The Quaker Doctrine of the Inner Light

"I was glad that I was commanded to turn people to that inward light, spirit, and grace, by which all might know their salvation, and their way to God; even that divine Spirit which would lead them into all Truth, and which I infallibly knew would never deceive any."

George Fox, 17th century
Founder of the Quakers

"The Inner Light is the doctrine that there is something Divine, ‘Something of God’ in the human soul."

Rufus Jones,
20th century Quaker scholar

Photos: It was minus 20 degrees this morning, perfect for photography! Larimer County, CO, December 31, 2014

Our true self is an inward light, springing up from within.

"The ever-advancing POSSIBLE self is a Divine revelation to us. It is an inward light, not shining from some foreign world, but springing up within, because the life of God is an inherent and elemental part of our being, and this Life is the inward light . . . It is literally closer than breathing - never far enough away to be near. The truth is that our souls open inwardly into God's Spirit . . . the Divine center . . ."

Rufus Jones,
Quaker scholar and writer

Photos: (Top) Alpenglow on Greyrock, from my doorstep, Larimer County, CO; (Middle) Long's Peak and sun, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; (Bottom) Joanne knitting by a rock in the sun, sheltered from the wind, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. All three photos were taken on December 27, 2014

The Inner Light is the doctrine that there is something Divine in the human soul.

"The Inner Light is the doctrine that there is something Divine, ‘Something of God’ in the human soul"

Rufus Jones, 1904
Quaker scholar

Photo: Montgomery Pass Ski and Snowshoe Trail, Medicine Bow Mountains, CO; March 2, 2013