Occasionally Warwick Quakers contribute to the 'I Believe' column in the Leamington Courier. Examples of our contributions are below.
I Believe July 2025
In ministry this morning about the situation in Gaza, we were reminded of one of the 'Advices and Queries' which sit at the core of Quaker belief. It begins:
'Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern?'
It's a wonderful safeguard against spiritual dogmatism but it can also tempt us to imagine, when faced with appalling behaviour by our fellow humans, that what we have to do is dig deep to find the 'nice' Godly bit - surely it must be there somewhere?
If there is a God at all, however, it is a God who is responsible for a creation which includes violence, suffering and the utterly disgusting. Including people - whom we are called to love. Not just the 'nice' Godly bit, but the whole package.
In the Christian story, this is also a God who becomes human and, in the face of the most disgusting violence and suffering that humans can inflict, refuses to retaliate. Peter is not allowed to sever a soldier's ear. Jesus doesn't argue with Pilate. Whatever we believe about an actual physical resurrection, this is a story of non-violence and hope. The Creator God allows their created beings to do their worst with their created potential (not only torture by enemies but betrayal and desertion by friends). 'I love you anyway,' is the message of this God. 'I could blast you all to smithereens but instead I'm roasting you some fish for breakfast.' (John 21:7)
It's tough to accept a God, a creation and a humanity which, in their very nature, include aspects that make us recoil - even from ourselves. It's even tougher to respond with respect and love, rather than retaliation. But that is our calling and our challenge. Always.
Meg Harper
Warwick Quakers