Tony Haynes's Blog (7)

Some Friends here may be aware of the problems we face with the BYM Quaker Forum of which I am a moderator. Basically it is very hard to find, and when you do, you have to join up to be able to even read it. For this reason it does not act as a very good Quaker outreach tool.

Nik Dadson of Quaker Communications at Friends House sent out a round-robin email in January suggesting that the forum might be closed down through lack of use. The users deny the lack of use, and are saying it…

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE 

I don't feel that our planet needs saving. I think it would regenerate very nicely without us, thanks. Viewed from outer space, the human race is just a parasitical infestation. But there is a difference between a parasite and one of us. A parasite has no concept of the future or the effects of its actions. We have a conscience..... a soul.... a concept of consequence and time. Or at least some of us do. But there are many who deny their consciences and…

I have found great comfort and deep wisdom in A&Q 5 this weekend:

5. Take time to learn about other people's experiences of the Light. Remember the importance of the Bible, the writings of Friends and all writings which reveal the ways of God. As you learn from others, can you in turn give freely from what you have gained? While respecting the experiences and opinions of others, do not be afraid to say what you have found and what you value. Appreciate that doubt and questioning…

I took the dog for a wander past the Quaker Meeting House, that I can see from the window of my new flat on the outskirts of York. Outside was a poster of Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the astronomer who discovered pulsars. She is also a lifelong Quaker.

I was concerned that as a scientist, she would probably be another Quaker non-theist, and having her face on the meeting notice board did not bode well for me worshipping there amongst like-minded Theists.

I googled, and found…

A couple of years ago, in MfW, I asked God a simple silent question. It was "Lord, what is Your will for us?"



Back came the answer, booming, that shook me to the core in its simplicity too: "My will for you all is to believe in Me!" It wan't a request. It was a command! 



So was the command to stand and minister this to the meeting. Shaking, and in some trepidation, for I suspected what the consequences would be, I…

Folks often remark that my lifestyle must be idyllic, cruising the waterways of Britain in an old narrowboat, with my dog, Sophie. They often mention the freedom to go where I choose and do what I want to do.

Yes, it is a great life, usually. I say that, slightly tongue in cheek, having recently been frozen up in 6 ins of ice, and having experienced deep snow and floods during the coldest December on record.

Yes, I can usually go where I want to go and do what…

I'm here because there is nowhere else I can go.

I was an AM clerk for four years. I was seriously concerned that certain members of the society, who declared themselves atheist, were sabotaging the work of an elder and clerk in one of our local meetings. I opposed them.

For personal reasons I had to give up clerking and move away from that AM. Since, I have learnt, that the main agitator in that situation has been made an elder.

Is the society…