Anamchara • The Website of Unknowing

7 Responses to “Quakers and Pagans”

1. judith collier Says:
   April 28, 2008 at 1:55 am

   WOW! I’ve been reading for hours. Cat Chapin-Bishop is one heck of a writer. Then I went on other links connected. I sure got an education of paganism,Quakers,nature and people searching for meaning in their lives(maybe I put that wrong) I don’t know how else to say it. What strikes me is how much we are all alike! Everyone I read of seems to innately want good and a sense of belonging and a power greater than themselves. You know I liked all these people. Really interesting. love, judy

2. Cat Chapin-Bishop Says:
   April 28, 2008 at 8:04 pm

   Wow back! And a blush and a thank you, at least on behalf of my own blog.

   I’m really happy you found something you could relate to in your explorations. You know, without meaning to trivialize the different disciplines that distinct religious traditions have to offer, I suspect that Spirit finds our distinctions, at least on some level… quaint. I think we _are_ alike, those of us who are honestly and sincerely trying to heed the leadings of Spirit in the world, at least insofar as there is one Spirit (or one spiritual world, depending on how you want to phrase it) that has us all under its care.

   Again, I’m not trying to say that Christianity, Paganism, Islam, or Buddhism (for instance) are really “all the same”, or that there’s no point in studying your own religious tradition in depth. But I do think that a loving presence is here among us, and can bring us together if we allow it.

   Sorry. I think I’m saying it badly. But maybe you already know what I’m trying to find words for, here…

3. More Thoughts About Christianity and Paganism « Anamchara • The Website of Unknowing Says:
   April 28, 2008 at 8:50 pm

   [...] Thoughts About Christianity and Paganism Judy’s comment on my post yesterday concerning Quaker Pagans got me to [...]

4. judith Collier Says:
   April 28, 2008 at 11:02 pm

   I’ve sat here for an hour deciding whether to open my mouth again. I really don’t like attention,good or bad.But since I went this far out on a limb maybe I’ll go a little further. I would go to Cat Chapin-Bishop’s blog but I am afraid. Mind you not of Cat as I believe she has gobs of integrity but of myself. I can be carried away so easily and I feel safe here. I tend to fall in love with ideas and beautifully construed words.Like the time I fell in love with a rather prominent Jewish leader because of his articles in our newspaper. My husband said,”now I suppose you will become Jewish”, there was truth in that. I told him” I just won’t mention Jesus” I must stay loyal to my experience, not that my metaphysical experience told me all the truth but rather showed me Christ was the Truth. I’m getting too old and my mind gets strained to take in everything. Respectfully, judy

5. Yvonne Says:
   April 29, 2008 at 2:49 am

   It was an interesting article, and a finely balanced piece of journalism, giving equal respect to both aspects of the RSoF.

   Dear Judith - you are getting carried away because you can recognise truth wherever it comes from. The Quakers have a saying, “be open to new light, wherever it may come from.”

   There’s nothing wrong with recognising truth in other traditions, maybe even hanging out with them for a bit, and then returning refreshed to your own beloved tradition. Last year I went on what I can only describe as a spiritual roller-coaster ride, visiting Orthodoxy, finding it too doctrinal (and full of doctrines that I found it impossible to believe in), then finding a home in Unitarianism and all the while trying to balance these adventures with my beloved Wicca. But Unitarianism and Wicca fit together very comfortably - others have walked that particular dual path before.

6. judith collier Says:
   April 29, 2008 at 1:31 pm

   Thanks Yvonne, it’s so good in this realm with everybody understanding. Actually my nephew says I’m under the illusion that I am catholic and that I am really a Taoist. grateful. judy

7. Peter Says:
   April 30, 2008 at 10:40 am

   wow a Quaker pagan Buddhist Wicca Orthodox Taoist Catholic etc etc more than I can handle…

   Just don’t forget to listen to what Jesus has to say!

   love, Peter

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