From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Mon Jun 07 2004 - 20:20:40 BST
Dear Wim,
I'm afraid I inadvertently mislead you in thinking I was familiar with the
history, principles and doctrines of Quakerism by saying I had lived in
Pennsylvania for a number of years and attended Quaker meetings. I was
young then and had no interest in Quakers per se. Even at a young age,
however, I was attracted to Quaker handicrafts because they were so
unembellished, a characteristic I took to be a Quaker "style." As I
recall, you objected to this characterization which, since you know a lot
more about Quakers than me, I more or less accepted (whether more or less
I don't recall).
I was brought up in the Episcopal Church and thus found the experience of
a Quaker meeting quite strange. It didn't appeal to me to sit for an hour
or so and wait for the Spirit to move me to speak, nor did I find what
others had to say of particular importance to me at the time. So I would
go to a meeting now and then as a favor to friends (no pun intended), but
never got inspired to learn anything more. Admittedly, I was neve inspired
to learn much about the Episcopalians either.
I got the impression that Quakers were pacifists largely by reading about
conscientious objectors to the draft who claimed it was against their
religion to join the military. Many such claimed to be Quakers. If
pacifism is not a part of the Quaker doctrine, as you report, I'm happy to
be corrected. But I do note that you seem extremely reluctant to wage war
against tyrants, terrorists and other assorted criminals.. More about that
when I respond to your later posts.
Best regards,
Platt
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