Denomination Differences

Quaker Beliefs

View Table of All Denominations' Beliefs
How does one get saved?

Varies widely

Who gets saved?

No established doctrine

Can one lose his salvation?

Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.

Who gets baptized and why?

Baptism not practiced.

How should baptism be done?

Baptism not practiced.

When does one receive the Holy Spirit?

There is "that of God in everyone".

What is the trinity?

The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

What is the human nature?

There is "that of God in everyone", making humans inherently good.

Are we guilty of Adam's original sin?

No established doctrine

Are Christians required to keep the Old Testament ceremonial laws?

No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.

Can Christians become sinless in this earthly life?

Christian perfection is possible and a major goal of Quakers.

Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ?

Communion not practiced.

Can one be baptized of behalf of someone who has died?

No, the dead cannot be baptized.

What happens if a saved person dies without being perfect?

Perfection must take place during life, not after death.

Source
Did Mary ever sin?

Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.

What spiritual gifts are available today?

Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.

How many church ordinances/​sacraments are there?

The church does not have any ordinances more sacred than any other practice.

Source
To whom do Christians need to confess their sins?

Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.

How should a church be structured?

Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.

What day of the week should Christians worship?

Christians worship on Sunday.

How does God's revelation come to us today?

Varies widely

Source
How many books are in the Bible?

There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.

Was the Bible written inerrantly?

Varies widely

Source
How was the earth created?

The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.

What is marriage?

Varies widely

Is sex permissible outside marriage?

Varies widely

When does a fetus become human?

Most believe humanity begins sometime between conception and birth.

Source
Is contraception permissible?

Yes, contraceptives are permissible.

Are blood transfusions permissible?

Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.

Should Christians drink alcohol?

No, alcohol should be totally avoided.

Sources
Should Christians fight in wars?

No, Christians should never fight.

Sources
Where does a Christian's soul go after death?

No established doctrine