How do Quakers interpret Christ?

The Religious Society of Friends and  Jesus Christ

” By following and obeying the light, man finds life, salvation, and righteousness. Thus, man can be saved from sin in this life, without pleading for sin, nor awaiting reprieve after death. By disobeying or ignoring the light, man is left in darkness, George Fox

 

The Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quaker Movement, was founded in England in the 17th century by George Fox.

Quakers believe that the presence of God exists in every person and reject elaborate religious ceremonies.

We don’t have official clergy and believe in spiritual equality for men and women.  

The following principles guide Quaker faith and practice. Some of these include:

  • There is a spiritual dimension in our lives and in the world, often called God or Divine Spirit.
  • Everyone has that Divine Spirit within them, called “That of God,” “Spirit,” “Inner Light,” or “Inner Christ.”
  • Everyone is capable of a direct relationship with that Divine Spirit, without an intermediary (such as a priest or pastor).
  • Spirituality may be cultivated through intentional, inward silence, individually and especially gathered with others with the same intention.
  • Spiritual Truth is revealed to us continuously.

Quakers also historically have sought to act on concerns for peace and nonviolent resolution of conflicts, simplicity, integrity, equality, community, and the right sharing of the earth’s resources.

We have developed five testimonies in this regard.

  • Non-Violence
  • Equality
  • Truth
  • Simplicity
  • Sustainability

Each of these testaments draws on Christianity as preached by Jesus Christ. They relate to Christ’s teachings as set out in the Sermon on the Mount.

What is the message Jesus conveyed through his sermon on the Mount?

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is recorded in chapters 5-7 in the Book of Matthew. Jesus delivered this message near the beginning of His ministry. The Sermon on the Mount is by far Jesus’ longest explanation of what it looks like to live as His follower and to serve as a member of God’s Kingdom. In many ways, Jesus’ teachings during the Sermon on the Mount represent the major ideals of the Christian life1.

Jesus taught about subjects such as prayer, justice, care for the needy, handling the religious law, divorce, fasting, judging other people, salvation, and much more. The Sermon on the Mount also contains both the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) and the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus’ words are practical and concise.

In the end, Jesus made it clear that His followers should live in a noticeably different way than other people because His followers should hold to a much higher standard of conduct – the standard of love and selflessness that Jesus Himself would embody when He died on the cross for our sins. Many of Jesus’ teachings are commands for His followers to do better than what society allows or expects1.

The Beatitudes

The significance of the Beatitudes?

The Beatitudes are significant because they provide a way to live a meaningful and fulfilling life by following the teachings of Jesus. These teachings provide a set of ideals for how to live as a follower of Jesus and serve as a member of God’s Kingdom.

The Beatitudes are part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most important teachings of Jesus. In this sermon, Jesus provides guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. The Beatitudes represent the major ideals of the Christian life and provide a blueprint for how to live according to these ideals.

Each beatitude speaks of a blessing or “divine favour” that will be bestowed on the person who possesses a certain character quality. These blessings provide encouragement and motivation for living according to the teachings of Jesus. By following the Beatitudes, individuals can experience abundant spiritual blessings and live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

These blessings provide encouragement and motivation for living according to the teachings of Jesus. By following the Beatitudes, individuals can experience abundant spiritual blessings and live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Overall, the significance of the Beatitudes lies in their ability to provide guidance and direction for living a life that is pleasing to God. By following these teachings, individuals can experience the blessings that come from living according to the ideals set forth by Jesus.

Specifically, the Beatitudes are “blessed sayings” that come from the opening verses of the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Here Jesus stated several blessings, each beginning with the phrase, “Blessed are…” (Similar declarations appear in Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:20-23). Each saying speaks of a blessing or “divine favour” that will be bestowed on the person who possesses a certain character quality1.

The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning “blessedness.” The phrase “blessed are” in each beatitude implies a current state of happiness or well-being. This expression held a powerful meaning of “divine joy and perfect happiness” to the people of Christ’s day. In other words, Jesus was saying “divinely happy and fortunate are those who possess these inward qualities.” While speaking of a current “blessedness,” each pronouncement also promised a future reward1.

The Beatitudes in Scripture are:

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven2.

Here is one interpretation of what each of the Beatitudes means in practical day-to-day terms:

  • “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This beatitude refers to those who recognize their spiritual need and seek fulfilment through a relationship with God. In practical terms, this means being humble and acknowledging our dependence on God.
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This beatitude refers to those who grieve and experience loss. In practical terms, this means finding comfort and solace in God during times of sorrow.
  • “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” This beatitude refers to those who are gentle and humble in spirit. In practical terms, this means being patient, kind, and compassionate towards others.
  • “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” This beatitude refers to those who seek justice and righteousness. In practical terms, this means striving to do what is right and fair in all situations.
  • “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This beatitude refers to those who show compassion and forgiveness towards others. In practical terms, this means being forgiving and understanding towards others, even when they have wronged us.
  • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This beatitude refers to those who have a pure heart and pure intentions. In practical terms, this means being sincere and genuine in our actions and thoughts.
  • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” This beatitude refers to those who strive for peace and reconciliation. In practical terms, this means working towards resolving conflicts and promoting harmony.
  • “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This beatitude refers to those who suffer persecution because of their commitment to doing what is right. In practical terms, this means standing up for what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular.

 

How can the Beatitudes be applied in my life?

Some of the ways you can apply the Beatitudes in your life are:

  • “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To apply this beatitude in your life, try to be humble and acknowledge your dependence on God. Recognize your spiritual need and seek fulfilment through a relationship with God.
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” To apply this beatitude in your life, turn to God for comfort and solace during times of sorrow. Allow yourself to grieve and experience loss, knowing that God is there to provide comfort.
  • “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” To apply this beatitude in your life, try to be patient, kind, and compassionate towards others. Practice gentleness and humility in your interactions with others.
  • “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” To apply this beatitude in your life, strive to do what is right and fair in all situations. Seek justice and righteousness in your actions and decisions.
  • “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” To apply this beatitude in your life, try to be forgiving and understanding towards others. Show compassion and forgiveness towards those who have wronged you.
  • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” To apply this beatitude in your life, try to be sincere and genuine in your actions and thoughts. Strive to have pure intentions and a pure heart.
  • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” To apply this beatitude in your life, work towards resolving conflicts and promoting harmony. Strive for peace and reconciliation in your relationships with others.
  • “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To apply this beatitude in your life, stand up for what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular. Be willing to suffer persecution because of your commitment to doing what is right.

 

How the Beatitudes relate to other teachings of Jesus?

The Beatitudes relate to other teachings of Jesus in several ways,  

First, they provide a foundation for many of the other teachings that Jesus gave throughout His ministry. For example, the teachings on love, forgiveness, and humility that are found in other parts of the Gospels are all rooted in the ideals set forth in the Beatitudes.

Second, the Beatitudes provide a framework for understanding many of the parables and stories that Jesus told. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan can be understood as an illustration of the beatitude “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Finally, the Beatitudes provide a way to understand and apply many of the commandments that Jesus gave to His followers. For example, when Jesus commanded His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, He was calling them to live according to the beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Overall, the Beatitudes provide a foundation for understanding and applying many of the other teachings of Jesus. By following these teachings, individuals can live according to the ideals set forth by Jesus and experience abundant spiritual blessings.

 

How Quaker beliefs correspond to the sermon on the mount and the beatitudes

Quaker beliefs correspond with the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes by emphasizing the importance of inner experience, direct relationship with God, and living according to Christian qualities such as love, peace, and humility.

 

  • Christian qualities are far more important to Quakers than doctrines1.
  • Quakers believe that there is something of God in everybody and that each human being is of unique worth. This is why Quakers value all people equally and oppose anything that may harm or threaten them.
  • Quakers seek religious truth in inner experience and place great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality. They emphasize direct experience of God rather than ritual and ceremony.
  • According to the Quaker faith, Jesus carries the perfect message of God. They believe that accepting Jesus Christ and having a relationship with Him, as he sets out in the Sermon on the Mount, is all you need
  • Quakers refer to Jesus Christ as ‘Light,’ ‘Seed,’ or ‘Spirit.’ They believe in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and that it is intrinsically linked to Jesus. They believe that this light is available to everyone, and it guides one in their faith.
  1. Sergius Ephson

Hill House Meeting 2025

Resources

  1. M. Norquist (1981) Jesus’ Pattern for a Happy Life The Beatitudes
  2. Duncan (1986) Jesus Essential Readings
  3. Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in Britain.(1994) Quaker Faith and Practice.