Quaker Theology

Progressive Friends

  • “Authenticity of Historic Progressive Quakerism”

    The article explores the authenticity of liberal Progressive Quakerism, emphasizing its inclusive and non-creedal approach grounded in historical Quaker theology, scripture, and evolving faith practices. It highlights key figures and historical developments that shaped this tradition, arguing for the coherence and vitality of liberal Quaker identity despite theological diversity. The piece also discusses contemporary challenges…

  • North Carolina & Northwest Yearly Meeting Updates: Ambushed, Sandbagged, and Kicked Down The Road

    The post details deep divisions within North Carolina Yearly Meeting (NCYM) and Northwest Yearly Meeting (NWYM) regarding issues of LGBT inclusion, doctrinal authority, and disciplinary processes. It describes attempts to reimpose orthodox control, resulting in schisms, the departure of meetings, and struggles over the enforcement of Faith & Practice. The narrative also speculates on the…

  • “A Convergent Model of Renewal: Remixing the Quaker Tradition in a Participatory Culture”*

    The post reviews C. Wess Daniels’ book proposing a “convergent” renewal of Quakerism through blending diverse branches in a participatory cultural context, especially among younger Friends. It critically assesses the book’s argument, the historical pattern of attempted renewals, and the example of Freedom Friends Church, while reflecting on challenges such as declining membership and doctrinal…

  • “Remaking Friends: How Progressive Friends Changed Quakerism & Helped Save America, 1822-1940″* A Review

    This review of Chuck Fager’s *Remaking Friends* examines the historical role of the Progressive Friends, a radical nineteenth-century Quaker group influential in shaping modern liberal Quakerism. The book highlights their activism in abolition, women’s rights, and liberal theology, while also noting tensions with mainstream Hicksite Quakers and connections to Unitarian and broader reform movements. Despite…

  • “Angels of Progress: A Documentary History of the Progressive Friends: Radical Quakers in a Turbulent America”* Reviewed

    This review examines “Angels of Progress,” a documentary history of the Progressive Friends, a radical Quaker movement that emerged in the 19th century advocating social reform and a reduction of traditional church structures. The book highlights their struggles with conservative Quaker factions over abolitionism, peace testimony, and theological liberalism, while situating their influence within broader…

  • An Excerpt from Remaking Friends: How Progressive Friends Changed Quakerism & Helped Save America, 1822-1940

    This post explores the relationship between Progressive Friends, spiritualism, and social reform in the 19th century, highlighting figures like Isaac Post and Elizabeth Buffum Chace. It discusses how spiritualism provided comfort to the bereaved and aligned with the Progressive Friends’ commitment to science and social progress, despite some opposition and declining popularity after the Civil…

  • Progressive Friends: The Top Ten Reasons Why They’re The Most Interesting Quakers We Never Heard Of

    This article highlights the 19th-century Progressive Friends, an overlooked Quaker movement that revolutionized Quaker ecclesiology, championed democracy, and influenced modern liberal Quakerism. It emphasizes their roles in social reform, feminist activism, spiritualism, and interfaith cooperation, while also acknowledging their challenges and historical neglect.

  • The Battle for Battle Creek: Sectarian Competition in the Yankee West

    This article explores the history of liberal sectarianism in Battle Creek, Michigan, particularly focusing on the Hicksite Quakers and Progressive Friends in the 19th century. It highlights their influence on the city’s religious landscape, social reform movements, and the development of Seventh-Day Adventism and Battle Creek’s health and cereal industries. The article also discusses the…

  • Friends for 350 Years Howard H. Brinton. Historical update and notes by Margaret Hope Bacon.

    Reviewed by Chuck Fager There is really no honest way to say this but straight out: Except for its handsome new cover design, this reissue of Howard Brinton’s Friends for 300 Years is an utter embarrassment. For the sake of Pendle Hill’s reputation, and out of respect for Brinton’s decades of service to that institution, it ought…

  • Lucretia Mott, Liberal Quaker Theologian

    This post argues that Lucretia Mott was a pivotal figure in the creation of liberal American Quaker theology, despite her own denials of engaging in theology. It traces her theological influences, her challenges to traditional Quaker hierarchy and beliefs, and her role in the Progressive Friends movement that reshaped Quaker governance and beliefs in the…