Elias Hicks, A Traditional Kind of Quaker

For 175 years, Elias Hicks has been misrepresented by his opponents in the Religious Society of Friends as denying Christ and the scriptures. In the last year of his life, Hicks reluctantly penned a reply to these charges, recounting in his journal how God had ordered his life. But the published Journal was edited into a bland portrayal of one of the most dynamic figures in Quaker history.

Using the recently-published version of "The Journal of Elias Hicks" and extracts from his unpublished letters, we will come to know what this deeply conservative, traditional Quietist Quaker believed and how he practiced his faith. Among the topics to be covered are:

- Who was Elias Hicks? (Brief Biography)
- Hicks' Dreams & Visions
- His relationship with Creation
- What he believed about God, Christ, & the Light Within
- His understanding of the Meaning of Life: Free Will & Salvation
- The Value and Dangers of Scripture
- Cooperating with other Christians
- Mixing with “the World”
- Slavery
- War
- How Elias Hicks changed the Religious Society of Friends

At the center of the workshop will be two questions:
- Does Elias Hicks matter to the contemporary Religious Society of Friends?
- Does he matter to me?

Each day will open with a substantial period of worship. I will make a presentation on the topic of the day, followed by questions and discussion. Workshop participants will then be invited to consider their reactions in a period of worship sharing and they will be encouraged to write about whatever feelings the day has generated. At the end of the week, there will be an opportunity (for those who wish to) to share these reflections.

Participants are encouraged to read the new edition of Hicks' Journal prior to the workshop - this is not, however, required,