Are Quakers suppossed to break all the rules?

Traditionally Quakers have not been very good when it comes to abiding by the law. Instead of taking an instruction as delivered, we have a tendency to stop very firmly in our tracks, consider it on an individual basis at every possible level and then proceed only if it accords with the promptings of our own individual consciences.

Consequently we have a notorious record for being awkward and getting ourselves noticed in the most inconvenient way. When everyone else was shutting their shops and businesses on the Sabbath, some of our number felt specifically moved to open them! We could refuse to pay taxes to support the state church, and go to prison rather than take an oath of loyalty to the state. During our disruptive travels about the country with no obvious occupation, Quakers could impersonate vagrants very well! A notable tendency to generate riots, interrupt Church services and insult the local vicar could make us extremely unpopular at times. Whole communities would gang up against us. Those who were not Quakers would have seen it as being entirely justified that so many of us ended up in jaol.

Rather than adopt prevailing policy of either the Church or State, early Quakers derived their laws directly from their interpretations of the Scriptures. As a Christian denomination, (at a time when there was no obvious alternative in Britain) they referred to the Old Testament for a moral framework and followed the teachings of Jesus. Typically, since Jesus had taught his followers to be truthful without the additional support of taking oaths, a considerable number of Quakers were imprisoned rather than conform to the State. Although this defiance placed them firmly outside the King's protection, they referred instead to the over-riding, all-encompassing protection of God.

Gradually the law has bended to the requirements of a Quaker conscience. We do not need to swear oaths these days before entering university, the professions or to be considered credible in court.

We may still at times feel prompted to break the law, although this is usually done as as part of a very carefully thought out process after much consultation for a cause that is generally understood. When you encounter someone who knows a Quaker these days, they do not generally recall their lawlessness, some riot they started in the high street or how difficult it is to maintain a conversation with someone going naked for a sign! Instead it would seem we have a good reputation generally, although I have heard it said on a few occasions that we can be a little bit arrogant sometimes.

Through living in a multi-cultural community, we remain open to a wide range of insights. Given this freedom, it would seem particularly important that we are honest about our understanding of the truth. Most religious faiths involve some kind of law because religion is I believe intended to make us better at being human. What we believe is not merely an intellectual exercise but designed to shape our characters. If our old ways and laws are to be replaced, we should still respect the past because this is after all our foundation. Then it would seem necessary to consider with great care why such laws are now being seen as no longer relevant to our condition. 

My Quaker meeting provides an opportunity before notices are read for any new-comers to stand up and introduce themselves. From what these visitors say, it would seem they include a remarkably high number of "refugees" from other faiths and denominations, looking for the traditional flexibility and open-mindedness of Quakers who do not seem to mind those who find themselves at some difference to the rules. To me this is a very good thing. We should welcome everyone regardless of where their starting point might be.

There is however a considerable difference between a sanctuary and a supply depot. I would like to think that coming to a Quaker meeting enables us all to move forward on our spiritual journey rather than merely hiding in the shadows. Perhaps it is this sense of progression which prompts many of these new attenders not to stay with us very long. For some, Quaker Meetings can be quite an unnerving experience. Rules in both the State and for religion, do after all provide a framework, draw those within a community together and create a sense of safety.