Yes I agree with what you’re saying, the Quaker tradition and also the Unitarian Universalist association have pacified ourselves to the point where nobody is attending. There are many who could be considered Quakers though, we just don’t attend because we can’t find any groups near us. I became a Baha’i years ago and they agree with the Quaker mindset a lot and I also have attended my aging hippie UU church to before but yeah, because of our lack of incentive and technology we just don’t go to places anymore like many once did. It’s sad. The many who are “spiritual but not religious “ yes we are the ones who would once have been at a meeting I think. Most churches in general are struggling right now , be they liberal or conservative.
I asked AI if Quakerism could be seen as a truer, more primitive form of Christianity and this is what I got: That's an interesting perspective! Quakerism, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, can be seen as a direct and primitive form of Christianity in the sense that it: 1. Emphasizes a direct, personal relationship with God, unmediated by clergy or sacraments. 2. Focuses on the inner light, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is reminiscent of the early Christian emphasis on the Spirit's guidance. 3. Rejects outward rituals and sacraments, similar to the early Christian rejection of Jewish ceremonial law. 4. Emphasizes simplicity, humility, and equality, which are core values in primitive Christianity. 5. Seeks to return to the simplicity and authenticity of early Christianity, stripping away later additions and traditions. However, it's important to note that Quakerism also has its own unique history, theology, and practices that have evolved over time, so it's not a direct replica of primitive Christianity. Nevertheless, Quakerism's emphasis on direct experience, simplicity, and spiritual guidance resonates with the spirit of early Christianity.
This was interesting. I am living in south Arkansas, USA. No other Quakers in the area, as far as I know. When the locals found out I was Quaker it was as if a light came on and they suddenly understood me and with that understanding came acceptance.
I have a lot of opinions of AI good and bad, but as I could see it relate to Quakerism in a potentially positive way; First, a key thing to note is that artificial intelligence, what we see developing today, isn't really an existential threat to humanity. It is a tool that fundamentally can not make decisions for itself. It only imitates human language and creation based on a best-guess basis. It does a pretty good job of compiling and organizing information, but it can not make a judgement on that information. This kind of tool can certainly be utilized by anyone; like any technology it isn't inherently bad but rather can empower good and bad people to enact their will more effectively. When speaking of existential doom you're really talking about Artificial Consciousness. AI is only the skeleton of AC; where AI gathers and organizes information, AC actually takes that information and comes to its own conclusion. Presumably any AC would be given a goal; solve world hunger, create equality etc. and it would be able to generate an optimal solution based on an amount of data no human mind could comprehend. Basically the person setting the boundaries just has to mention "don't harm humans in the process" and the system should be able to run with that just fine. Lacking any real emotion it's not going to have the protective instinct that would most likely cause havoc in the world. There are two possible benefits I could see this having. One, I truly believe that any objective, informed AC will come to the conclusion of equality and equity. There is no reason for an AC to come to the conclusion that any human is less important for another, so I trust its actions would be in the benefit of humanity. For this reason, I also think people would be more tolerant towards each other. When this super advanced intelligence comes to the objective conclusion that our differences are superficial I feel like most people with bias would stop and reconsider their positions. I would love to say the widespread belief in god would humble us all to have already led us to that conclusion, but here we be.
I agree that using technology is a key to reviving Quakerism. That's why I am happy to see this channel. PLUS the fact that you're not over the age of 50 definitely helps. I have attended a few online meetings but there are only a few young people and no children. I think meetings need to be more inclusive of children so that young families will join and people can grow up as Quakers.
I am finding that as I learn more about our current AI, and how they come up with their responses to me, I am learning more about how MY understanding of life, has been influenced and affected. This I have found a deeply cathartic challenge, and an engagement with the unknown unknowns, and my consequential personal & societal prejudices. Perhaps, AI might transpire to be a brighter Light, to appreciate the World, our generation’s LED to George Fox’s candle?
Thing is, you can ask it similar questions about completly different things and it will make those very same suggestions. It will also confirm a lot of your bias as the dialogue continues and even form its answers based directly on your prompt, when you are probably seeking nuance and complexity.
I come from a long line of Kendall's. I was a teenager before I knew my father was Quaker. When I found this out everything made sense. He may not have spoken of being a Quaker, but he lived the life.
Quakerism is fascinating to me. Caring deeply about social justice and equality it's comforting to hear of a religious group who has a real focus on bringing community to the ostracized. I feel there's always the question of where the focus is and the question of where is the line between those ostracized and those rejecting community, but it's a wonderful tenet to have.
Yes I agree with what you’re saying, the Quaker tradition and also the Unitarian Universalist association have pacified ourselves to the point where nobody is attending. There are many who could be considered Quakers though, we just don’t attend because we can’t find any groups near us. I became a Baha’i years ago and they agree with the Quaker mindset a lot and I also have attended my aging hippie UU church to before but yeah, because of our lack of incentive and technology we just don’t go to places anymore like many once did. It’s sad. The many who are “spiritual but not religious “ yes we are the ones who would once have been at a meeting I think. Most churches in general are struggling right now , be they liberal or conservative.
I asked AI if Quakerism could be seen as a truer, more primitive form of Christianity and this is what I got:
That's an interesting perspective! Quakerism, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, can be seen as a direct and primitive form of Christianity in the sense that it:
1. Emphasizes a direct, personal relationship with God, unmediated by clergy or sacraments.
2. Focuses on the inner light, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is reminiscent of the early Christian emphasis on the Spirit's guidance.
3. Rejects outward rituals and sacraments, similar to the early Christian rejection of Jewish ceremonial law.
4. Emphasizes simplicity, humility, and equality, which are core values in primitive Christianity.
5. Seeks to return to the simplicity and authenticity of early Christianity, stripping away later additions and traditions.
However, it's important to note that Quakerism also has its own unique history, theology, and practices that have evolved over time, so it's not a direct replica of primitive Christianity. Nevertheless, Quakerism's emphasis on direct experience, simplicity, and spiritual guidance resonates with the spirit of early Christianity.
This was interesting. I am living in south Arkansas, USA. No other Quakers in the area, as far as I know. When the locals found out I was Quaker it was as if a light came on and they suddenly understood me and with that understanding came acceptance.
I have a lot of opinions of AI good and bad, but as I could see it relate to Quakerism in a potentially positive way;
First, a key thing to note is that artificial intelligence, what we see developing today, isn't really an existential threat to humanity. It is a tool that fundamentally can not make decisions for itself. It only imitates human language and creation based on a best-guess basis. It does a pretty good job of compiling and organizing information, but it can not make a judgement on that information. This kind of tool can certainly be utilized by anyone; like any technology it isn't inherently bad but rather can empower good and bad people to enact their will more effectively.
When speaking of existential doom you're really talking about Artificial Consciousness. AI is only the skeleton of AC; where AI gathers and organizes information, AC actually takes that information and comes to its own conclusion. Presumably any AC would be given a goal; solve world hunger, create equality etc. and it would be able to generate an optimal solution based on an amount of data no human mind could comprehend. Basically the person setting the boundaries just has to mention "don't harm humans in the process" and the system should be able to run with that just fine. Lacking any real emotion it's not going to have the protective instinct that would most likely cause havoc in the world.
There are two possible benefits I could see this having. One, I truly believe that any objective, informed AC will come to the conclusion of equality and equity. There is no reason for an AC to come to the conclusion that any human is less important for another, so I trust its actions would be in the benefit of humanity. For this reason, I also think people would be more tolerant towards each other. When this super advanced intelligence comes to the objective conclusion that our differences are superficial I feel like most people with bias would stop and reconsider their positions.
I would love to say the widespread belief in god would humble us all to have already led us to that conclusion, but here we be.
I agree that using technology is a key to reviving Quakerism. That's why I am happy to see this channel. PLUS the fact that you're not over the age of 50 definitely helps. I have attended a few online meetings but there are only a few young people and no children. I think meetings need to be more inclusive of children so that young families will join and people can grow up as Quakers.
Thanks! And yes, there were kids at my meeting recently and it was the best!
I am finding that as I learn more about our current AI, and how they come up with their responses to me, I am learning more about how MY understanding of life, has been influenced and affected. This I have found a deeply cathartic challenge, and an engagement with the unknown unknowns, and my consequential personal & societal prejudices. Perhaps, AI might transpire to be a brighter Light, to appreciate the World, our generation’s LED to George Fox’s candle?
Thing is, you can ask it similar questions about completly different things and it will make those very same suggestions. It will also confirm a lot of your bias as the dialogue continues and even form its answers based directly on your prompt, when you are probably seeking nuance and complexity.
Yes, I did find this to be true, it seems more all knowing than it actually is, which, for me, was a relief! 😂
If not already maybe Quakers in Britain can get involved or meet at the upcoming AI World Congress in London this May.
I come from a long line of Kendall's. I was a teenager before I knew my father was Quaker. When I found this out everything made sense. He may not have spoken of being a Quaker, but he lived the life.
Quakerism is fascinating to me. Caring deeply about social justice and equality it's comforting to hear of a religious group who has a real focus on bringing community to the ostracized.
I feel there's always the question of where the focus is and the question of where is the line between those ostracized and those rejecting community, but it's a wonderful tenet to have.
hello
Hello!