meeting". They explained to me, what to expect (I went early for the first time - to ask if I am allowed to participate.) and we sat in silence for an hour. It was very calm and quiet. I have to say, it took me time and several more meetings to really relax during a meeting. I was so used to all the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life. The contrast was a bit of a shock. The silence for an hour was really demanding for me. It was also intriguing: There is no preacher, there is no one to tell you how to worship - or even how to use this hour of silence on your own and together with others. It is not as if people were watching each other. Every person was sitting on their own and what went on, inside their head, heart and soul, was their personal thing. It took me time to realize: The others are not expecting anything from me. This is my time. I can think, or meditate, or pray, or just sit. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It really made me self-aware about my thougts, about my time, about my way to meet god - in a good way. When the meeting was over, we went to the next room and had tea and biscuits. People introduced themselves to me and we had a nice, short conversation. I went several times. There was no pressure to come back, or get more involved. I did not become a Quaker. I do like my own tradition with songs and prayers very much, but I really love the simplicity of this practise. Thank you, Jessica for this video. You are a great working mom and Rupert is adorable!

@rachelcookie321

2 жыл бұрын

Like you just sat there for an hour in complete silence doing nothing? That would drive me mad. I don’t like silence because then I think and when I think I get sad. I also have tinnitus and autism so silence isn’t very quiet for me.

One of my best friends Caitlin used to take me to Quaker meetings! Everybody was so nice. Her grandmother loves English comedy! She’s in love with England!

i really like the way that, at least from your explanation, it doesn’t sound like kids are expected to become quaker just because their parents are, because i think that’s something people can struggle with in other religions.

@gabbym333

2 жыл бұрын

As a former Catholic, that is most definitely something I struggle with. So much Catholic guilt!

@rainbowkrampus

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know. The modeled behavior of parents has a strong impact on their children. Just because there's no explicit set of expectations doesn't mean that implicit ones aren't being set. The desire to conform to our social group is quite powerful. I'll agree that it's probably better than the way most religions tend to handle things. But I'm not sure it's really as hands off as it's made out to be. The funniest bit (to me at least) is that children are most likely to adopt the religion of their mother. I'm not sure how that pans out between one religious and one not so religious lesbian moms. Could be a coin flip.

@Emily-tb5dd

2 жыл бұрын

As someone raised quaker, the atmosphere isn’t one where you are really expected to join as a young person, all the people my age I know go to the holidays to see people, they’re just kind if like cousins if that makes sense

@Andrew-pr9xv

2 жыл бұрын

I get it in theory, but in practice... a child is a thousand times more likely to follow the religious beliefs of their parents than any other faith. I mean, it makes perfect sense as to why, especially when the parents are good people. The child will see their parents living in a good way and will be inclined to follow their example. A child will still be subtly indoctrinated into the religion they're most exposed to until they "choose" to join of their own volition, ie. getting Confirmed in some branches of Christianity.

@NotSoLegendaryGreen

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like Mormonism but you don’t get excised from the community for not joining… so basically there’s actual choice and not the illusion of one.

"Quaker Calm" sounds like some kind of strange super power.

I used to think that all religions are cult like and aggressive in promoting their core values (an opinion derived from my experience with religion). But you video on quakerism really made me open up my mind. I still don't want to be part of any religion and is currently trying to find if I can get out of my current one (legally), but the experiences that you shared in your last video gave me hope that there are still some religions that provide support and a community to the people who need it without shaming those that are even slightly out of line and do not conform to their rigid views.

@denoxdblong2577

2 жыл бұрын

I feel like I know how you feel. I am comfortable with mine. Still not the best though a.k.a. not very religious but I did saw my friends struggling with their legally and of course writtenly religion. There are very limited optiona since my country only legally admits 6 religions. Even the local beliefs are misarrangged legally to fit in one of those 6 religions.

@gsd715

2 жыл бұрын

Check with the ACLU (if you're in the states) regarding finding out how to leave your religion legally (didn't know that it was possible up have legal issues leaving, that's terrifying). The tab on the website titled "know your rights" would be the first place I check and then if needed reach out them. Also Reddit would likely have info and first hand feedback/accounts on how they did it plus Reddit is global so there's likely to be a variety of experiences and information. I wish you all the best and hope sooner than later you'll be able to live your life however you choose to do so ♥️

@beth8775

2 жыл бұрын

Mormonism is the only one I know of in the US that has legally binding membership. That concept is totally nuts to me.

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

I had a similar view. Jessica’s Quakerism videos really opened my mind, now I’m even looking at the Unitarian Universalist group near me, which is essentially church for agnostics/atheists and often host Quaker meetings at their locations as well

@lisagalle9222

2 жыл бұрын

@@beth8775 I was also thinking of Scientology as a legal possibility...that seems scary to me that you would have to worry about the legal ramifications of leaving your religion

I attended a Quaker college in the states, and people would always asked me if I had to dress like it was the 1800s. I'm Quaker, not Amish y'all!

Bit scattered? Listening with one hearing aid auto-tuned to Rupert's cry? Yep, you're a new mom!

I've always liked the community aspect of many religions but not so much the beliefs or values, quakerism sounds lovely.

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

Not to push anything (I’m actually not even apart of this), but you may might want to see if their are any Unitarian Universalist groups near you. Their whole thing is community without having to believe anything in particular, most people in it are agnostic. In the states, they also tend to host Quaker meetings at their locations. Just thought I’d mention it, but again please don’t take this as pressuring to learn more. Take care!

@bethstrangwood901

2 жыл бұрын

A friend of mine used to go to a thing called Sunday assembly and described it was church community without the religion

@olavl8827

2 жыл бұрын

@@frostyskeletons8950 Unitarian Universalist, not Utilitarian ;-)

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

@@olavl8827 thank you! Corrected :)

@rainbowkrampus

2 жыл бұрын

It's really unfortunate. Religion in general has a sort of stranglehold on the collective imagination's concept of community activity. Between that and how traumatizing religions are for those raised in them who choose not to conform, you get a lot of rejection of any semblance of that structure. That said. I struggle to even conceive of what a weekly atheist get together might entail. Religions have their unifying goal of reinforcing the indoctrination. Everything is in service to that end. I don't know what sort of unifying goal you could come up with that a large enough number of atheists would get behind week to week. I feel like I'm kinda stuck thinking within the framework set by religions when it comes to this topic though. It's kinda frustrating.

As a religious perspn, it's nice to see religious queer folk - religion is often treated as exclusively toxic with only harmful ideologies, but every religion is usually a lot more diverse with surprising ages sometimes encouraging offshoots or alternate views - evangelical conservative white Christianity in America is rapidly losing members right now, but the Black Christian community has remained steady in its numbers and those communities are usually very progressive in their views, with interpretations of the bible and the faith that are deeply rooted in the group's history but ultimately anti-colonial in nature, which is super refreshing to see

I think a lot of religions that aren't "traditional Christianity" get labeled as more of a lifestyle. I'm a fairly observant (would like to be more) but also agnostic Jew and that really confuses people.

@morganw2492

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah. People get very confused when I explain to them that you can be Jewish without believing in God. I happen to, but I also believe that God is more concerned with being a good person and acting like a good person

@seacucumber679

2 жыл бұрын

it's hard to explain being an agnostic jew when some people around me ask why i don't wear a ''tiny hat''. i could not be mistaken for male.

@anna_only.a.little.bannanas

2 жыл бұрын

Same. I even was teaching at Sunday school in my temple, even though I am thoroughly agnostic. It's all about the learning! It took me like half an hour to explain to one of my Christian friends how I did not believe in god but was still very Jewish.

@spookygreg

2 жыл бұрын

The rabbi on my campus is agnostic! I love him 💕

@ahhh4117

2 жыл бұрын

As a former catholic people have no problem understanding that i celebrate Christmas while not participating in Christianity But the minute it's not Christianity, it's weird Like my friends are wiccan and i go to yule with them bc i like them

i think being raised as [insert denomination] and then choosing to become [insert denomination] at an older age is something a lot of protestant denominations follow! that’s dope that quakerism allows kids to come to their own understandings of it and the world and allow them that autonomy because so few places do.

@goldenlover606

2 жыл бұрын

For catholicism, they have "confirmation" but it's not really a choice thing. It's just the next step after baptism, first communion, then confirmation. I'm glad I had the realization of what the hell am I doing, why am I "confirming" if I don't believe in this religion?!

@fridasaavedra8460

2 жыл бұрын

Sjjsj I had a confirmation but I just went there to make some friends and to see if they would made me change my perspective in the religion. At the end, I just did the sacrament because I already spend a year of my life going there and I didn't want to waste that. I'm agnostic since a very young age because I found it boring, and then everyone around me was queerphobic so I didn't like that (I'm bi btw), but the kids in the confirmation were cool so I don't see it as a bad experience.

@jessali_

2 жыл бұрын

Having been raised in a conservative protestant area in Germany, there is definitely peer pressure behind doing confirmation at age 14. Even (public!) schools participate in the peer pressure. There's also the prospect of thousands upon thousands of euros from your family and extended family as a gift for "choosing" confirmation. That's the tradition here. I was the only one I knew and the only one I still know to this day who was raised protestant who didn't do it. I was looked at weird, my peers tried to convince me it was obligatory (I guess they believed that themselves), kids called me lazy and dumb. I mean, I guess I was kinda dumb for not choosing the money. I could be rich now lmao... That system is sick.

@KatherineSinahon

2 жыл бұрын

@@goldenlover606 i didn't know confirmation is like that D: i always thought it's just like the next step to communion, just because (yep, i am not really religious) welp, glad i didn't take that

@beatm6948

2 жыл бұрын

It also makes no sense for it to be any other way. Belief cannot be forced. Belief is what you believe. You don't believe something, well then, its not your belief. You can only choose to be a part of a belief.

I began going to Friends meetings after learning about Quakerism through your videos, and even though I was only able to attend a few meetings before the panini hit, I am so grateful I did. I have always felt that there is that of God in everyone, and to be in community with others dedicated to quietly listening for that light is so much more powerful and humbling than it sounds. I am glad to finally have words to describe that experience of faith. So thank you so much Jessie for the work you’ve done! We love and appreciate you, Friend. 💙

@majarini

2 жыл бұрын

I had to chuckle at 'before the panini hit'. 😁

@ThisMagicHouse

2 жыл бұрын

My mom's meeting can be attended via Zoom since Covid started. You might be able to find one near you that has that option.

@markstanley6565

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThisMagicHouse Or even *not* near you! My North American Meeting gained a regular attender from Australia during the pandemic.

@theonlyenekoeneko

2 жыл бұрын

💛

@nowayitsjennie

2 жыл бұрын

Yes as others have said we have been doing (and are still doing) our regular meetings on zoom. Some meetings have moved to hybrid meetings which is in person but you can still also join by zoom.

Re: All quakers being good people, my uncle did some awesome anti-war activism in the 60s-70s, but in the here and now gave me shit when i (an afab person) cut my hair short. So, my point is, there's good and bad

Many years ago I stayed at a Quaker hostel in London. During the academic year they had uni students living there and during the summer it was available to tourists. The people there were great. Everyone was interested in where I was going each day and had suggestions for other things to see. Every night people would ask about my day. Just wonderful for someone traveling alone. The only confusion was when a new group came for a few days and asked me if I was also there for the sufferings. Turns out that Quakers are enjoined to meet quarterly to consider the sufferings of the people and this hostel was where they tended to stay when they came to London for this. The colloquial name for the meetings is The Sufferings.

@sallylucas1277

2 жыл бұрын

I think I know the place. I lived there for a year.

@mirjanbouma

2 жыл бұрын

They might want to rethink the name for those meetings! They sound lovely in all other aspects.

@sallylucas1277

2 жыл бұрын

Its full name is Meeting for Sufferings.

@mirjanbouma

2 жыл бұрын

@@sallylucas1277 that doesn't sound any better IMO

@MikeEvansUK

2 жыл бұрын

@@mirjanbouma It's an antiquated name for the meeting that carries on the work of Yearly Meeting throughout the year. (Yearly Meeting is the big annual pow-wow in each region or country in the case of Britain Yearly Meeting. This year's has just finished and went on for three weeks!) In the early days a lot of it used to be taken up with working out how to help Quakers who had been imprisoned for their faith so the name was quite appropriate.

Ex-Mormon here and no, definitely not like Mormonism 🤣 loved the video! ❤️

@cauldronmoon

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, I am an ex Mormon. Quakers are nothing like Mormons.

She chose my question!!! Also, whoever is in charge of paying Claudia: PAY CLAUDIA.

aww, my kids are 9 and 11, and I still dont know when to get things done. Its maybe one of the many benefits of co-parenting after separation; they leave for their other parents for several days, and I catch up, on work, on sleep, on friendship. It stretches my Being Flexible with my Expectations muscle, so I'm genuinely pleased when I do get some things done. (I have a chronic illness and do not work much outside of my home, for relatabilities sake)

I was raised LDS (Mormon) and depending on where you are from impacts how ingrained the religion is. No dating until 16, women not being allowed to show their stomach or shoulders, doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith, etc... To many questions were pushed aside and I now realized how damaging being that sheltered was in my life.

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

I wish you the best of luck on healing ❤️‍🩹

@RangaRussian

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah my mum and I literally escaped the LDS when I was 16. It honestly took years after that to properly cut off ties with them. I hope you were able to put it behind you like we did XX

@seppyq3672

2 жыл бұрын

Same

@aspenculbertson3938

2 жыл бұрын

I'm stuck in a very Mormon family (bishop father, Young Womans leader mom) and I'm trying to get out. I'm queer and it's not good at all.

@annagroesbeck9673

2 жыл бұрын

@@aspenculbertson3938 I know how hard it is having to hide parts of yourself inorder to feel safe. Please don't do anything until it is safe or you have a backup plan Incase you need to go somewhere else.

I went to a Quaker meeting once and everyone was so welcoming even though I was so nervous, I'd love to go back once they open again, thank you for introducing me to it 🥰

My cousin had a baby this year. Her daughter immediately fit into three months old clothes 😂 anything smaller was not used and they quickly had to go get new clothes because she kept growing out of them.

I love Quakers! When I was in a Unitarian Universalist youth group we used to do joint events with the Quaker kids as part of a sort of liberal religion coalition. Good times.

@R.F.9847

2 жыл бұрын

My UU minister calls Quakers "our Christian cousins".

@keltai83

2 жыл бұрын

I go to the unitarian Chapel close to me and we have a lot of crossover with the local Quakers, they seem to vibe more often than not.

Working mom chat style video was lovely. I would enjoy more like this! 💖💖

@jessicaoutofthecloset

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad, thank you!

At my Meeting there’s also not a huge number of young/er adult Members or Attenders (compared with the more seasoned Friends) but those who do come are fascinating. I enjoy so much having access to wisdom and guidance of Friends of all ages, as well as opportunities to reciprocate.

This autonomy of faith in Quakerism is so beautiful, religion (as in the formal, doctrinal aspect of it) is something that should be carefully considered and only required when we're older. I'm also a believer the basis of faith is in the home, my mum (Catholic) and dad (Jewish) raised me doing prayers in their homes, as my mum finds the church community here too conservative and there's no synagogue in town, so forever I'll associate praying with being safe and loved by my parents, and by God.

@adeledesm8853

2 жыл бұрын

This sounds so warming and comfortable

@AammaK

2 жыл бұрын

love that!

How do you avoid the ray of sunshine when you are a ray of sunshine?? 🤔🤔

I actually went to a few Quaker meetings based on some of your videos. I loved it, it’s exactly as you describe. But everyone apart from me was 70+ years old.

@dawnlizreads

2 жыл бұрын

Have looked at Woodbroke? They did (or did do) several online MfWs - younger age groups may attend those.

@haifarashed2411

2 жыл бұрын

If you're aged 18-35(ish) you can find your local Young Adult Quaker group here www.quaker.org.uk/our-organisation/young-adult-quakers/yaf-groups

This video was very cozy and felt like just talking to a friend. It really helped my anxiety calm down.

I first met with Quakerism in a historical romance novel, and after a bit of googling liked it since then :)

@dawnlizreads

2 жыл бұрын

Was that by Tracey Chevalier? I think I read that when I was exploring Quakerism. If you do want to know more, I'd recommend a book on the history of Quakers by Ben Pink Dandelion (his actual name!)

I am a member of a Pagan book club. When we were choosing our books I thought it would be nice to read a book on Quakerism (because of how highly you spoke of it Jessica). This was right before the Covid times. In preparation for the discussion, I went to a meeting and found it to be so calming and almost meditative. Everybody was so nice. I quite enjoyed it. If I wasn't a Pagan, I would absolutely consider becoming a Quaker.

@idek7438

2 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend the biography The Fearless Benjamin Lay by Marcus Rediker. Lay was a Quaker, a dwarf and one of the first abolitionists in America. It was a fascinating read.

@HowItFeelsToFlyx

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, I'm a pagan and Quaker, as Jessica says, you can definitely be both if you want to :)

@sharongibilisco1303

2 жыл бұрын

@@HowItFeelsToFlyx That is so true.

@Amy_the_Lizard

2 жыл бұрын

Really? I'm a Christian with a lot of interest in folk magic and a lot of Wiccan and Pagan friends, and I tend to feel out of place when my more traditional Christian friends bring me along to events at their churches (though not nearly as bad as when my dad's family drags my to their church which is just downright scary...) I've been looking for a church that I could go to from time to time in the future, but it's been kinda hard to find one that doesn't clash with my beliefs...

@HowItFeelsToFlyx

2 жыл бұрын

@@Amy_the_Lizard i reckon you’d be more welcome among Quakers than most Christian groups ☺️

Yes more Quaker videos! I’m a Quaker now because of your videos over the years, thanks Friend!

@mirjanbouma

2 жыл бұрын

Friend is such a nice moniker!

@mirjanbouma

2 жыл бұрын

Okay this is super random but I just had a thought, the TV series "Friends" could have been very very different 😅

Best things "dont be exclusionary" and "I stick out like a sore thumb ... I dress for joy :)"

Every video abt Quakerism I watch the more I want to join but the only meeting house is about an hour away which is very frustrating

@HowItFeelsToFlyx

2 жыл бұрын

Lots of meetings are still worshipping online at the moment, so you could try worshipping from your own home. Woodbrooke runs a lot of online worship in particular

@andelynburns8894

2 жыл бұрын

@@HowItFeelsToFlyx Oh awesome!!! Thank you so much!

Dear Jessie! I have heard about Quakerism from you this January. Since then I have joined the Central European Gathering and attend the meetings for worship and I feel I belong there. I am so so so thankful!!

As a Quaker/Friend, I love your channel and your posts about Quakerism. I was kinds hoping someone would ask if Quakers believe in G-d, as some don’t. Saying we’re a broad church is an understatement 😁

@soniashapiro4827

2 жыл бұрын

"Godless For God's Sake - Nontheism In Contemporary Quakerism." I read this book of essays about Quakers and it's very interesting.

@frostyskeletons8950

2 жыл бұрын

I may be misremembering but I believe that question may have been asked in one of her previous Quaker videos. I recall her giving a very similar answer! Your religion seems lovely and fascinating

@haydenbrice7317

2 жыл бұрын

@@violetskies14 You can definitely go to a meeting! I was talking to an atheist Quaker at my last meeting and and they're very open to all schools of thought. Personally don't believe in a God, but enjoy the spiritual aspect. I've never felt unwelcome in meeting

I feel like if my parents had introduced me to Quakerism, I might’ve still had a connection with God. Now it’s muddled and I still have to do my own spiritual work before I can open myself up to that idea, but it’s so interesting!

@MikeEvansUK

2 жыл бұрын

The whole point of Quakerism is that we are accompanying each other in that same work that you are doing. Doing it with Friends is easier (or at least less scary) than doing it alone.

I thought my family was 100% Catholic until I did genealogy and found surprise Quakers in the tree. (unfortunately, at least one generation in the 1700's owned slaves in Pennsylvania). I share a Quaker relative with ...Kevin Bacon. More than 6 degrees of separation, though.

@odinsraven1584

2 жыл бұрын

No such thing as more than 6 degrees of separation to kevin bacon lol

Out of all the religions I've heard of, Quakerism seems like the only one I could really get behind (I'm atheist and was raised that way) they seem to focus less on, follow these random rules that made sense 100 years ago or be eternally punished, and more on, be a good person. Reminds me a lot of the United Church Edit: sorry if I offend anyone, but many of the older teachings of religions simply aren't relevant anymore in today's society

@XxarnyxXx

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been a practicing Quaker for three years and I’m still agnostic! I’ve met a lot of agnostic and atheist friends too. What I’ve noticed is that everyone I’ve met has tried to be as kind and caring and responsible as they can 😄

@paigemagee1030

2 жыл бұрын

@@XxarnyxXx that's how religion should be, in my mind. I love the teachings in many religions of be a good person, although each of their definitions of 'good' are different. Quakers seem to just do their best to be kind to everyone, and I really respect that

@SonsOfLorgar

2 жыл бұрын

@@paigemagee1030 and none of the good 'parts' is a unique core of any religion or religions as a concept.

I absolutely love the way you dress. I do believe in dressing for oneself, my clothes are my expression, and I love vintage stuff. In my city I get looked at weirdly too, just for dressing up (my clothes aren't even that extravagant) I really admire you and you truly inspire me to wear way more dresses and be myself, no matter what other people say. So thank you from the bottom of my heart 💖💖💖

I almost went to a Quacker school for undergraduate! It was a really nice school, and also the mascot was the fighting Quackers and the irony of that really appealed to me.

One: oh gxd no you're not remotely close to Mormons, they're so culty, sincerely an ex-mo with serious ptsd rip Two: positive! Something I find so lovely is that the Pacific Northwest Quakers(I can't remember how that's categorized) have changed their book language to just say "they" instead of "he or she", for simplicity and inclusivity! It also reduced word count hehe. Im considering attending some quaker meetings after i get settled in a synagogue i like, to learn some good values even if our views on other religious things are different. There's just good stuff there that I can benefit from along with the agnostic cultural practices I want to engage in with my Jewishness.

@charliev4156

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow you’re ex-mo? Good job getting out

@theonlyenekoeneko

2 жыл бұрын

I made friends with a progressive Jewish Rabbi at an interfaith lecture. We found that we have a lot of beliefs in common (Quakers and Jews), especially peace. I attended a service at his synagogue and was amazed by all the singing! Such contrast to the quiet of Quaker Meeting.

@seppyq3672

2 жыл бұрын

Also exmormon. Definitely not like mormons. Lol. Mormons-very much into protezlyzing, so many rules to follow, set beliefs, etc. Mormonism for me was way too rigid, quakerism sounds nice.

@aspenculbertson3938

2 жыл бұрын

Another exmormon yay. Yah lots of religious trauma and I was mainly taught shame and to hide who I really was.

you can tell quakerism is chill by the fact they have "meetings" rather than like a Sunday service lmao

I attended Meeting for Worship twice (just before Covid) and loved it. It's a little difficult to get used to the sitting in silence but I came to really enjoy it and look forward to in-person Meeting again. I felt very welcomed and comfortable with the other people attending. I'm sort of a student of all religions and I've been looking for a 'group' that encompasses my beliefs, is peaceful, is LGBTQ friendly, and has no hierarchy. I think I'm a Quaker! There's a great KZread Channel, 'QuakerSpeak' that answered many of my questions about Quakerism. Jessica, you're awesome! Thank you for speaking about Quakerism!

American students learn a lot about Quakers in history class and they've always been by far the most awesome group. They led the charge for abolition and treating women with equality. They took the bible's message of being a decent person and followed it instead of using tiny bits and pieces to try to justify horrible things like racism.

@beth8775

2 жыл бұрын

I definitely like the "be a decent person" focus of Quakerism, but I didn't really learn anything about them in school in Indiana.

@everentropy

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't learn about them at all. Michigan or Florida

@renberger3332

2 жыл бұрын

It may be a regional thing but to be honest I never learned about religions of any kind. I’ve never really learned much about them except they settled in the us and from what I can remember in places like Pennsylvania, and p there homes were often pit stops on the Underground Railroad.

@laurenconrad1799

2 жыл бұрын

Could be a regional thing. My middle school history classes mentioned them a lot in New York.

@archervine8064

2 жыл бұрын

I heard some about them in school, but nothing about the fact they were still around. Until embarrassingly late, I assumed the movement had essentially died out at some point like others have.

My hometown in MA was founded by Quakers and growing up there were 3 active meeting houses. I believe they have now consolidated to 2. The style of Quakerism practiced there does have ministers, and that was who was always asked to give "prayers" at public events, like school graduations, because no one could be offended by them (in quotes because they were really just feel good speeches, not actual prayers). I was not raised in the faith, but the meeting house was the closest public hall to my parents' rural house, so we attended many neighborhood events there. My parents converted (from Catholicism) in the mid '90s and it definitely made them both calmer people. The biggest assumption my mom gets from people is that they are like the Amish and don't use electricity. Which is not true at all, the meeting can be attended via Zoom!

This is in wonderful timing. I have been questioning my religion recently and love to learn about others

I always find your Quaker videos fascinating. I've been dipping in and out of my spirituality the last few years and am still trying to decide what it is I believe and have been doing a lot of reading on different beliefs. Which is funny because I was actually raised in a Baptist-rooted cult that micro managed my family as a child but tbh I'm not totally atheist now even though one may assume that. I still believe in spirituality in it of itself, it's benefits, and think there are unexplainable things in this world and sometimes pray still. I think so long as people aren't going about it with the intention of controlling others religion has the capacity to be helpful when gone about the right way :)

I’m in love with this dress omg

You’re doing beautifully, Jessica, as always. I think most of your subscribers would happily listen to you talk about almost anything, anyway. 🎀🎀🎀

@resourceress7

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! ☝️

It’s always a good sign when someone not talking about a religion as “we” :’>. Cute chat tho! Really nice to just listening

My mum's faith had a minimalist principal. We could have 5 things like a book a toy a comfort item (thanks big ted) a snack and a swap (something to give away). Unfortunately mine were big ted and 4 books so I didn't quite get it

Haha I grew up Mennonite and I’ve always been asked if we’re Amish. I’m black so people always get confused that there are black Mennonites. Jessica,you’ve made me want to attend a Quaker meeting.

Take your time jessica, it's great to see you in new videos, but mama-ing is a big change, and I've been enjoying all the old vlogmas clips in the meantime!

I feel like a million working mums just became work-from-home mums at the same time you did, but in a different order since they had a baby and then a work-from-home job while you had a work-from-home job and then a baby. lol

Your videos actually got me more interested in quakerism. I feel like alot of people can relate with wishing for a connection to religion or something bigger than themselves but have distanced themselves from the catholic church or similar institutions.

I always love hearing about your religion! I hope Rupert starts feeling better, and Claudia's leave gets worked out.

I took a religion/faith quiz online forever ago that assessed which religion (or lack thereof) would fit you best based on your religious and spiritual beliefs, and I was told that my views mirrored that of unorthodox Quakers the most. Ever since then, I've held a great admiration of Quakers, and this video just solidified that. Thanks Jessica :)

I love that you can be Christian or another religion and a quaker. It is making me think about things in a new light

My family became Quaker in order to come to America. My ancestor was 10 years old and was a stowaway on a ship when the captain caught him. The common practice at the time was to throw stowaways overboard, but since the captain was Quaker he kept the boy (my ancestor) on as cabin boy. So my family practiced Quakerism when they first came here.

Thanks for this video I was talking to my family about wanting to go to a Quaker Meeting and they were like the people who run the oats and I was like nope nope they have no resemblance and they asked if I was sure and I was like 100% thanks for the video really cheered me up on my slightly disastrous 20th birthday

Loved this! Always interested in the links between denominations like Quakerism and Methodism and political or cultural activities, like the Cadbury family’s emphasis on improving working conditions

This has been a very interesting insight into Quaker beliefs. Quakerism wasn't something I knew anything about and I'm always happy to hear people talk so lovingly and passionately about something that brings them so much peace of mind. A friend of mine is an Imam and this video, almost word for word, reminded me of a similar Q&A session he did about Islam. From the way Jessica spoke about Quakerism, it sounds pretty much identical to Islam in a lot of its core values.

You appeared very briefly in a video on the BBC Facebook page in a story about Influencers with Chronic illness. I wondered if you knew about it? Very interested video as always, hope you and your family continue to stay safe and well x

thank you thank you Jessica!! I found quakerism thru your channel in 2018 and this video is exactly what I needed to reconnect with it - just looked up my local meeting (only 5 minutes up the road!) and signed up to their email list so that I can start going to meetings again 🥰 grateful for you! xxx

I love your Quaker videos! It's opened me to a new spirituality that actually interests me and I've been looking into it and am curious about joining my own local meetings to try it out (after the pandemic ofc).

Love videos like these! Hang in there jessica, you are doing great! ♡

I’m attending a historically Quaker-founded college for graduate school and I love it! The first-name basis thing applies with everyone including professors, and so much else! It’s truly the best.

My grandfather (on my mother’s side) and his family were Quakers and were ambulance drivers and farm workers during the Second World War. The ambulance driver became a psychology professor. PS, Jessica, your voice is so beautiful!

Oh this is lovely! I've been researching quakerism over the pandemic and have loved learning about it. Didn't know you were a quaker.

I hope Rupert is getting better soon!!

You done so well! I know it's hard to leave your baby with your partner, when he is unwell. I always tell myself, that he is safe with his dad and keep repeating it to calm me down.

I'm really excited for these more relaxed, less scripted type videos. There haven't been as many of these the last year and I feel that we see a different side of your personality in these. I look forward to more! Xx

I love this series ❤

Not like mormons!! I was raised quaker (in the us) but currently attend a unitarian universalist church. Quakerism is certainly unique

@cici3147

2 жыл бұрын

I would say almost the opposite of Mormonism

@miurtouissi1093

2 жыл бұрын

@@cici3147 what's a unitarian universalist church ?

@julia_rsm

2 жыл бұрын

@@miurtouissi1093 it is bascially where you learn about all different religions and might or might not believe in any/all. It is open and accepting to everyone

@julia_rsm

2 жыл бұрын

@@miurtouissi1093 Here are the 7 principles that we believe/value 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

@alicecain4851

2 жыл бұрын

No - NOT like Mormons! I was raised Mormon - or as they want to be exclusively called now the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) - and spent a long part of my adulthood LDS, and I promise you they are nothing alike. Those who are very good people at heart might be a bit like Quakers, but sadly most members of the church are very closed minded towards those of other religions and often won't let their children associate with other children unless they too are LDS. So no - not like Quakers and NOT like Jessica.

Thank you for the lovely video! I love the chatty videos where you talk "with" us. I am sure you will learn your new balance faster than you think. Much love!

Yes, this kind of video is really nice to watch. Feels like listening to a friend!

So interested in Quakerism! Love this video!

Current "mormon" (member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), and while there are similarities there are a lot of key differences. For example, there's a fairly firm structure worldwide, as well as established doctrines to the point where wherever you go in the world, the same things are being taught and practiced. There are a lot of other differences and similarities too, but comparing and contrasting would take a while

@knittinginheels

2 жыл бұрын

As a non-practitioner of either religion, but someone who has studied the underpinnings of both, I can't honestly imagine more disparate religions than LDS and Quakerism.

@seppyq3672

2 жыл бұрын

I used to be mormon, and couldn't stand it. I'm not religious at all now, but I would join the quakers because they seem soooooo different than mormons.

I'm watching this while packing for Quaker summer school I'm so excited! it's my last year there and it's one of the best events of my teenage years. You spoke at one of my young Quaker groups via zoom and it was lovely :)

I really enjoyed this video Jess, sitting on the floor, being honest and some rambling 😃 you remind me of when my son was an infant in how much joy you get by just looking @ him! 💙

I hope baby Rupert feels better; it can't have been a fun time :(

I appreciate that your child is expected to ‘choose’... I’m mennonite, which... makes things kiiiinda complicated in that regard? We share a number of beliefs with quakers. We too believe that you have to choose the faith as an adult, and you cannot be baptized as a child. HOWEVER, being that mennonites traditionally had somewhat isolationist policies, combined with a several hundred year diaspora, we’re also ethnically distinct... SO... as a queer trans woman who came out young, and thus was never welcome in the church, I am a mennonite by heritage, yet not a member of the faith.

I love hearing more about Quakerism from you! The more I hear you explain it, the more I wished that that was a religion or lifestyle I was raised in or alongside... I hope baby Rupert feels better soon ~

Strongly relate to the struggle of being in my 20s, not being able to go to Meeting regularly, and also dressing vintage... many of my clothes are home made, second hand or eco friendly, but they fancy- and I get looks 😅 one thing I have enjoyed recently is the access to online MFW and other events

So I'm neither a Quaker nor a Mormon but I've watched all your videos on Quakerism and my best friend of the last ten years is part of the LDS Church, so I feel I know enough about them to tell you they're nothing alike

@violetskies14

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah from my limited experience Mormonism seems like a scary/kinda abusive cult whereas Quakerism seems like a friendly, vaguely religious organisation that believes in nice things like peace and equality.

@maitesoto1953

2 жыл бұрын

@@violetskies14 I mean the Mormon community I know is not at all scary and they're quite open (my friend has invited me to community events they hold and everyone went out of their way to include me even though I was obviously not a member, for example) but they are much more strict and usually very conservative

@seppyq3672

2 жыл бұрын

They aren't. I couldnt stand Mormonism and wanted to get out. But quakerism sounds lovely.

If you think you’ve got the hang of being a mum, you are probably doing it wrong. A bit of doubt is healthy and keeps you trying to learn and do the best for yourself and your family.

Thank you! Always delighted 😄

This felt great to watch. Thanks for sharing!