Quaker Theology

Issue # 1 – Fall 1999

The inaugural issue considers why Friends—despite their historic suspicion of theology—need disciplined reflection on religious experience to resist harmful ideas, understand their own faith, and participate meaningfully in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. Its articles challenge the view that Quakerism began as a form of Puritanism, explore parallels between Quaker spirituality and Roman Catholic religious orders, recount one Friend’s journey toward an atheist Christianity, and examine the difficult questions the Kosovo War posed for the Quaker peace testimony. Together, these contributions introduce Quaker Theology as a forum for intellectually serious, spiritually grounded conversation about Quaker identity, diversity, and witness in the world.

  • Editor’s Introduction, #1

    In good Quaker fashion, we begin with queries: What is theology, and why should Friends be interested in it? Early Friends were often loudly skeptical about theology, which George Fox referred to scornfully as “windy notions.” Their critique had at least five major points: Intellectualizing about religion takes people away from experiencing God and the…

  • The Making of a Quaker Atheist

    The article recounts the author’s personal journey from Catholic faith through loss of belief, exploration of Buddhism, and discovery of Quakerism, ultimately embracing a Quaker atheistic spirituality focused on love and communal discernment. It explores how Quaker worship and practice foster a living experience of Christ’s spirit without reliance on supernatural belief. The author also…

  • Puritanism, Spiritualism, and Quakerism:

    This extensive historiographical essay examines the relationship between Puritanism and Quakerism, arguing that although there are affinities, Quakerism should be more accurately situated among Spiritualist movements rather than as a subset of Puritanism. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significant doctrinal and experiential differences between the two, particularly regarding Christology, the role of…

  • The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) as a Religious Community

    The article explores the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) as a religious community characterized more as a religious order than a traditional church, emphasizing a distinctive way of life and prayer rather than doctrinal uniqueness. It discusses specific Quaker practices such as Advices and Queries, historical testimonies, and corporate discernment, and identifies key features of…

  • Some Quaker Reflections on the Kosovo War

    This article offers a Quaker perspective on the Kosovo War, exploring the complex dilemmas between war and oppression through historical and contemporary lenses. It examines Quaker pacifist principles, the shifting paradigms of peace and military intervention, and the limited but meaningful ways Friends can influence peacebuilding without abandoning their core testimonies. The author concludes with…

  • About the Contributors, #1

    George Amoss, Jr. is a member of Homewood Meeting in Baltimore. He edits the Journal of the Quaker Universalist Fellowship, and established the Quaker Electronic Archive and Meeting place website, at: http://www.qis.net/~daruma/index.html Melvin Endy, who is currently a member of the Division of Human development in St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s, Maryland, is the author…