S-P-I-C-E-S: The Quaker Testimonies
Voiced in that Quaker tradition of queries (or questions)
SIMPLICITY
Do we use financial and natural resources carefully, and do we value the spirit over material objects? Do we celebrate acts of kindness and generosity instead of material things? Is popular culture held in perspective and is care taken to avoid distraction from what is truly important? Are we aware of the wonders of nature, and do we keep life simple so we are free to live in harmony and alignment with soul’s purpose?
More from Friends Journal on Simplicity
• “Favorite Writings on Simplicity,” by Michel Avery
The practice of simplicity is one of constantly making choices.
• “Finding Simplicity in My Life,” by Robert Bennett
This is easily the testimony I think of, and struggle to practice most, in my life.
• “Life in a Box,” by Andrew Huff
It’s not about what’s inside the bin. It’s about everything outside it.
PEACE
Are we always mindful that there is that of God in everyone? What is our responsibility when disagreements occur, and can conflict be seen as a springboard to moral growth? Do we build and practice conflict resolution skills? Are elegant and simple solutions considered when disagreements occur and/or escalate? If “war is not the answer,” then what is? Can effective discernment and beneficial decisions be made using fair and open discussion (even if this takes considerable time)?
More from Friends Journal on Peace
• “A Peace Perspective,” by Mary Lord
How do we build real peace that is more than the absence of war?
• “The Golden Rule Shall Sail Again,” by Arnold (Skip) Oliver
In 1958, five men in a sailboat challenged American nuclear testing.
• “Finding Way to Peace,” by Christopher Stem
If we do not learn to forgive and love, then how can we live in peace?
INTEGRITY
Do you let your life speak for you and does your outer life reflect your inner life? Consistent with the essential oneness, do you treat others with respect and honesty? Do your actions acknowledge the interconnectedness that we have, one with another?
More from Friends Journal on Integrity
• “Witnessing to Integrity in an Untruthful World,” by Shelley E. Cochran
Often, telling the truth seems relatively easy compared to witnessing to Truth.
• “Six Steps for Investing with Integrity,” by Pamela Haines
Our choices around money need to be based in the values and faith that sustains us.
• “Students Voices Project: Focus on Integrity,” by FJ Staff
As one teacher said, “Integrity doesn’t always look like you expect it to look.”
COMMUNITY
Do you connect with all members of the community and are activities designed to bridge differences and create a close community? Is your community a safe place? Do you balance the needs of individuals with the needs of the group? Are you aware of the need to respect everyone and realize that everyone may have “a piece of the truth?”
More from Friends Journal on Community
• “A Community Formed for Faithfulness,” by Marcelle Martin
Spiritual companionship can take many forms.
• “Community Dinner at Brooklyn’s Quaker Diner,” by Carl Blumenthal
One extra meal a month may seem like a pinch of salt in a pot of chicken soup.
• “A Quaker Retirement Community Faces the Pandemic,” by Nancy Thomas
We do what we can to reach out, bless other, and choose life.
EQUALITY
Do you respect different people and different ideas, and do you treat all persons irrespective of race, socioeconomic status, family structure, religious affiliation, geographic background, and/or other characteristics? Do you encourage and celebrate a rich diverse community made up of different cultures?
More from Friends Journal on Equality
• “The Social Justice Testimony,” by Dwight L. Wilson
Joining a meeting does not purify us of racism.
• “Equality Among Today’s Viking,” by George Lakey
Quaker testimonies don’t have to be compromised in politics.
• “The Spectrum of Equality,” by Aria Gratson
The first time I was aware of someone using “gay” as in insult was in sixth grade.
STEWARDSHIP
Do you promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability and do you protect and care for the Earth in a sacred trust? Do you recycle and reuse whenever possible, and reduce the amount of energy that you consume? Are you careful to responsibly maintain the property under your care?
More from Friends Journal on Stewardship
• “Composting as Holy Sacrament,” by Louis Cox
Composting is about radical transformation—our only hope for our uncertain future.
• “Stewardship Brought to the Streets of Our Capital,” by Jonathan Komegay
I got to see the beauty of activism, stewardship, and Quakerism working together.
• “Energy Use in the Classroom,” by Louise Pappa
When I was in sixth grade, I helped make a significant change at my school.
Quaker Beliefs
There is that of God and everyone
Faith in action