The Quakers as a Radical Sect trying to build a ‘Goldy Society’ Flashcards
Who founded the Quaker movement?
George Fox
In which decade was the Quaker movement founded?
Late 1640s
What historical events prompted the founding of the Quaker movement?
The upheavals of the English Civil Wars
What significant event occurred in 1646 that affected the Anglican Church?
Collapse of Anglican Church authority
What happened in 1649 that contributed to the destabilization of traditional religious structures?
Execution of Charles I
What was the effect of the collapse of Anglican Church authority and the execution of Charles I?
Created space for increased religious pluralism and experimentation
What type of new groups emerged during the period of religious upheaval?
Various new sects
Which group became one of the most distinctive and enduring during the religious upheaval?
Quakers
What did Fox reject regarding religious truth?
The idea that religious truth required ordained ministers or scripture
Fox was disillusioned with liturgical formalism and clerical hierarchy.
What is the doctrine of ‘inner light’?
The belief that divine revelation is accessible directly to all individuals, without priests, sacraments, or even the Bible.
What did early Quakers call themselves?
Friends of the Truth
They later became known as the Society of Friends.
What type of meetings did early Quakers hold?
Silent meetings, waiting for the Holy Spirit to inspire individuals to speak.
What did early Quakers reject in their practices?
Formal sermons and pre-prepared prayers.
What was the original meaning of the term ‘Quaker’?
A pejorative nickname referring to their trembling in religious ecstasy.
What did early Quakers attribute their trembling to?
The direct influence of the Holy Spirit.
What period marked significant hostility and persecution for Quakers?
Under Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate (1653–1658) and the Clarendon Code (1660s)
This era was marked by strict regulations against dissenting religious groups.
Where did the Quaker movement expand beyond England?
To Ireland, the American colonies, and the Netherlands
This expansion highlights the movement’s growing influence and appeal.
By the late 1650s, what had the Quakers established?
A distinct identity
This identity was crucial for their recognition as a unique religious group.
Who were two key figures in solidifying the Quaker structure and message?
James Nayler and Margaret Fell
Their itinerant preaching was instrumental in spreading Quaker beliefs.
Fill in the blank: The Quaker movement faced persecution particularly during the _____ and the Clarendon Code.
Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate
True or False: The Quaker movement only spread within England during its early years.
False
The movement expanded to several other regions, including Ireland and the American colonies.
What year did George Fox begin his spiritual search?
1643
Fox left his apprenticeship to wander across England in search of spiritual truth.
What significant event occurred in 1647 for George Fox?
He experienced a religious awakening
This marked the foundation of Quaker theology, emphasizing the ‘inner light’.
What phrase did Fox claim during his religious awakening?
‘Christ had come to teach His people Himself’
This statement underpins the Quaker belief in personal revelation.