u/missblue32

Hi everyone :) I am curious about Quakerism (idk if thats the correct term) and am leaning towards attending a Meeting, but I have heard/read things what seem to be a little paradoxical, from my understanding about Quaker beliefs and my own experience raised Christian. I would very much appreciate your wisdom!

1. Can you be Quaker and an atheist? If so, how does that work, don't quakers believe in God? Can you dabble in another religion and be a Quaker at the same time?
2. Do quakers have commonly recognizable symbols or clothing that they wear? (such as Catholics with a rosary) Is it blasphemous to assign religious meaning to something like a rosary or even a simple necklace, due to the rejection of programmed doctrine?
3. Is the Spirit the same as Christian Holy Spirit, or can it be slightly different based on preferences and personal connections? For example I've always felt extremely close to the sea and its mythologies/pagan deities associated with it, more than anything any pastor told me to feel 'spiritually' connected to.
4. How do Quakers reconcile justice and nonviolence? I live in a place where violence is not uncommon, what is the response if someone were to attack someone you care about?

Thank you so much friends :) I hope my questions made sense lol!

EDIT: Thank you so much everyone for your responses!!! You have all been so very patient and kind. I feel like I learned a lot, and I will be looking into Meetings near me :)

help 💔

I have watched my phone go down 2% and back up 5% randomly for the last couple days. Iphone 13. am i cooked, is my phone’s age finally starting to kill it? 😔