Utah members of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly called Quakers, have different opinions and views of the faith that was founded in the 17th century.
Several Salt Lake Quakers, out of 65 adult members, recently presented an all-day seminar to give interested Utahns an introduction of Quaker history and beliefs.The society was founded in the 1650s, during the upheavals of the English Revolution, by George Fox and his wife, Margaret Fell. The couple traveled throughout England to establish "meetings" often in barns, fields or farmhouses, according to a history written by Cynthia Taylor, a Quaker in Ogden.
The organizations were based on Fox's spiritual experiences, where he concentrates on the Inner Light of Christ that dwells in the hearts of the people. Quakers are encouraged to seek personal spiritual experiences, rather than follow specific creeds.
Quakers were highly persecuted in England for their religious beliefs.
The popular name "Quaker" originated as an insult to Fox, who told an English judge to "tremble at the Word of the Lord."
Although Fox founded the religion as a Christian faith, many Quakers today disagree that they are Christians.
"I don't worry if Jesus was the Son of God or not," said Elaine Emmi, a member of the Religious Society of Friends in Salt Lake. "I just worry about what he had to say."
What is most important to Emmi is how she treats others, because when people miss out on the importance of loving one another it causes crime, war and other problems, she said.
Fox was also strongly biblical, but Quakers in Utah choose to use the Bible as an aid to finding truth and not as truth itself.
"I don't need to weasel out of what the scriptures say - I just don't believe it," said Alan Asay, who gave a lecture on the importance of the Bible at the seminar.
He also expressed the difficulty he had in mixing criticism with the inspiration he feels from the Bible.
Jan Miller, who gave a lecture on Quaker organization, said she doesn't believe that the miracles in the Bible occurred, but that they are included "there to emphasize the points that Jesus was trying to make."
The opportunity for individual translation is part of the beauty of the Quaker religion, she said.
Quakers often agree as a whole with checks and balances in the system, but individuals interpret the details, Emmi said.
Today, Quakers are best known for humanitarian projects and for refusing to take part in any war.
Significant efforts have been made by the Quakers in removing barriers to racial equality and women's suffrage, in prison reform, in promoting the humane treatment of mental patients and improving the quality of schools and education.
Quakers in Salt Lake City hold meetings every Sunday to worship. Members sit in silence until they feel led to stand and express what the Spirit is directing. In meeting for business, Quakers continue to seek the will of God to make decisions.
They also hold monthly meetings, quarterly meetings and yearly meetings with larger groups from around Utah and neighboring states, Miller said.
In Utah, groups also meet in Logan, Moab and Castle Valley, she said.
Some Quakers buy land together and live in community, which is quite different from living separately like the Quakers in Utah live, said Emmi, who has lived in both circumstances.