Quaker Theology

Issue #11, Spring 2005

Examines Quaker identity through the tensions between tradition and change, theological diversity and shared belief, and pacifist ideals and political realities. Marking the centennial of North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative), it recounts that body’s separation over revivalism, church discipline, and the preservation of traditional worship. Other articles ask whether a coherent core Quaker theology exists, trace a journey toward progressive religious radicalism, and critique the boundaries of academic Quaker theory. Historical and theological studies explore divisions among British Friends during World War I and liberal Christian responses to militarism and political power. Reviews of spiritual memoirs further consider departure, healing, forgiveness, and the search for an authentic religious voice.

  • Editors’ Introduction #11

    In this issue, we note some important landmarks, as well as taking some new looks at perennial theological issues. The first landmark is the centennial of the founding of North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative) in 1904. NCYM (C) may be the most viable of the remaining groups expressing the Conservative or Wilburite stream of American…

  • A Conservative Yearly Meeting is Born

    The post details the origins and reasons behind the formation of the North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative) in 1904, emphasizing the theological and practical disagreements that led to its separation from the main yearly meeting. Key issues included resistance to revivalist evangelism, the adoption of the Uniform Discipline, and maintenance of traditional Quaker worship and…

  • Core Quaker Theology: Is There Such a Thing?

    The article explores the challenge of defining a “core” Quaker theology, emphasizing the inherent ambiguities, tensions, and historical evolution within Quaker thought. It highlights various trajectories in Quaker history and theology, including shifts in social status, self-definition, governance, and biblical engagement, ultimately suggesting that the essence of Quakerism involves an ongoing wrestling with tradition and…

  • “The Creation of Quaker Theory: Insider Perspectives,”* A Review

    The review critically examines “The Creation of Quaker Theory: Insider Perspectives,” highlighting its limitation to academic insiders and the exclusion of many notable Quaker theorists. It contrasts diverse perspectives within the book, from feminist mysticism to evangelical orthodoxy, and notes the surprising lack of focus on the peace testimony despite its centrality to Quakerism. The…

  • In Search of Religious Radicalism

    The article traces Charley Earp’s personal journey from evangelical Pentecostalism through Christian communalism to a progressive, radical religious philosophy aligned with social activism. It explores the tensions between traditional Christian beliefs and radical social values, ultimately advocating for an integrated, experimental religious radicalism that embraces egalitarianism, inclusivity, and social justice, exemplified in Progressive Quakerism. The…

  • “Many Friends do not know ‘where they are’: Some Divisions in London Yearly Meeting During the First World War”

    The article explores the divisions among British Quakers in London Yearly Meeting during World War I over their peace testimony. It contrasts the experiences and perspectives of two prominent Quakers: Wilfrid Littleboy, an absolutist pacifist imprisoned for his stance, and Walter Trevelyan Thomson, a Quaker who supported the war effort and served in the military.…

  • The Spiral Staircase

    This article reviews two books: Karen Armstrong’s “The Spiral Staircase,” which details her challenging experience leaving a Catholic convent, and Heidi Hart’s “Grace Notes,” which shares a personal spiritual journey from Mormonism to Quakerism. The review contrasts Armstrong’s narrative of anger and disappointment with Hart’s story of healing, forgiveness, and finding one’s own voice.

  • Taking Up Niebuhr’s Irony: Living a Theological Saga: Review Essay

    This review essay explores Gary Dorrien’s extensive work on the history of American liberal theology, focusing on its development from the 19th to the mid-20th century and the theological responses to war and political power, particularly through figures like Karl Barth, Walter Rauschenbush, and Reinhold Niebuhr. It highlights the importance of theological resistance to militarism…

  • About the Contributors

    Charley Earp is a father, husband, and erstwhile theologian. He is a member of Northside Meeting in Chicago, with a day job in the travel business. Chuck Fager is Editor of Quaker Theology and Director of Quaker House in Fayetteville NC. Thomas Kennedy is Professor of History at the University of Arkansas. His most recent…