Meaning: The quote "The Lord showed me, so that I did see clearly, that he did not dwell in these temples which men had commanded and set up, but in people's hearts... his people were his temple, and he dwelt in them" is attributed to George Fox, a prominent figure in the early development of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. This quote encapsulates a fundamental Quaker belief that God's presence is not confined to physical structures such as churches or temples, but rather resides within the inner spiritual experience of individuals and their collective community.

George Fox (1624-1691) was an English Dissenter and the founder of the Religious Society of Friends. He is known for his radical religious views and his rejection of formalized religious practices, instead emphasizing the importance of direct communion with God. Fox's teachings emphasized the concept of an "inner light," the belief that every individual has a direct and unmediated access to the divine, without the need for clergy or elaborate religious rituals.

In the quote, Fox expresses his revelation that the traditional understanding of God dwelling in physical temples or churches, which were constructed by humans, was flawed. Instead, he asserts that God's true dwelling place is within the hearts and souls of his people. This concept is deeply rooted in the Quaker belief in the indwelling presence of the divine within each individual, which forms the basis of their spiritual practice.

The idea that "his people were his temple, and he dwelt in them" aligns with the Quaker emphasis on the importance of community and the collective experience of worship. Quaker gatherings, often referred to as meetings, are based on the belief that when individuals come together in silence and spiritual openness, they can collectively experience the presence of the divine. This communal aspect of worship reflects the Quaker understanding that God's presence is not confined to any physical structure but is manifested through the shared spiritual connection of the community.

Furthermore, Fox's insight challenges the prevailing religious hierarchy and the authority of the clergy in his time. By asserting that God dwells within the hearts of his people, he undermines the traditional institutionalized power structures of organized religion, advocating for a more egalitarian and direct experience of spirituality. This perspective aligns with Quaker principles of equality, simplicity, and the rejection of outward displays of religious authority.

Fox's teachings and the quote in question have had a profound impact on the development of Quaker theology and practice. They emphasize the Quaker commitment to seeking and recognizing the divine within oneself and others, as well as the importance of communal worship and spiritual fellowship. The belief that God resides in the hearts of his people continues to be a central tenet of Quaker faith and shapes the way Quakers approach spirituality, religious practice, and social justice.

In summary, George Fox's quote encapsulates the Quaker belief that God's presence is not confined to physical structures but resides within the inner spiritual experience of individuals and their collective community. This perspective has profound implications for Quaker theology, emphasizing the importance of the inner light, communal worship, and the rejection of hierarchical religious authority.