The Quakers: an introduction
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- Start Date: 28 Mar 2026End Date: 28 Mar 2026Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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What is the course about?
The course is an introduction to the core Quaker experience, that of listening to the voice within, and why an institution with an 'archaic' image still has meaning and resonance for people today. The Religious Society of Friends, popularly known as Quakers, originated in the Christian church but, with Equality as the overriding principle, it has dispensed with all hierarchical structures and rituals. The purpose of a Quaker 'Meeting' is to empower individuals to achieve spiritual growth and be enabled to translate feelings into socially positive action. From the mysticism of the early Quakers to the quietism of more recent times, the Quaker discipline of 'discernment' is now sought after by Big Business as a radical model for consensus decision-making, while Quakers are invited all over the world to areas of conflict as mediators and peace-builders. This introduction will hopefully raise as many questions as it answers.
What will we cover?
• Why Quakerism started.
• How Quakers worship.
• What Quakers believe and what they seek to do in the modern world.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the historical and cultural context for the Quaker movement.
• Understand the basics of Quaker ideas.
• Reflect on some contemporary moral dilemmas from a (i) non-Quaker and (ii) Quaker perspective.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. It will appeal to all those who would like to find out about the Quaker movement. It is anticipated that participants will come to the course with an open mind and be respectful to others of all faiths or none, even if their views may be very different to your own.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Powerpoint presentations and texts will be introduced by the tutor, and the course will consist of introductions to the material by the tutor, followed by discussions of emerging issues in small and large groups by participants.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. A pen and paper may be useful in jotting down ideas.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other forthcoming courses you might be interested in include:
HRS40 - The art of burial, (an offsite course)
HRS47 - An introduction to Indian comparative religions
HRS29 - An introduction to Jainism
For the full range of religion and belief courses, please check our website - www.citylit.ac.uk.
Bruce Johnson was born into a Quaker family and had a Quaker education, but only became a Quaker in his 40s. Since then he has held numerous roles in several Quaker organisations, including organising the Quakers in Business annual conference in 2018 and currently as Vice-Chair of Governors at a Quaker school which was ISI Senior School of the Year, 2023. His work with Quaker Quest involved 6 years of weekly meetings, helping those interested in the Quaker way to find out more about it. Bruce is also an experienced and empowering educator, who enjoys exploring any questions course attendees may have about Quakers.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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Phenomenology: an introductionFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00 -
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