Quaker Theology

Issue #17, Spring-Summer 2010

  • “To Be Broken and Tender: A Quaker Theology for Today”* A Review

    This review of Margery Post Abbott’s book “To Be Broken and Tender: A Quaker Theology for Today” highlights its engaging and accessible style, blending traditional Quaker spirituality with contemporary and mystical elements. Abbott’s theology is described as progressive and inclusive, drawing on Christian and non-Christian spirituality while emphasizing humility, brokenness, and peacemaking.

  • Howard Brinton and the World Council of Churches: The Theological Impact of Ecumenism on Friends

    This article explores Howard Brinton’s involvement in the ecumenical movement and the World Council of Churches, emphasizing its theological impact on Friends. It highlights Brinton’s challenges in engaging with broader Christian theological trends, his efforts to advocate Quaker perspectives on pacifism and sacraments, and the ongoing relevance of theological dialogue for Quakers.

  • “Climate Wars” & “The Green Zone”* Reviewed

    This article reviews Gwynne Dyer’s book *Climate Wars*, highlighting its military-strategic analysis of climate change and the urgent need for a global political deal to replace carbon-based energy usage. It contrasts Dyer’s expert perspective with Barry Sanders’s *The Green Zone*, which inadequately addresses the environmental impact of U.S. militarism despite raising important points about military…

  • About The Contributors

    Stephen W. Angell, is Leatherock Professor of Quaker Studies at Earlham School of Religion. Chuck Fager, Editor of Quaker Theology, is Director of Quaker House in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Doug Gwyn is the author of Apocalypse of the Word; Seekers Found; and other books. He is now researching a comprehensive history of Pendle Hill, as…

  • Enacting Truth: The Dynamics of Quaker Practice

    Douglas Gwyn analyzes the dynamic structure of Quaker practice in seeking and enacting truth on four levels: individual practice, monthly meetings, yearly meetings, and informal networks of concern. He critiques the decline in answering yearly meeting queries, arguing that this short-circuits Quaker discernment and social witness, and illustrates his points with historical examples and the…

  • An Argument for Comprehensive Religious Education of FGC Young Friends

    This article advocates for a comprehensive and age-appropriate religious education program for Friends General Conference (FGC) Young Friends to deepen their understanding of Quaker theology and history. The author shares personal experiences of gaps in theological knowledge despite extensive Quaker involvement and argues that teaching Quaker faith, practice, and history is essential to prevent future…

  • Selected Excerpts from, To Be Broken and Tender: A Quaker Theology for Today

    This post explores a deeply personal and mystical Quaker theology centered on divine love, transformation, and the experience of the Eternal Presence. It reflects on themes of suffering, peace, and spirituality, drawing on historical Quaker figures and the vision of the City of God, while emphasizing the ongoing journey toward tenderness and community in faith.…

  • “Hostage In Iraq” & “118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq”* Reviewed

    This review critically examines two books about the kidnapping of Christian Peacemaker Teams members in Iraq, focusing on the theological, strategic, and practical issues around martyrdom and peace activism. It highlights the recklessness of some peaceworkers, contrasts preparedness between hostages, and addresses the profound challenges faced by one gay captive and the LGBT community’s need…

  • “Spirit Rising, Young Quaker Voices”* A Review

    The review of “Spirit Rising, Young Quaker Voices” places the book within the historical context of long-standing youth renewal and ecumenical movements in Quakerism, noting its predominantly liberal origins and limited evangelical participation. While the book includes diverse international voices and addresses previously taboo topics, the reviewer questions its broader impact and urges younger Quakers…

  • “Study War Some More (If You Want to Work for Peace),”* A Review

    This article reviews Chuck Fager’s book “Study War Some More (If You Want to Work for Peace),” highlighting its call for a rigorous, long-term peace strategy informed by biblical reflection, Quaker history, and lessons from military strategy. Fager critiques simplistic pacifism and urges Friends to engage thoughtfully with the military-industrial complex through sustained, visionary peace…

  • Editor’s Introduction, #17

    By Chuck Fager Quaker scholars and academics take note: as we began work on this issue, news came that once again, Quaker Theology has been shown to wield a magical mystery mojo over the careers of some of its contributors. This phenomenon showed itself early on, after Issue #3 in the autumn of 2000. That…