Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This is the first episode of a series entitled “Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends: What We are Conserving”. The program will be devoted to presenting various traditional Quaker teachings, principles and understandings. The series is geared primarily for Conservative Friends but is open to all others who have an interest or are curious about our beliefs. One spiritual topic (and possibly more) will be presented by Henry Jason in each session. This will then be followed by a discussion and time for questions and answers.In this episode Henry introduces himself and describes the goals of the series.  He lists the books that are the source materials and explains why these books (rather than some other Quaker Classics) are used.  He briefly presents some of the topics and words that will be the subject of discussion in later episodes.  These are…RepentanceRedemptionRegenerationEgo/SelfMortificationSpiritual BaptismFear of the LordInward/Outward Aspects of RealityThe Lord’s Prayer.Also, included will be concepts, beliefs and doctrines that Friends have traditionally rejected.  Examples:The TrinityOriginal sinWater BaptismHenry gives a brief examination of the schisms in Quakerism.  This short review concludes with a quote from Edward hicks.  A discussion ensues with Henry and some participants regarding the environment of early Christianity.   Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

The Psalms and Other Scripture Passages.  This section discusses how reading and internalizing scripture can be an asset to our spiritual lives.  It presents a number of scripture passages that Friends have found useful.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Ways of Exploring the Bible.This section discusses a number of ways to examine and profit from Scriptures.  This includes individual, family and group approaches.  In this podcast episode we also remind Friends about Quaker Questions,  a Zoom meeting where questions about Conservative Friends can be answered.  They will occur every third and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.   Email ohiocalendar@hotmail.com for Zoom link.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Are the Scriptures Essential to Salvation?This section includes quotes from George Fox's Journal and from Terry Wallace's article Scripture and Salvation.In this podcast episode we also introduce Quaker Questions,  a Zoom meeting where questions about Conservative Friends can be answered.  They will occur every third and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.   Email ohiocalendar@hotmail.com for Zoom link.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Chapter 2 Section A:  Making Use of ScriptureThis section covers:Scripture is illuminated by the true Word of God.Parallel tracks: religious history and personal spiritual growth.The Quaker faith is biblically based.The Scriptures offer historical and personal relevance today.The Bible's spiritual value.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Chapter 1 Section D: Righteousness, Holiness, and the Power of GodThis section covers:The Ethic of Obligation.Self-denying and deeply engaged.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Chapter 1 Section C: Atonement and Reconciliation with our CreatorThis reading covers: Salvation through ObedienceVisit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Chapter 1 Section B: Gods Old and New Covenants with HumanityThis reading covers:Outward gatherings and godly individuals.The Old Covenant.The New Covenant.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Chapter 1 Section A: Jesus Christ is the Word of GodThis reading covers:What the Bible says about the Word of God.Jesus is the One who gives us a right understanding of the Scriptures.George Foxes experience of Who the Word Is.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

This reading covers the introduction to the book Traditional Quaker Christianity.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

This is forward to the readings of Traditional Quaker Christianity.  It provides a brief encouragement to listen to the podcast readings and describes what to expect. Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

This podcast episode begins with the story of John the Baptist’s beheading.  It expands into a discussion of baptism as originally practiced by the Jews and how John’s baptizing was different.  Early Quakers felt that outward water baptism as a ritual should be laid aside. The true baptism is inward.   Henry examines the Greek words for “prophet”, “miracle” and “raise”.  The session continues with the story of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves.  A participant points out the parallel between the feeding of the multitudes and the Last Supper.   Henry compares the quiet prayer of Jesus to Quaker waiting worship.  He then describes where Jesus had his “headquarters”.  He also explains the value of a denarius so that we can understand the possible cost of feeding the multitude.  The danger of taking all scripture literally is explored.  There is more to focus on than the fact of the miracles. The following is a glossary of the words examined in this session…BAPTISM, BAPTIZE:Baptisma n. - immersion, baptismBaptizō v. – immerse, wash, baptize Prophētēs n. - prophet - one who speaks on behalf of another (i.e. for God) Dunamis n. - powerDunamai v. - can, be able RESURRECTION, RESURRECT:Egeirō v. - wake up, get up, lift up, rise up, raiseEgersis n. - a waking up, resurrectionAnistēmi v. - restore, stand something up, raise up.Anastasis n. - resurrection, a rising up Basileus n. - kingBasileia n. - kingdom, domain, dominion Dēnarios n. - Latin denarius n. - denariusAnēr n. - man (a male, husband), pl. andresAnthrōpos n. - man, human beingThe number “40" as a symbol of a significant transition from before to afterSēmeion n. - signMiraculum (Latin) n. - miracleVisit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

This session starts out with a participant reflecting on the statue titled “If only I touch him”.   Henry then talks about how Isaac Penington and William Penn use the phrase “The Word”.  He describes how it can convey different things to different people at different times.    There is a rereading the section where Jesus returns to his home town.  Why wasn’t Jesus accepted there as the Messiah?   There is a review of the wandering in the wilderness and forty days being an indication of a significant transition.  The session continues in chapter six with a reading of verses seven to thirteen where Jesus sends out the disciples.   Henry explains how the word “repent” has been subject to a bad translation.  The original word and its meaning are examined.   This leads to a look at how the first Quakers saw “repentance” (or transformation of one’s whole mindset) as a three-step process.  What did these early Friends mean when they used the word “convince”?   The group then participates in a significant discussion on how convincement can play out in one’s relationship with God and how humility develops from this.  Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

In this session, Henry reviews a number of stories about Jesus.  He starts with the story of the possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes and uncovers a bit of humor:  he points out a jibe at the Romans and explains why demons ending up in an outrageous number of pigs might be funny.   The next story is about the woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years.   The discussion covers the implications of this woman being unclean and the meaning of faith.  More stories are considered including the healing of the young girl and Jesus returning to his home.   Henry points out that Jesus was more than just a carpenter.  The session concludes with observations about Jesus not being appreciated in his home town.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Henry begins this session with a review of the parable of the Sower and the meaning of “The Word”.   He then goes on with the parable of the Lamp and explores the puzzle of “more will be given” and “more will be taken away”.   The next parable studied is the seed growing into a plant.  This opens into Christian growth and what it means to become "perfect".  The final parable of this session is of the Mustard Seed.   Henry then discusses the best translations of the New Testament and their historical implications.  In this context, translating the word “servant” or “slave” is considered.  The session concludes with the miracle of the calming of the storm and the multiple meanings of the word “faith”.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

In this session, Henry focuses on the parable of the Sower.    This broadens into other topics like: is the Bible the “Word of God”, taking the Bible literally (especially the New Testament) and how the early Friends approached Scripture.  The meaning of the word “seed” and “scripture” are examined.  Finally, a better translation of “temptation” and “evil” as found in the Lord’s Prayer.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

Henry starts off by reviewing a question from last week regarding the similarities between the words “anger” and “compassion” in Aramaic.  He then returns to the Gospel of Mark where he examines why Jesus’ followers did not fast and who is called to fast today.  The group looks into: new wine in old wine skins, what is the new wine,  what is lawful on the Sabbath and what is the Sabbath for?  Henry explains who the Pharisees were and then discusses the naming of the Apostles.  An interesting topic develops with the question: what is special about Phillip’s name?  This leads into an examination of the composition of surnames including one's father’s name and/or the place of origin.  Henry reviews the meaning of the word "parable" and then considers what it means to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.   The group discusses why it is not enough to be against war.  Like prophecy and exorcisms, it must be coming from the right place.  We must think like Jesus thought.  Henry concludes talking about the Seed Within and offering a commentary that the first generation of Quakers “got it right”.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

This episode explores Jesus in the synagogue, the meaning of "unclean" and the word "holy".   There is a discussion of what it meant to be a leper in Jesus’ time.  Henry  considers the similarities of the words anger and compassion in Aramaic.  Other topics include: The Son of Man, Jesus forgiving sins and healing, Jesus associating with sinners and tax collectors, the word "disciple", the value of the King James Bible and being self-righteous. Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

In this session, Henry continues with his examination of the Gospel of Mark.  He walks through Jesus’ baptism, his experience in the desert and his calling of James and John.  As he does so, he addresses several questions:  Why was Jesus baptized? What happened and why?   What does it mean for the heavens to be torn apart?  What is the true symbolism of a dove?  What did God reveal to Jesus?  What kind of king is Jesus?  Through these examinations, Henry dives into the meaning of many words and how they are sometimes mistranslated.  Included in this are the words: impure, forty, desert, angel, parable, belief, disciple and repentance.   He also reviews the importance of the term “The Kingdom of God”.   Is it within or among you?  Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.

In this, the first Conservative Friends Bible Session, our teacher Henry Jason introduces himself and starts an examination of the Gospel of Mark.   Henry’s informative style goes into the meaning of key words, what they meant in the culture of Jesus’ world and their implications for us today.  Included in the words he examines in this episode are: Gospel, Jesus, Christ, Prophet, Son of God, Lord, Baptism, Repentance and Spirit.Visit us on our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website, or email us at OYMConservative@gmail.com.