The Quakers and Arts in Utopian Societies :: Essays Papers

The Quakers and Arts in Utopian SocietiesToday, we can still recall many examples of past utopias. A utopia is an ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, moral and legal aspects.1 They do not approve of any actions that ar superficial and unnecessary. In addition to these beliefs, people from utopian societies are gruelling believers in God. Sharing many of these same ideals, the Quakers are a free radical with a strong faith. Despite the fact that Quakers feel art is a luxury and a frivolous thing that they should not take small-arm in, many great artists and writers are members of the Quaker society. George Fox founded the Quakers also cognize as the Society of Friends in 1650. This was a time of religious din in England due to people searching for an uncorrupted version of Christianity. For their imprint of religion, the Quakers relied primarily on spiritual searching done by several(prenominal) members, congregations and meetings. The Quakers were mai nly involved in humanitarian work, seeing the good in all(prenominal)thing. They sought to practice total Christianity, with their main opposition toward slavery. During the civil war, the Quakers took the champion in the abolitionist movement and in running the Underground Railroad, which aided runaway slaves.2 In 1671, William Penn, a necessitateer of the group, worked solely on expanding the Quakers and joining them with other groups.3 Fox developed the idea of Inner brighten. This is found within each person, and is a divine inspiration that brings enjoyment and an enlightened conscience. It is Gods spirit found in every human soul. Fox felt that following the inward light would lead to spiritual development and towards individual perfection. He taught the members to worship in conquer and people only spoke when they felt moved by the set apart Spirit when they were in their meetings. George Fox promoted simple living he was against alcohol, holidays, sports, theater, a nd jewelry. They notion of themselves as friends of Jesus and later, the Quakers also became known as the Society of Friends.4 The Quakers adopt been associated with the color gray, or drab, because of the simple living that they remain faithful to. drab is a color that is a mixture of yellow and gray, or a dull light brown. The Friends found colors to be a distraction, using gray to avoid the excitement that was looked down upon. This was also used to financial backing the divine inspiration within themselves.