Finding the Quakers was indeed a very natural step from A New Earth, as they spend an hour in stillness listening to God. To top it off, I just got a Quaker book which talks about quieting those aspects of self that don't serve you well, and simplifying one's approach to life. If that isn't ANE, I don't know what is!
And as far as there being better answers than war, what I like about the Quaker approach is that they want to develop think tanks and strategies that will help nip situations in the bud which could lead to war. Find ways to defuse conflicts before war is inevitable. It sure makes A LOT of sense to me.
If we were to keep going down the path of War on this planet, that would be our destruction. But fortunately, I have faith we are heading in the other direction. That's what it means when the consciousness of a species expands. See, I can believe all these cool "New Age" concepts and STILL be a Quaker! Plus a world approach that makes sense to me and lessons in empathy and peace for my son too. Simply awesome! I think the "unprogrammed" Quakers are just about the best kept secret around. Maybe it's time for a Quaker revival!
Mentioning a Quaker revival, I'll share an odd coincidence with you. One of my favorite books about Mayan prophecies for 2012 has been Judith Bluestone Polich's "Return of the Children of Light". The Mayans predicted that the "children of light" would return around 2012 and usher in an enlightened age of peace. Guess what the Quakers used to call themselves? Children of light.
Peace and Love,
BridgeBuilder