Sacred Simplicity and Ecological Responsibility: Environmental Ethics in Quakerism

Quakerism, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, offers a nuanced and evolving perspective on environment and nature that bridges spirituality, ethics, and scientific understanding. While early Quaker texts do not explicitly articulate environmental doctrines, their foundational principles, particularly the belief in the “Inner Light,” imply an ethic of respect, restraint, and relational existence that aligns with ecological thinking. This article critically examines Quaker testimonies such as simplicity, peace, and unity, interpreting them through a modern environmental lens. It challenges common misconceptions that Quakerism is either anthropocentric or detached from scientific reasoning, demonstrating instead that its experiential approach to truth harmonizes with ecological science. Drawing upon early writings of George Fox and William Penn, as well as contemporary Quaker scholarship, the article argues that Quakerism promotes a concept of “right relationship” that integrates human, ecological, and spiritual well-being. The study concludes that Quaker ecological thought is not a modern adaptation but a natural evolution of its enduring spiritual framework (Punshon, 2006; Quaker Faith & Practice, 2013).