Quaker testimonies form a huge part of Quaker faith and practice. I won't go into too much detail about them here except to explain generally what they are, in essence, embodiments of Quaker core beliefs. These core beliefs -- I personally believe (as there is no consensus on this) -- flow directly from our collective understanding of the basic principles we need to live in order to follow God.
The main testimonies are often summarized by the acronym "SPICE," which stands for Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, and Equality. Of course, these words all have secular meanings and are great secular principles. It was, indeed, the Peace Testimony that helped earn the Quakers a Nobel Peace Prize in 1947.
But what do these mean to me? As a Quaker and person of faith? I'll give brief, gut reactions on each here, but I plan to contemplate them more over the weekend:
Simplicity: Living plainly and simply, so as to focus our attention on God and those around us. Avoiding material things as a source of joy.
Peace: Opposition to war and violence as destructive of humanity and damaging to our relationship with God.
Integrity: Truthfulness and straightforwardness in all you do.
Community: Care, stewardship, and concern for others, regardless of artificial national boundaries or differences of beliefs.
Equality: We are all equal. Period.
This weekend, I plan to reflect on which of these testimonies is the most difficult for me to actually live and why. I'll report back soon. I'd also appreciate any comments with others' thoughts.
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