The Religious Society of Friends derives its official name from John 15:15, "I have called you friends." The more popular name Quakers derives from the perception they used to rapturously "quake" during worship. Quakers are a Christian denomination founded by George Fox in mid-seventeenth century England. It grew out of the chaotic times of the English Civil War, a period dominated by the Puritans and Oliver Cromwell and their religious fight against the Roman Catholic Church -- and any other religious belief system with which they did not agree. It was a time of severe persecution of the Quakers.  In the single year of 1661, as many as 5,400 Quakers had been imprisoned.

George Fox became disillusioned with the established churches and church authorities.  He finally realized that the only true authority is Jesus Christ, that one does not need an intermediary (minister), nor an organization (church) to further one's relationship with Christ, and that one could best achieve communion with God in silent worship. Thus was born the traditional quiet period of Quaker worship. Additionally, Fox postulated what has become the most central principle of Quaker beliefs: that “there is that of God” in all persons. Other terms for this are, “The Light Within,”  “Seed Within,”  and "Christ  Within." John the Apostle, in his Gospel (1:9), refers to Christ as "The true light, which enlightens everyone." It is from this passage that Quakers base this belief.

From this basic religious testimony grew the more familiar "Social Testimonies" that are unique to and serve as generic guides for Quakers. Their Peace Testimony is, perhaps, most familiar to others. Because of their stated belief that there is "that of God" in everyone they consider all persons to be equal. This is demonstrated in their being the first Christian denomination to officially take a total stand against war, to renounce slavery, to treat the Native Americans fairly, to push for more humane treatment of both the mentally ill and the incarcerated. It also underscores their stand against the death penalty. Throughout their history and continuing today Quakers have put their testimonies into practice throughout the world. In 1947 the British Friends Service Council and American Friends Service Committee were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
 
Quakers are religiously diverse. Indeed, it has been noted that Quakerism is as much a way of life as it is a Christian denomination. Over the years, they, like most other Christian denominations, have split into different branches: evangelical, conservative, liberal, and a mix of all of those. The term "Yearly Meeting" is used to denote a major organization (similar to a diocese) that includes several monthly meetings. Ararat Friends is part of the North Carolina Yearly Meeting (FUM), that is, Friends United Meeting. There is also a North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative).

Such differentiation has been facilitated, in part, by the fact that Quakers do not have a central lay authority, creed, or dogma to serve as a unifying force. Yearly Meetings publish a Faith and Practice: The Book of Discipline. This is not a rule book of do's and don'ts but instead reminds Quakers of their history and traditions, and offers a series of "advises and queries" that assist in prayerful contemplation of moral challenges according to Christian and Quaker tradition.

Quakers are a different denomination from the Amish or the Mennonites with whom they are often confused. Quakers are not distinct in their dress, speech, or interactions with the world. What is distinct is living a life putting into practice their testimonies and firm belief that there is "that of God" in all persons.