Mormons and Quakers: Finding areas of religious agreement to reduce conflicts, offer dialogue

Portland, Oregon Mormon Temple

"I don't like religion," he said.  "All they do is argue about who is right.  Nobody gets along, and how can anyone be a believer in God and get that angry." Like many other people, Bill Shimabakuro, experienced religious differences, as his mother was Buddhist and his father Christian; and instead of this lending to appreciation of faith, their religious arguments got in the way of his wanting to have any religion at all.  So an examination of two different religious groups offers an opportunity to learn how to find similarities within religions to offer dialogue and reduce conflicts.

A review of the basic beliefs of Mormons and Quakers reveals that despite differences they have tenets in common. This permits reasoned discourse between these groups as is often demonstrated on World Religion Day and other interfaith events.

For both Quakers and Mormons revelation is continuous. Belief in the Holy Spirit's guidance is integral to both faiths.

In the Mormon Church revelation and prophecy belong to the priesthood, consisting only of men. The Prophet is the ultimate authority of the church and the oldest member of the Council of Elders. The current Prophet is Thomas S. Monson.

Women cannot be priests in the Mormon Church. They also can't become the Prophet of the Church, its ultimate authority, or the one who offers prophecy. Instead they have a group called the Relief Society, the function of which is to provide education and support to the family and community. On the other hand, among Quakers women occupy the highest offices within the religious organization throughout the world and were active in women's movements, including right to vote.

Mormons have a defined set of beliefs relative to the value of the family in its relationship to God, the church and the community as a whole. The father is the head of the family with the wife the nurturer of children and the support to the father's authority. Quakers also believe in the value
of the family as central to providing a strong community base and for the education and upbringing of children. The emphasis, however, is less on family responsibility, but on individual rights and responsibilities for whom each person is held accountable.

On World Religion Day several years ago, a Mormon elder reviewed some Mormon beliefs. On the matter of women's place in the church, Elder Michael Loftin, a church leader in Louisiana, explained women's roles are "different from men." His wife later added to this in her explanation on why Mormon women aren't allowed to be priests and said this came from the Prophet himself. "Women have special gifts. These gifts are expressed in women's spiritual connections to God and their awareness of their faith. Men, however, lag behind in religious expressions; and that is why they have responsibilities of the priesthood, to educate themselves and others."

The Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was established when Joseph Smith, the prophet founder, found golden plates near his home that were said to have come from Mormon, a prophet of the 4th century, who wrote about the people of the Americas. These people, according to the plates said to be translated by Smith, were visited directly by Jesus, who spoke of His mission and purpose. Mormons, like Quakers, believe Jesus to be the Son of God, but don't believe in the concept of the Trinity as held by most Christian churches.

The purpose of living is to learn, according to Mormons, and to live in faith. They work towards the advancement of the individual toward a heaven that unites the deceased with the family and restores the body to its original form.

Quakers on the other hand work for peace and justice on earth. A basic tenet of Quaker belief is service to the poor and those suffering injustice and indignities.

For years the Mormon Church held African Americans as having the mark of Cain, the black skin, as punishment for Cain having killed Abel, his brother, as described in the Book of Genesis. They were therefore forbidden the priesthood. Prophetic revelation changed this belief, and African American men are now fully accepted into the priesthood. On June 8, 1978 Spencer Kimball, the LDS Prophet at the time, offered the following official statement, " We declare with soberness that the Lord has now make known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel,"

By contrast, Quakers have been outspoken social advocates and were active abolitionists during the period of slavery. They ran many of the safe houses for escaped slaves and some suffered punishment and even death for their actions in helping free slaves in the South.

At the heart of the faith of both Mormons and Quakers is Jesus. Jesus is said to be the Son of God but not God Himself. Neither group believe in the Trinity as maintained by mainstream Christian groups.

Although there are are significant differences in social practices, social attitudes and specific forms of worship between Quakers and Mormons, a careful examination finds similarities that permit reasoned interfaith discourse, the kind that can reduce conflicts and offer dialogue to promote understanding.

Jehovah's Witnesses and Quakers: How to forge links for religious understanding

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

In a world where divisions of all types can occur among people, building bridges toward understanding can occur by looking at areas of agreement.   On the surface, Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses might appear so different in their beliefs that they would be unable to interact kindly.  But it turns out there are fundamental truths believed by both where they could dialogue in constructive ways.  It is an example of what could be done with many groups to create good will among religious groups and groups of various kinds.

Quakers admonish their followers to examine other religions with an open mind and heart. Others do as well, including many other religious group and individuals that include, but are not limited to, Unitarian-Universalists, Unity Church, and the Baha'i Faith .  Atheists too can find paths to peace in looking at the good within a given set of spiritual beliefs. World Religion Day, which is celebrated annually, is a time when members of different religions come together and share their ideas in ways that promote understanding. To do that means to get past preconceived notions to areas where a given group excels.

As a reporter who has covered religion over a number of years, some of my knowledge of the Jehovah's Witnesses comes from my interaction as an adult in social media groups or places where music and writing is shared.  Other information is gleaned from interviewing members of their church. But years ago I had already formed a positive view of Jehovah's Witnesses based upon my interaction with an any elderly couple I knew as a child.

I grew up in a small town in Eastern Oregon called La Grande, and the elderly couple, the Yentzers, were the parents of my Mother's stepfather.  They were known for their great love for one another and their kindness to others.  On cold days, when I would visit their home, they would greet me with candy and hugs, as they asked questions that showed interest in me.

I read the Watchtower many times during my visits.  It was usually on a side table, and even as a child I enjoyed reading almost everything I could find.  I had been raised to have an open mind and to ask questions. This was something new that challenged my thinking that I could compare with my Father's Mormon family and those of my Mother's core family who were Quakers.

Jehovah's Witnesse have many beliefs in common with Quakers.  They believe as Quakers do in non-violence and refuse to bear arms. They recognize Jesus as central to their faith, just as Quakers do, and do not believe in the Trinity but Christ as the Son and head of their church as Quakers do as well. Many Quakers retain the belief in the Trinity, but differ from other Christians in that Christ is seen not as God but God's son.

Group support for one another within a community is important for both Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses also offer love and support to people outside their own religion, as do Quakers, although social activism is not a major principle of Jehovah's Witness belief.

Quakers advance the preservation of the good of the earth and care and caution with regard to taking care of one's health, as do Some of the Jehovah's Witnesses avoiding pork and unclean things, but many simply focus on living a healthy life.  Much of that depends on the individual's personal behaviors in each case. Quakers also have made a conscious effort to express community, regardless of race; and in the South, where many fundamental Protestant churches are not integrated, Jehovah's Witness groups pride themselves on embracing members of all races.

For every spiritual group there is a set of beliefs and principles that define it, but the best part is the way a person may practice in relationship with others. A loving heart and open mind is fundamental to the Quaker view, the concept of a loving heart regardless of belief.  To examine ways to dialogue with one another, when there are differences, establishes the fundamental principle of how to get along with others.  It is the concept of a loving heart for all, regardless of belief, that can reinforce for everyone the notion that all men are brothers truly.

Worship of One God becomes the underlying theme of World Religion Day every January

                                                      Khurshid Khan on World Religion Day

Carol Forsloff-----Every year in January people celebrate World Religion Day.  It is a time for people of all faiths to come together to share ideas and beliefs and to form bonds of friendship.  At Thanksgiving, it is also common for a dinner to be held in commemoration of those bonds and to allow people to express their friendship, while they learn about the beliefs that are shared or are unique for each group.

Shreveport World Religion Day is an occasion that acknowledges the diversity of beliefs by offering a conference and public forum.  As occurs in many cities around the world people of all faiths come together and speak about their respective beliefs by way of forums, workshops, lectures, music and displays.  And in doing so, they not only educate one another, they form lasting bonds in recognition of their ideas that people can be connected through a common thread of love for one's fellow man and one's Creator, however that idea is manifested.

In the world of controversy, disappointment and argument, when there are opportunities for people of different cultures or religions to share, it becomes a time to acknowledge the ways in which people are the same, as opposed to reinforcing differences.  The outcome is one of bringing each person to a different perspective than the narrow view of the world as being one's region or small community and one's particular idea of religion, ethics and God.

That idea of being connected through one God or part of a universal concept of nature is part of poetry, song, book topics and discussion groups.  Sometimes it appears it is an almost yearning to know that other person of a different culture or religion and to become a friend, or at least to be someone who has some notion of understanding and connection with another individual who may not think the same but has that essential goodness that is appealing.

The arguments that come from political, social and religious differences have the effect of making people sad, uncomfortable or even angry.  Psychologists remind us that when we indulge in our differences, or negative thoughts, we can be depressed and that can turn inside to hurt ourselves or outside to hurt others.

World Religion Day is one of those special times when people get to meld, merge, join hands, sing, play, smile, laugh and generally enjoy one another.  As a journalist who has written about those occasions, the joy of having been involved with these remarkable times remains as a positive lifetime experience.

An article in an AkLaTex online site offers these observations from participants:  "I believe that if we can learn to tolerate other people's religions and not feel that we're opposed to them and have to stop other people's religions, then we can live in peace with each other," says Bob Jordan, who sat in on a lecture.

"I really like to see how the different religions are helping to take care of our community and to show compassion in the world," says Pam Carlilse, who sat in on a panel discussion.

Muslim Chaplain Khurshid Khan has been concerned that so many people misunderstand Islam and focus on terrorism, which is contrary to the tenets of his faith.

"Somebody says terrorism, somebody says, "oh,  they're not good people, they don't know who they follow or worship,'" Khan was reported to say. "We worship only one God."

                                                  Jew, Muslim and Catholic

The holding hands of a a Jewish man, Catholic nun, and Muslim  in the joy of understanding is an image we can all enjoy, in reminding us of the good in our world that far surpasses any negative thought or notion we might have toward one another.

How to teach your children religious tolerance

[caption id="attachment_22276" align="alignleft" width="178"] World Religion Day symbol[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---Many children grow up with no religion or one that teaches theirs is the best or only one of significance, when there is a world of people with differing beliefs; and the fact that is not emphasized has created prejudice and intolerance, leading to strife and war.  How can we change that focus and teach our children religious tolerance?

Brad Hough has an idea that makes that kind of good sense to make a difference.  He hopes to publish a children's book that emphasizes the fact that all people are part of God's world and that most religions believe in the same God, but may refer to Him with a different name.

Like the song, "One God," recorded years ago by Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis, and its most recent Internet recording by Kathy Songbird and Mark Hall,  and recently described in this magazine, there are many paths to God, according to the concept put forth by Hough and others like him, of various faiths around the world.  That is why World Religion Day is celebrated across the United States and in other places where people are open to sharing religious ideas.

Hough tells us, "

We all pray to the same God....whether we realize it or not. About 5 years ago I told a bedtime story to my daughters. Fast forward to today and they're still talking about it, so we figured it was time to share with the world. My now 10-year old daughter and I took the time to animate the story. She helped with voices, drawings, and even an original piano piece.

After a very positive response, we decided it was time to create it into a children's book."

To do that Hough hopes to raise enough money to self publish and to obtain guidance to direct the marketing so that it opens the door to readership.

Brad Hough is a software engineer at Exelis, Inc.  He received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1993.  He volunteers in his neighborhood as a teacher of virtues classes for children from 1^st to 5^th grade.  In his spare time, he likes to write and edit videos.  He currently resides in Brambleton, VA with his wife Nassim, two daughters (Sarah 13, Layla 11), and their dogs Chloe and Jasmine.  He is a member of the Baha’i Faith, which teaches that all religions are one.

Other recommendations given by experts on parenting about how to teach children religious tolerance that include first understanding your own spiritual values, defining them and deciding how you want your children to learn and practice them.   Treat religious discussions as education, focusing on developing curiosity and respect for others, as a value.  Provide information on how in many parts of the world religion becomes part of the culture and focus of family traditions.

There are many ways to help children learn about religion and respect the beliefs of others.  Hough focuses on teaching children directly through stories, while others through concepts; but however the belief is developed it becomes a way to bring new generations to understanding and goodwill that may reduce conflict and war, often with their roots of religious intolerance.

 

Religious harmony taught through World Religion Day

[caption id="attachment_4316" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Monument to religious harmony"][/caption]


Carol Forsloff - Want to find religious harmony?   Look no further than Shreveport, Louisiana annually.  Here's where one finds folks of all faiths expressing their common purpose, which is to bring faith to people's lives.

This year's event was another example of people finding ways to embrace that common purpose.  The groups assembled spoke of tolerance, of embracing differences in ways to promote understanding.  They talked of how to bring reconciliation in even better ways, to people who see animosities and differences as fostering separation, as opposed to the harmony among people that faith is supposed to bring.

A series of workshops annually helps to facilitate understanding.  This year the principal theme had to do with communication and all the ways religions can bring harmony to the whole of a community by expressing common purpose and understanding.

Mormons, Muslims, Eckists, members of the Baha'i Faith, Wiccans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Unitarian Universalists and others in both mainstream and New Age religious groups came together again this year to proudly proclaim that peace comes from understanding one another and finding divine purpose in all we do.