Quaker Theology

03. Theology

  • Theology & Peace Witness by Chuck Fager

    This post is a detailed letter about the unique theological and practical challenges faced by the Director of Quaker House at Fayetteville-Fort Bragg, a peace witness mission operating within a military culture. It explores the enduring military-industrial complex as a pervasive spiritual and cultural influence, the isolation experienced by peace activists, and the need for…

  • From “The Church, the Draft Board, and Me” by George Amoss, Jr.

    This article recounts George Amoss Jr.’s journey from his early years as a Catholic seminarian faced with moral and institutional failures to his evolving pacifist stance during the Vietnam War draft. It culminates in his transition to Quakerism, where he finds a faith centered on direct spiritual experience, love, and social witness without reliance on…

  • Editor’s Introduction by Chuck Fager

    The post introduces a diverse range of Quaker theological topics, including the unique collaboration with Evangelical Friends, narrative theologies from the Vietnam War era, and the unexplored legacy of Quaker involvement with the Ku Klux Klan, particularly focusing on Daisy Douglas Barr. It also features reflections on Quaker peace witness efforts and the political thought…

  • Friends General Conference, Founding Gathering

    This post presents the foundational philosophy and theology behind the founding of the Friends General Conference, emphasizing the Quaker belief in the Inner Light and the individual’s direct relationship with the Divine. It contrasts early Quaker theology with the Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian traditions, highlighting Quakerism’s focus on personal spiritual experience, individual responsibility, and…

  • Joel & Hannah Bean — Reluctant Rebels

    The post chronicles the lives and influence of Joel and Hannah Bean, who became foundational figures in modern liberal Quakerism by resisting revivalist holiness movements in 19th-century Iowa and preserving traditional Quaker beliefs like the universal Inner Light and unprogrammed worship. Their legacy includes the establishment of the College Park Meeting and the shaping of…

  • Hannah Barnard — a Liberal Quaker Hero

    The post recounts the life and ministry of Hannah Barnard, a bold and assertive female minister in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, who championed liberal Quaker theology and challenged orthodox evangelical authority, particularly on scriptural interpretation and the peace testimony. Despite being disowned for her views, Barnard remained influential as a pioneer of…

  • “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…

  • FGC’s “Uniform Discipline” Rediscovered

    This post explores the rediscovery and significance of the Friends General Conference’s (FGC) 1926 “Uniform Discipline,” a document intended to unify practices among its Yearly Meetings that nonetheless fell into obscurity. It highlights the Discipline’s emphasis on individual spiritual guidance, congregational polity, the elimination of recorded ministers, and a non-creedal theological outlook that marked a…

  • The Trouble With “Ministers”

    The article explores the historical and contemporary debates surrounding the revival of recorded ministry among liberal unprogrammed Friends. It highlights the problematic two-tier system that once existed, where ministers and elders held control and privilege, and warns against repeating this hierarchical structure. The author calls for a thoughtful, historically informed approach that upholds equality and…

  • Beyond the Age of Amnesia

    This article examines the historical development and theological evolution of 20th-century liberal Quakerism, highlighting the overlooked influence of the Progressive Friends movement. It discusses how Progressive Friends challenged traditional Quaker ecclesiology and hierarchy, emphasizing individual conscience, democratic congregationalism, and social reform, while also noting their complex relationship with Spiritualism. The piece calls for renewed scholarly…

  • Friends as a “Chosen People”

    The article explores the concept of Quakers as a “chosen people,” tracing its biblical roots and its evolving meaning within Quaker theology and history. It examines the tensions between particularism and universalism in the idea of chosenness, and emphasizes the importance of heritage, story-telling, and wise witness in nurturing Quaker identity and mission.

  • The Separation Generation

    This post examines a series of recent splits in American Quaker yearly meetings, driven largely by conflicts over LGBT inclusion and theological differences between evangelical and liberal Friends. It details the controversies and expulsions in several yearly meetings including Indiana, Northwest, North Carolina, and Wilmington, highlighting how disagreements over scripture interpretation and affirmation of LGBT…

  • Back From The Brink: North Carolina Yearly Meeting Says No To A Split

    The North Carolina Yearly Meeting (NCYM) recently decided against splitting over longstanding tensions between evangelical and liberal meetings, choosing instead to reorganize with subgroups under one umbrella. This decision ends a two-year purge effort and opens the possibility for future peaceful coexistence, although challenges such as declining youth participation and ongoing theological diversity remain. The…

  • “Our Life is Love: The Quaker Spiritual Journey”* A Review

    The review discusses Marcelle Martin’s book *Our Life is Love: The Quaker Spiritual Journey*, which explores ten key elements in Quaker spiritual life, drawing from both historical and contemporary Quaker experiences. The reviewer appreciates the book’s inclusivity and potential to stimulate meaningful discussions but notes its limited treatment of early Friends’ complexities, internal conflicts, and…

  • “Quiet Heroes: A Century of American Quakers’ Love and Help for the Japanese and Japanese-American”* A Review

    The article reviews “Quiet Heroes,” a book highlighting the century-long efforts of American Quakers who ministered to and advocated for Japanese and Japanese-Americans, particularly those interned during World War II. It details key figures like Herbert Nicholson and Esther Rhoads, Quaker missionaries and activists who provided support during internment, and explores the broader history of…

  • The Death of Peg Morton: A View from Eugene Friends Meeting

    The post recounts the last public gathering of Peg Morton at Eugene Friends Meeting, where she announced her decision to willingly end her life by fasting, framing it as both a personal and political act rooted in her long history of activism and Quaker beliefs. It also chronicles her life journey, including her struggles with…

  • The Still Small Voice in the Wilderness: The Treatment of Silence in Two Abolitionist Quaker Narratives—Tracy Chevalier’s The Last Runaway and Linda Spalding’s The Purchase

    This post reviews Tracy Chevalier’s *The Last Runaway* and Linda Spalding’s *The Purchase*, exploring how both novels challenge prevailing myths about Quaker abolitionism by portraying complex Quaker characters grappling with slavery, silence, and spirituality. It examines the theological foundations of Quaker silence and Inner Light, showing how the characters’ struggles reflect human flaws and theological…

  • “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.

  • Rufus Jones and the Laymen’s Foreign Missions Inquiry: How a Quaker Helped to Shape Modern Ecumenical Christianity

    This detailed essay explores Rufus M. Jones’s influential role in the Laymen’s Foreign Missions Inquiry of 1932, which marked a shift in Protestant missionary thought. Jones advocated for a humble, service-oriented approach that sought mutual respect and learning between Christianity and non-Christian religions, challenging traditional missionary zeal. The report, though praised for its progressive views,…

  • Reflecting Theologically from the Gathered Meeting: The Nature and Origin of Quaker Theology

    This article explores the nature and origin of Quaker theology as an experiential, relational, and socially transformative practice rooted in inwardness and communal silence. It emphasizes that Quaker theology differs from systematic theology by focusing on life, spiritual experience, and social justice rather than rigid doctrines, highlighting the gathered meeting as a central context for…

  • “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…

  • “Ham Sok Hon: Voice of the People and Pioneer of Religious Pluralism in Twentieth Century Korea; Biography of a Korean Quaker”* A Review

    This article reviews a biography of Ham Sok Hon, a Korean Quaker known for his spiritual quest and opposition to multiple oppressive regimes in twentieth-century Korea. Despite personal hardships and political imprisonments, Ham’s work emphasized religious pluralism, spiritual freedom, and a universalist approach to faith, combining elements from Christianity, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. His life…

  • Context/Content/Community: Teaching Interfaith Dialogue as a Quaker

    This article explores teaching interfaith dialogue through a Quaker lens, emphasizing practices such as peace testimony, lived experience, universal grace, and the use of silence for discernment. It discusses challenges faced in interfaith engagement and how Quaker principles foster respectful understanding, empathy, and community among diverse religious traditions. The article highlights the importance of “paying…

  • Feeling Light Within: Peg Morton Remembered For The Way She Lived and Died

    Peg Morton, a dedicated Quaker activist known for her political engagement and spiritual life, chose to end her life through fasting as a conscious and spiritual decision. Her life was marked by a commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity with oppressed peoples, and she remained hopeful about a growing global spirit of nonviolent change until…

  • Reflection on Peg Morton

    The post reflects on the experience of dying with dignity through the story of Peg Morton, a Quaker who chose to accept death on her own terms rather than pursuing prolonged medical interventions. It contrasts the natural process of dying with society’s tendency to resist it through technology, emphasizing the importance of teaching how to…

  • “One Yellow Door: A Memoir of Love and Loss, Faith and Infidelity”* A Review

    This post reviews Rebecca de Saintonge’s memoir detailing her journey through her husband’s struggle with Lewy Body Dementia, which profoundly challenged her conventional Christian beliefs and inspired a search for a deeper, more authentic spirituality. The memoir explores themes of suffering, love, loss, and spiritual transformation, culminating in her eventual finding a religious home among…

  • 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…

  • Encounters from Beyond Quakerism, Belief in Extraterrestrials And the Boundaries of Liberal Religion

    This article explores the Friends Committee on Outworld Relations (FCOR), a small Quaker group from the 1990s dedicated to facilitating friendly communication with extraterrestrials, and the challenges it faced within the liberal Quaker community. Despite Quakerism’s openness to diverse theological views, FCOR’s belief in empirical alien visitation and the desire to engage with extraterrestrials was…

  • Excerpt from: “Holy Nation: The Transatlantic Quaker Ministry in an Age of Revolution”*

    This article explores how the Society of Friends (Quakers) positioned themselves as a “holy nation,” emphasizing a theological identity that transcended geopolitical boundaries and nation-states in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It highlights their refusal to participate in nationalist demands such as military service and loyalty oaths, their active peace witness, and their establishment of…

  • Quaker Theology is not Explained by Apocalyptic Expectation and Delay

    This article critiques Douglas Gwyn’s thesis that Quaker theology originates from an imminent apocalyptic expectation, arguing that Gwyn confuses Pentecostal spiritual experience with the actual Christian apocalypse. It challenges Pink Dandelion’s endtime/meantime dynamic for explaining Quaker theological shifts, proposing instead that Quaker history is shaped by enduring tensions between spiritual unity and doctrinal tests rather…

  • A Review, “Personality and Place, the Life & Times of Pendle Hill”

    This review examines Doug Gwyn’s book on the history and theological evolution of Pendle Hill, a key Quaker institution, highlighting its transition from a vibrant educational and prophetic center to a financially struggling retreat focused on personal spirituality and ecology. The review emphasizes Pendle Hill’s shift away from academic rigor and social activism toward inwardness…

  • “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…

  • Response: Forgiveness and Letting-Go: An Inter-Religious and Internal Dialogue Sallie B. King

    This article explores forgiveness and letting-go through the lens of Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism, especially in the context of mass trauma such as the Cambodian Holocaust. It highlights differing religious responses, including Buddhist “letting go,” Christian forgiveness, and the Jewish principle of “never forget,” while also discussing trauma healing practices informed by modern psychology and…

  • Love and Peace in Cuba Today From the Perspective of a Quaker

    This post is a deeply reflective essay by a Cuban Quaker poet, Julio Antonio Cuesta Martínez, translated by Stephen W. Angell. It explores the spiritual, social, and economic challenges faced by Cubans today, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and faith in Christ amidst external and internal hardships including economic blockade, societal stagnation, and personal…

  • Varieties of Interpretation of Francis Howgill’s Works: Apocalypse, Light and Convincement in Tension

    This article examines Francis Howgill, an early Quaker leader and preacher, highlighting his intense apocalyptic theological vision and how his works have been variously interpreted and edited through Quaker history. It explores Howgill’s original apocalyptic framework in the context of 17th-century political turmoil, and how later Quaker editors adapted or suppressed this aspect to fit…

  • “Following Jesus: The Heart of Faith and Practice”* A Review

    This review critiques Paul Anderson’s book *Following Jesus: The Heart of Faith and Practice* for its attempt to merge Evangelical Christianity with early Quakerism, ultimately arguing that it reduces spiritual experience to scriptural interpretation rather than immediate guidance by the Spirit. The review highlights Anderson’s reliance on textual authority and traditional criteria for discernment, contrasting…

  • “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…

  • The Fall of Man

    Angelina Grimké challenges the traditional Christian doctrine of the “Fall of Man,” arguing that humans are not inherently sinful but are progressing through natural stages of moral and intellectual development. She sees evil and moral friction as necessary for growth and insists that God’s nature as love and benevolence is incompatible with the idea of…

  • “Let the holy seed of life reign” Perfection, Pelagianism, and the early Friends

    This article explores the early Friends’ theological stance on sinless perfection, contrasting it with Pelagianism and Augustinian doctrines. It argues that early Quakers, including George Fox, Robert Barclay, and William Penn, advocated a “third way” that affirms human depravity alongside divine grace and human responsibility, articulated through the concept of two seeds—the fallen human will…

  • Separation Accomplished: New Beginnings for a New Association of Friends and a “Reconfigured” Indiana Yearly Meeting

    This detailed article examines the 2013 separation and “reconfiguration” of Indiana Yearly Meeting (IYM), which resulted in the establishment of the New Association of Friends and a smaller, reconfigured IYM. The division was largely driven by disagreements over Biblical authority, homosexuality, and yearly meeting authority, with both groups expressing relief and a hope for future…

  • A Letter re: Kenya Quakers & Homosexuality

    This article discusses the complex and controversial issue of homosexuality within the Quaker community in Kenya, highlighting cultural, gender, and leadership dynamics that influence acceptance and policy. It emphasizes the tension between official church stances and grassroots opinions, noting opportunities for dialogue and the importance of supportive engagement rather than missionary approaches.

  • “The Oxford Handbook of Quaker Studies”*

    The post is a detailed review of “The Oxford Handbook of Quaker Studies,” critiquing its high cost, Euro-American focus, and mixed scholarly content while highlighting valuable chapters and suggesting ways to improve accessibility through open access publishing. It addresses the complexities and contradictions within Quaker history, theology, and practice presented in the book, alongside underrepresented…

  • “Quakers & Homosexuality Press Statement,” from Friends Church Kenya

    The article centers on the 2012 press statement by Friends Church Kenya (FCK) condemning homosexuality as sinful and contrary to Quaker and Biblical teachings. It presents extensive background on the legal and social context of anti-LGBT laws and attitudes in Kenya and much of Africa, including influences of U.S. conservative Christian groups. The article also…

  • 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…

  • “A Peace of Africa, Reflections on Life In The Great Lakes Region”

    This article reviews David Zarembka’s book *A Peace of Africa*, highlighting his journey from conventional international development work to grassroots Quaker peacebuilding in East Africa’s Great Lakes region. It explores the challenges of ethnic conflict, corruption, and NGO inefficacy in Africa, emphasizing Zarembka’s commitment to honest, community-rooted peacemaking and social entrepreneurship. The review also reflects…

  • “Three Hundred Fifty Years of the Society of Friends in North America: 1661-2011″*

    This post reviews Geoffrey Kaiser’s comprehensive chart depicting 350 years of Quaker history in North America, highlighting the complex schisms primarily between evangelical and liberal Friends. Kaiser, influenced by Robert Barclay’s theology, emphasizes the universality of the Inner Light and explores ongoing theological and social tensions within Quakerism, including acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. The chart…

  • Beyond Liberalism: Rufus Jones and Thomas Kelly in the History of Liberal Religion

    The article explores the lives and theology of Rufus Jones and Thomas Kelly, highlighting their unique blend of mysticism and social activism in the context of early 20th-century liberal Quakerism. It examines their theological contributions, personal struggles, and their impact on religious liberalism, emphasizing their radical departures from mainstream liberal thought and their deep devotional…

  • Christianity and War, and Other Essays Against the Warfare State.

    This post reviews Laurence M. Vance’s book *Christianity and War, and Other Essays Against the Warfare State*, which critiques the deep entanglement of American evangelical Christianity with militarism. Vance argues from an orthodox, fundamentalist perspective against the theological justifications for U.S. wars, exposing “American War Christianity” as a dangerous and idolatrous mindset that conflates national…

  • An Excerpt from “Christianity and War:” Are You a Christian Warmonger?

    This post critiques the justification of the Iraq War by some Christians who use Scripture to endorse violence and war. It includes a self-assessment test designed to reveal the extent to which a Christian may support war and militarism, challenging readers to reconsider their beliefs about Christianity and violence.

  • The Retention of Young People by the Quakers and the Amish

    This article compares the retention of young people and preservation of cultural distinctiveness between Quakers and Amish communities. It explores the sociological, historical, and cultural factors influencing why the Amish have maintained higher retention rates and a strong cultural identity, while Quakers have experienced decline and cultural assimilation. The analysis highlights differences in community boundaries,…

  • Excerpt from “To Change The World”*

    The article discusses the challenges of effecting lasting cultural change through religious revival, social reform, or political victories alone. It highlights how deep cultural systems shape society’s values and how even well-intentioned movements may have unintended or limited outcomes. Drawing on historical examples, it underscores the complexity and resistance of culture to transformation.

  • Postscript: Allen Jay on the Spirit of Separation

    The article highlights Allen Jay’s role as a peacemaker among divided Quaker groups in the nineteenth century. Jay emphasized the futility of separation over doctrinal differences and advocated for unity and mutual respect among Friends. His reflections provide insight into the negative impact of divisions on the Quaker community and the importance of love and…

  • The Quest for an Authentic French Quakerism: A Conversation with Jeanne-Henriette Louis

    This article is an in-depth conversation with Jeanne-Henriette Louis about her academic journey and her discovery of Quakerism, particularly within the French context. It explores the history of French Quakers, their connections to Protestant pacifism, and the challenges and hopes for establishing an authentic and indigenous French Quakerism today.

  • 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.

  • 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.…

  • “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…

  • Update & Preview Philip Gulley, Western Yearly Meeting, And An Excerpt from His Forthcoming Book

    This post discusses the controversy surrounding Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor whose universalist theology led to attempts to revoke his ministerial credentials within Western Yearly Meeting. Gulley critiques traditional Christian worship’s focus on Jesus’ divinity, arguing instead for seeing Jesus as a model for living whose teachings emphasize compassion and service rather than theological orthodoxy.

  • The Quaker Enterprise of Metaphor

    This article explores the use of metaphor in early Quaker theology, particularly focusing on the central metaphors of Light and Seed. It examines how these metaphors conveyed complex spiritual experiences, shaped Quaker identity, and distinguished their thinking from other Christian traditions, while also discussing the challenges and evolution of metaphorical usage in Quaker history.

  • Response to Thomas Hamm: Holiness 2.5 Cheers

    Carole Dale Spencer responds to Thomas Hamm’s critique of the Quaker Holiness Movement, emphasizing the important but under-recognized role of Hannah Whitall Smith in promoting a more classical, inclusive, and mystical conception of holiness within Quakerism. Spencer contrasts Smith’s approach with more radical revivalists who led to division, and highlights the broader spiritual and historical…

  • Thomas Hamm Response to “Holiness, The Soul of Quakerism”*

    Thomas Hamm offers a detailed critique and response to Carole Spencer’s book “Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism,” agreeing that holiness was central to early Quakerism but challenging some of Spencer’s portrayals of the 19th-century holiness revival among Quakers. He highlights the complexity of the movement, the diversity of participants, and debates over theology, particularly regarding…

  • “Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism”*

    The post reviews Carole Dale Spencer’s book “Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism,” which argues that holiness is the key to understanding early Quakerism and its theology. The reviewer critiques Spencer’s thesis as overly self-justifying and questions her conflation of mysticism with holiness, while acknowledging the book’s ambitious scope and contributions to Quaker historiography.

  • “Seeking Paradise: The Spirit of the Shaker”* Reviewed

    This post reviews “Seeking Paradise: The Spirit of the Shaker,” a book exploring Thomas Merton’s meditations on Shaker life, craftsmanship, and spirituality. It highlights the Shakers’ integration of faith with practical work and their influence on Merton’s understanding of monastic simplicity, paradise consciousness, and the relationship between faith and manual labor. The review also considers…

  • Silence in Heaven: The Revelation to John Woolman

    The post explores John Woolman’s mystical vision and its theological implications, emphasizing his insights into social injustice, the redemptive power of prayer, and the spiritual safety found in inward quietness amid worldly turmoil. It highlights his integration of biblical imagery from Revelation and other scriptures to call Friends to faithful witness and resistance against oppression.…

  • The Spiritual Similarities of Quaker Silence and Pentecostal Glossolalia in Worship

    This article explores the spiritual similarities between Quaker silence and Pentecostal glossolalia as distinct means of worship both aiming for direct experience and guidance from the Spirit. It highlights four key shared aspects: direct divine experience, the sovereignty of the Spirit in worship, mutual edification of self and others, and the limitations and challenges of…

  • Opening the Scriptures, Then and Now

    This article explores the historical and contemporary interpretations of the Bible within the Religious Society of Friends, highlighting tensions between mystical, inward readings and more literal, evangelical approaches. It traces key developments from George Fox’s seventeenth-century Spirit-led understandings through eighteenth- and nineteenth-century debates, including Joseph John Gurney’s evangelical influence, and reflects on current Quaker disputes…

  • A Quaker Perspective on the Qur’an and the Bible

    This article explores Quaker perspectives on the Bible and the Qur’an, highlighting their shared Abrahamic heritage and the importance of scriptural literacy for fostering interfaith dialogue and peace. It examines differing Quaker views on scripture and other religions, controversies about the composition and canonization of these texts, and the complex role of scripture in justifying…

  • “Restless Souls: The Making of American Spirituality”* A Review

    This article is a detailed review of Leigh E. Schmidt’s book “Restless Souls: The Making of American Spirituality,” which explores the evolution and complexities of American spirituality, emphasizing its roots in Protestant individualism and its impact on Quaker thought in the 20th century. The review highlights key figures like Rufus Jones and Thomas Kelly, the…

  • “The Trouble with God: Building the Republic of Heaven”* A Review

    The review discusses David Boulton’s exploration of God as a necessary fictional story that societies and individuals cannot do without, even for non-theists. Boulton’s concept of a “Republic of Heaven” highlights God as a symbolic embodiment of human values, with historical roots in radical figures like Gerrard Winstanley. The reviewer contrasts Boulton’s view with the…

  • “Putting the Bible into Perspective: Hicksites and the Theological Treatment of the Bible in Progressive Reform”

    This article explores the Hicksite schism’s impact on Progressive Quaker women’s theological freedom, particularly regarding the interpretation of the Bible. It highlights how figures like Hannah Barnard, Elias Hicks, and Lucretia Mott challenged traditional views of biblical authority, emphasizing the primacy of the “inner light” over scripture, especially in social reform movements like abolition and…

  • The Baptisms of John and Jesus: An Exegesis of John 1:19-34

    The article examines the unique Quaker rejection of water baptism through an exegesis of John 1:19-34, highlighting early Friends’ emphasis on spiritual baptism over ritualistic water baptism. It also explores the Fourth Gospel’s theological perspective, its differences from the Synoptic Gospels, and the role of Scripture and the Holy Spirit in Quaker faith and biblical…

  • “Godless For God’s Sake: Nontheism In Contemporary Quakerism”* — A Review

    This review praises “Godless For God’s Sake,” a book by Quaker non-theists, for its thoughtful and challenging theological reflections within Quakerism. It highlights the deep history of non-theist and humanist thought among Quakers and calls for acceptance and dialogue rather than rejection of such perspectives within the Society of Friends.

  • “Wrestling With Our Faith Tradition”* A Review

    The post reviews Lloyd Lee Wilson’s book on Conservative Quakerism, critiquing his portrayal of a “classic Quaker tradition” that blends traditional Quaker beliefs with various modern spiritual ideas. The review highlights Wilson’s overly individualistic peace testimony, problematic biblical interpretations, and an unacknowledged history of communal oversight’s oppressive potential, while cautioning against his dismissive stance toward…

  • Apocalypse – Later*

    The post discusses Licia Kuenning’s failed prophecy that Farmington, Maine would transform into the New Jerusalem on June 6, 2006. Despite the prophecy not occurring as predicted, Kuenning maintains her sense of divine inspiration while acknowledging possible mistakes in the timing of the prophecy. The article explores the nature of revelation, prophecy, and the interpretation…

  • Historical and Theological Origins of Assemblies of God Pacifism

    This article explores the historical and theological roots of pacifism in the Assemblies of God, highlighting the significant influence of Quaker principles and figures such as Arthur Sidney Booth-Clibborn and Hannah Whitall Smith. It traces the evolution from early absolute pacifism, rooted in a restorationist and radical Christian ethic, to a later shift allowing freedom…

  • “America’s Providential History, Including Biblical Principles of Education, Government, Politics, Economics, and Family Life,”* A Review

    This article is a critical review of the book “America’s Providential History,” which presents a conservative Christian interpretation of American history grounded in biblical providence. The reviewer highlights numerous factual inaccuracies, ideological biases, and poor scholarship within the book, noting its distortion of historical events, misuse of quotes, and one-sided political agenda. The work is…

  • “Farmington! Farmington!” A Review*

    This review critically examines Licia Kuenning’s prophecy novel “Farmington! Farmington!” which claims Christ dictated the text and foretells a divine transformation of Farmington, Maine in 2006. The reviewer highlights the novel’s universalist theology, its divergence from traditional Quaker beliefs, personal biases of the author, and parallels with historical mediumistic phenomena, concluding skepticism about its prophetic…

  • 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…

  • The Journeyman – The Making of a Muslim Quaker

    This article recounts Brent Miller-White’s spiritual journey from liberal Protestant Christianity through Quakerism to Islam, highlighting his evolving understanding and appreciation of Jesus and peace across faiths. It explores his experiences in the Middle East, the influence of Sufism, and his integration of Quaker and Muslim practices, emphasizing universal spirituality and coexistence. The narrative also…

  • Lucretia Mott, Liberal Quaker Theologian

    The article argues that Lucretia Mott, despite her own denials, was a pioneering liberal Quaker theologian whose theological ideas and activism helped reshape American Quakerism in the 19th century. Influenced by Unitarian thinkers and Progressive Friends, she challenged traditional Quaker hierarchy and doctrines, advocating for internal reform and a more rational, humanist faith that emphasized…

  • Messiahs of Every Age: A Theological Basis of Nineteenth-Century Social Reform

    This article explores Lucretia Mott’s theology as the foundation for her active participation in nineteenth-century social reform movements. It highlights her belief in the Inner Light as a source of truth, her eschatological vision of the kingdom of God as present and attainable through justice, and her distinctive christology emphasizing Jesus’ humanity and faith rather…

  • Nimrod and the Tower of Babel: Genesis 10-11 in Seventeenth-Century Quaker Writings

    This article explores how Seventeenth-century Quakers interpreted the biblical narrative of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, emphasizing the theme of confusion and tyranny associated with Babel and Nimrod. It discusses how early Friends saw Babel as symbolic of spiritual and social confusion caused by human pride and disobedience, contrasting the original spiritual language of…

  • The Church: Called, Gathered, and Faithful

    This article is a detailed response from Friends United Meeting to the World Council of Churches’ 1998 study on the nature and purpose of the Church, emphasizing Quaker theological perspectives. It discusses key differences Quakers have with traditional Christian practices such as water baptism, sacraments, and ordained ministry while affirming the central role of the…

  • “If Grace Be True: Why God Will Save Every Person*” and “A Treatise on Atonement*” Reviewed

    This post reviews the controversial universalist theology presented by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland, who argue that God will ultimately save every person, challenging traditional orthodox views of atonement and eternal punishment. It also discusses Hosea Ballou’s earlier similar universalist ideas, contrasts them with historic Christian doctrines of atonement, and reflects on the theological and…

  • Reviews: “A Stone Bridge North,” by Kate Maloy & “Driving By Moonlight” by Kristin Henderson*

    This article reviews two memoirs by Quaker women that offer deeply personal and contrasting insights into Quaker faith and life amid historical events. Kate Maloy’s “A Stone Bridge North” reflects a serene rediscovery of faith before 9/11, while Kristin Henderson’s “Driving By Moonlight” wrestles with faith and the peace testimony in the turbulent aftermath of…

  • Quaker History & Theology: Three Interviews

    This post presents interviews with three scholars exploring various dimensions of Quaker history and theology. Thomas Hamm discusses contemporary American Quakerism’s diversity and challenges; Thomas Kennedy examines theological shifts and institutional changes within British Quakerism from 1860-1920; and Erin Bell investigates editorial changes in early Quaker writings and their implications for understanding Quaker history and…

  • A Quaker in a Material World: A Materialist Perspective

    The article explores the compatibility of materialism, which views reality as solely physical and deterministic, with Quaker beliefs and practices. It argues that materialists can live meaningful, ethical lives aligned with Quaker values without traditional theistic beliefs, and advocates for greater inclusion and outreach to materialists within the Religious Society of Friends. The author emphasizes…

  • Milton Mayer, Quaker Hedgehog

    This article profiles Milton Mayer, a twentieth-century Quaker and writer known for his critique of state authority and individual corruption. Mayer’s major work, *They Thought They Were Free*, examines the gradual acquiescence of ordinary Germans to Nazism, highlighting the importance of early resistance to institutional power. His lifelong commitment to moral individualism and opposition to…

  • Review: “A Catholic’s Journey through Quakerism*

    This article reviews Irene Lape’s book, “Leadings: A Catholic’s Journey through Quakerism,” which explores her spiritual pilgrimage from Catholicism through Quakerism and back to a renewed appreciation of both traditions. It discusses her integration of Quaker spirituality, Scripture, and continuing revelation with Catholic sacramentality and tradition, highlighting her critique of contemporary Quakerism and her grounding…

  • The Making of “The Tree Of Life” in Indigenous Mexican Beliefs

    The article recounts the author’s journey of making a film about the Totonac indigenous Mexican ritual known as the Voladores dance, its deep symbolic meaning rooted in Mesoamerican beliefs, and the connections to Quaker spirituality and intuition. The author reflects on the interplay between indigenous cosmology, Christian influences, and personal spiritual experiences, highlighting the transformative…

  • From Reason to Truth to Mystery: An Odyssey to Orthodoxy

    The article traces the author’s spiritual journey from a Presbyterian, reason-based faith through Evangelical Quakerism’s commitment to truth, culminating in a conversion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity that embraces mystery, incarnation, and liturgical worship. The author reflects on the challenges modern technology poses to ethics and peace, arguing for a sacred vision of all life that…

  • Herrymon Maurer and the Tao of Quakerism

    The article explores Herrymon Maurer’s unique contribution to Quaker thought through his translation and commentary on the Tao Te Ching, connecting Taoism with Quaker prophetic traditions. It details his life, struggles with alcoholism, and the spiritual insights that emphasized universal truth, non-violence, and liberation from ego. Herrymon’s work offers a profound synthesis of Eastern and…

  • Friends’ Theological Heritage: From Seventeenth-Century Quietists to A Guide to True Peace Though Silent Worship

    This article explores the historical and theological connection between Quaker silent worship and the seventeenth-century Catholic Quietist movement, focusing on the influence of mystics Fénelon, Guyon, and Molinos. It highlights how their writings, particularly compiled in “A Guide to True Peace,” shaped Quaker contemplative prayer and spirituality, emphasizing themes such as divine love, inner prayer,…

  • “Condition” in Quaker Theology and George Fox

    This article explores the concept of “condition” in Quaker theology as experienced by George Fox, emphasizing the universal human struggle with ego and false authority that obscures true spiritual reality. It argues that recognizing and transforming this condition through inward spiritual experience is central to authentic Quaker faith and practice. The author encourages modern Quakers…

  • Shaggy Locks & Birkenstocks

    This article explores the evolution of American liberal Quaker attitudes toward George Fox, highlighting the tension between psychic, mystic, and skeptic perspectives since the mid-19th century. It critiques the dismissal of traditional theology within liberal Friends, traces key scholarly contributions challenging this trend, and emphasizes the ongoing need to reassess Fox’s legacy in light of…

  • Ham Sok Hon: “Voice of the People and Pioneer of Religious Pluralism in Twentieth Century Korea;” Biography of a Korean Quaker.*

    This article reviews the biography of Ham Sok Hon, a Korean Quaker and religious pluralist who resisted various oppressive regimes throughout twentieth-century Korea. Ham’s life was marked by repeated imprisonment due to his spiritual quest for inner freedom and his advocacy for Korean identity and democracy, leaving a lasting influence on Korean dissidents and society.…

  • “Catechism and Confession of Faith,”* by Robert Barclay, A Review

    This post reviews the modern English edition of Robert Barclay’s 1673 work, “A Catechism and Confession of Faith,” highlighting its role in providing systematic scriptural guidance relevant to early Friends and contemporary seekers alike. It discusses the structure of the catechism, its scriptural bases, and editorial choices about biblical translations while emphasizing the book’s value…