What is the Difference Between Quakers and Shakers

Quakers and Shakers are two distinct religious groups that emerged in England during the 17th century. Despite their shared historical origins, Quakers and Shakers have unique beliefs, practices, and social structures.

The basic difference between Quakers and Shakers is their beliefs. Quakers often follow a path of silent worship, seeking individual connection with God, while Shakers practice a more outwardly expressive faith with energetic singing and dancing, all within a celibate, communal society.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Who are Quakers  
3. Who are Shakers
4. Similarities – Quakers and Shakers
5. Quakers vs Shakers in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Quakers vs Shakers
7. FAQ – Quakers and Shakers

Who are Quakers

Quakers, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a Christian religious movement that emerged in England during the 17th century. They were founded by George Fox in the mid-1600s and were characterized by their emphasis on direct personal experience of God, spiritual equality, pacifism, and social justice.

Quakers believe in the “inner light,” the idea that every individual has a direct connection to God and can receive divine revelation without the need for intermediaries such as clergy or sacraments. They hold silent worship meetings where participants gather in silence, waiting for inspiration from the Holy Spirit to speak.

Quakers are known for their commitment to peace and nonviolence, which has led them to actively oppose war and violence in all forms. They have also been at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for causes such as abolitionism, women’s rights, and prison reform.

Quakerism spread from England to other parts of the world, including North America, where Quaker settlers played significant roles in the founding of colonies such as Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Today, Quakers can be found in many countries around the world, organized into local meetings or congregations that gather for worship, fellowship, and social action.

Who are Shakers?

The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly known as the Shakers, is a Christian sect that emerged as a splinter group of Quakers in 18th century England, led by Mother Ann Lee. They were initially called “Shaking Quakers” due to their energetic worship style. At the core of Shaker’s beliefs were celibacy, communal living, and equality among members. They lived in communities where men and women resided separately and worshipped together in plain meetinghouses. The Shakers practiced pacifism, abstained from alcohol and tobacco, and prioritized hard work, craftsmanship, and simplicity in daily life.

Another notable aspect of Shaker culture was their tradition of music and dance. Shaker songs, characterized by their melodies and harmonies, were an essential part of worship and daily life, often accompanied by rhythmic dances reflecting their devotion and joy.

At their peak, there were 2,000–4,000 Shaker believers in 18 major communities. However, societal changes led to a decline in their numbers, with only one active Shaker village, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine, remaining today. Many former Shaker settlements now serve as museums.

Similarities Between Quakers and Shakers

1. Both emerged in England during the 17th century as dissenting Christian groups.
2. They advocate for pacifism and nonviolence.
3. Both emphasize simplicity in lifestyle and communal living.

Difference Between Quakers and Shakers

Definition

1. Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, emphasize the “inner light” and direct communion with God.
2. Shakers, officially called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, focus on celibacy, communal living, and equality among members.

Origin

1. Quakers emerged in England in the 17th century, founded by George Fox. They arose from a desire for a more direct, personal relationship with God, separate from the established Church of England.
2. Shakers emerged as a splinter group of Quakers in 18th century England, led by Mother Ann Lee. They were initially known as “Shaking Quakers” due to their expressive worship style.

Worship

1. Quakers often worship in silence, seeking inward guidance from God. Some Quaker branches may also incorporate hymns, sermons, Bible readings, and joint prayers alongside a period of silent reflection.
2. Shakers engage in ecstatic dance and song during their communal worship services.

Lifestyle

1. Quakers live in their own homes and participate in society, though they may form close-knit communities.
2. Shakers practiced communal living in closed societies, with members sharing property.

Marriage and Celibacy

1. Quakers view marriage as a sacred union between two consenting adults. They have no restrictions on marriage and actively participate in society, raising families if they choose.
2. Shakers practiced strict celibacy. They believed marriage and procreation were sinful and relied on converts and adopted orphans to maintain their communities.

Status Today

1. Quakers are a thriving religion with branches worldwide. They continue to be active in social justice movements.
2. Shakers’ numbers have dwindled significantly. There are only a handful of Shakers remaining, living in a single community in Maine, USA.

Below is a summary of the difference between Quakers and Shakers in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Quakers vs Shakers

Quakers and Shakers are two distinct religious groups with roots in England during the 17th century. There is a difference between Quakers and Shakers in terms of their unique beliefs, practices, and social structures. Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, emphasize direct communion with God, silent worship, and social activism. In contrast, Shakers, formally the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, focus on communal living, celibacy, and ecstatic worship practices.

FAQ: Quakers and Shakers

1. Why don’t Shakers marry?

• Shakers rejected marriage because they believed sex was sinful and that having children distracted them from achieving spiritual perfection. They focused on building a celibate community and even adopted orphans to continue their way of life.

2. What is the difference between Shakers and Amish?

• The Shakers, founded in 18th century England, were a celibate group who believed that marriage and worldly desires hindered spiritual growth. They focused on communal living and expressed their devotion through dance and song during worship services. On the other hand, the Amish, originating from the Anabaptist movement in Europe, prioritize family and tradition. They live in close-knit communities, marrying young and having large families. The Amish generally shun technology and emphasize a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle.

3. What was the relationship between the Quakers and the Shakers?

• The Shakers were a splinter group of the Quakers. They emerged in 18th century England, initially known as “Shaking Quakers” due to their expressive worship style. Led by Mother Ann Lee, they eventually formed a distinct religion with unique beliefs like celibacy and communal living.

4. Did the Shakers have a Bible?

• The Shakers weren’t strictly a “Bible only” faith. While they respected the Bible and used it as a reference, their beliefs drew heavily from the revelations of their founder, Mother Ann Lee. These revelations, along with Shaker-authored texts and hymns, formed a unique scripture alongside the traditional Bible.

5. Do Quakers believe in Jesus?

• Quakers arose from Christianity, and many consider themselves part of that tradition, but their faith emphasizes a personal connection with God through the “inner light” within each person. This differs from some Christian denominations that view Jesus as the sole path to salvation. Quakers respect Jesus’ teachings and message of love and peace, but their focus is on individual experience and interpretation rather than strict adherence to specific doctrines about Jesus.

Reference:

1. “Shakers.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Quakers.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Microcosm of London Plate 064 – Quakers’ Meeting (tone)” By Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers)[1] (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Shakers during worship” By Unknown – before 1923 – Shaker Historical Society (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia