I would just like to reflect on the comments made by Angelfeather.

First, in relation to "the great faith and behavior of the Quakers", I believe that many religious traditions - and individuals within those communities - show faith and behavior equal to that of the best Quakers.

For example, the Amish of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania demonstrated forgiveness almost beyond belief when they invited the widow of the man who killed their children to the funerals for those children, and when they opened trust funds to help the now-fatherless children of the perpetrator of this carnage.

And, Dietrich Bonhoeffer demonstrated the great faith and behavior of his Lutheran religion when he, safely enscounced in England, went back to Germany to oppose Hitler - an act of faith that, in the end, resulted in his death in a German prison. His act of faith and courage had more lasting influence on the world than all of the actions of Hitler will ever have!

Ghandi and the Dali Lama are examples of the great faith and behavior of Eastern religions. No single religion has a monopoly on great faith and behavior when the adherents of that religious tradition live and order their lives according to the tenets of their particular faith.

On the same topic, it must be remembered that both Warren G. Harding and Richard M. Nixon - arguably two of the two worst presidents of the United States in the 20th Century - were Quakers. Thus, not all Quakers are exemplars of the best aspects of the faith and beliefs and traditions of the Society of Friends.

This leads directly to my second point. Quakers are members of the Society of Friends; as such, we do not have enemies. There are surely some in the world who wish us ill - whether because of our membership in a particular nation, or because of our beliefs on certain social issues, or simply because of our religion - but that does not make them our enemy. We may be their enemy; but that does not mean that they must be our enemy! Therefore, I can not die for my enemy as I have none. However, I would gladly risk my own life to save another human being - even one who perceives me to be his enemy.

My third point involves the juxtapostion of two of your statements: "Could you die for your enemy?" and "Like Jesus died for us." This seems to imply that Jesus saw us as his enemies, and chose to die for us anyway. I do not accept this. I believe that Jesus chose to offer up his life to save his Friends. I try to live up to his faith in me every day!

I enjoyed reading your comment, and hope my further comments are not seen as attacking yours. I just wished to express my personal beliefs and values as they address the questions posed by your comment.

As always,

Yours in Peace,

Quakertrucker

I actually like the picture used for the Quaker group. I feel that it represents a symbol of tradition and calm in our ever-changing, quick-paced modern world. We see the trappings of the modern world around us every day - and the isolation that is often engendered thereby - and I find the icon used by the Quaker group a welcome reminder of our shared history, and our common Friend-ship.

Speaking of the changing circumstances of the modern world, I would be interested in hearing how other Quakers - of whatever faith tradition or branch - relate our testimonies to the present-day world, which is so very different from the times and circumstances in which they were first formulated.

Yours in Peace,

Quakertrucker

This Group (and Quakerism!) might benefit if this Group had a new, more modern photo, avatar, or icon. If Quakers want to attract more members, they should consider presenting a more modern image of themselves, and not perpetuate the image of the "Quaker Oats" image or early Quakers. JMHO.

I have been reading about the great faith and behavior of the Quakers. I am impressed. Could you die for your enemy? Like Jesus died for us. The greatest love...the love of the Holy one teaches us to love and obey.