Quaker Theology

04. History

  • Divine Protection through Extraordinary Dangers

    This post recounts the remarkable story of Jacob and Elizabeth Goff and their family’s experiences during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, highlighting their steadfast Quaker pacifism and reliance on divine protection. It details the severe trials they endured, including threats, loss, and violence, while maintaining their testimonies of peace and faith. The narrative also describes…

  • Wiliam Rotch of Nantucket A Quaker Hero

    This post recounts the life and legacy of William Rotch, a prominent Quaker businessman from Nantucket who played a significant role in the American whaling industry and Quaker culture. It highlights Rotch’s contributions during and after the Revolutionary War, including his leadership within New England Yearly Meeting and support of Quaker education.

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • Moment of Truth: Wilmington Yearly Meeting Divides over a Familiar Set of Issues

    The article details the division within Wilmington Yearly Meeting (WYM) over same-gender marriage and biblical interpretation, leading to multiple monthly meetings disaffiliating from the yearly meeting to form independent or new affiliations. It traces the historical controversies, key meetings, and the theological and organizational disputes that culminated in the 2018 separation. The piece also reflects…

  • Lucretia Mott — A Sermon

    Delivered at Yardleyville, Bucks Co., PA, September 26, 1858 by Lucretia Mott Reported Phonographically; published in The Liberator, October 29, 1858 ‘The kingdom of God is within us’, and ‘Christianity will not have performed  its office in the earth until its professors have learned to respect the rights and privileges of conscience, by a toleration…

  • “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 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…

  • 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,…

  • “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…

  • 04: Pickett vs. Chambers: A Case Study of Elite Class Power

    This article examines the conflict between Clarence E. Pickett, leader of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), and Whittaker Chambers, a Quaker who broke with communism and accused Alger Hiss of espionage. It reveals how elite Quaker power influenced public perception and internal Quaker relations, highlighting tensions between political and religious integrity within 20th-century American…

  • Lucretia Mott & The Perils of Dissent – Excerpts from James & Lucretia Mott, Life & Letters.

    This post recounts the challenges faced by Lucretia Mott and her husband James within the Quaker community due to their abolitionist and reformist stances, highlighting their experiences of exclusion, intolerance, and opposition at Quaker meetings in Ohio and Indiana. It emphasizes Mott’s unwavering commitment to justice and moral principle despite social ostracism and personal suffering.

  • Everyday/Extraordinary Resistance: Two True Stories from the Vietnam Years

    The post details two true stories of Quaker resistance during the Vietnam War era. Marion Anderson recounts her bold act of delivering anti-war literature directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while Ken Maher describes his involvement in a clandestine network helping draft evaders escape to Canada, known as the Vietnam Era Underground Railroad.

  • Resisting Oppression: Friends and the Stuart Restoration, 1660-1689

    The article explores the response of Quakers to the Stuart Restoration (1660-1689), detailing their persecution, internal organization, and evolving political engagement. It highlights key figures like George Fox, Margaret Fell, and William Penn, and traces Quakers’ efforts toward religious toleration culminating in the 1689 Act of Toleration.

  • Nixon’s First Cover-Up, The Religious Life of A Quaker President

    Nixon’s First Cover-Up, The Religious Life of A Quaker President. By H. Larry Ingle. University of Missouri, 271 pages. Reflections on a “Quaker” President Who Wasn’t Actually a Quaker By Lon Fendall [Note: This essay was originally presented to a panel at the 2015 American Academy of Religion meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.] I want to…

  • The Fearless Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist

    This article reviews Marcus Rediker’s biography of Benjamin Lay, an early Quaker abolitionist known for his radical and confrontational anti-slavery activism. It explores Lay’s challenges to slaveholding Quakers, his prophetic actions, and the complexities of his theological and intellectual influences within the Quaker tradition. The review highlights Lay’s significance in Quaker history and the ongoing…

  • Whittaker Chambers, Alger Hiss, and Quaker Leadership: A Problem for Friends

    This article explores the complex and largely overlooked Quaker identity of Whittaker Chambers, a key figure in the Alger Hiss espionage case, and the challenges he faced within the Quaker community, particularly from Clarence Pickett. Chambers’s deep Quaker faith influenced his anti-Communist testimony, yet he was marginalized by Quaker leaders due to political and theological…

  • A Godly Play Story About Tom Fox

    Today I want to tell you about a Quaker man named Tom Fox who believed in walking cheerfully over the earth answering to that of God in everyone. Tom was a dad. He had 2 children, a girl and a boy. Tom loved his children and loved being a dad. He loved to cook and…

  • Walt Whitman of the New York “Aurora:” Editor, Transcendentalist, Quaker, Perfectionist

    Mitchell Santine Gould Or rather, to be quite exact, a desire…had been flitting through my previous life Walt Whitman,“A Backwards Glance O’er Travel’d Roads” Although an origin story has always naturally been part of the biographer’s bread and butter, the field lacks its own term for this, and so we must borrow the notion of…

  • Mary Dyer Musings – A Measure of Light , A Novel by Beth Powning, and Mary’s Joy, a Play by Jeanmarie Simpson

    Jeanmarie Simpson Following a 2005 performance of my play, A Single Woman, about the life of first US Congresswoman and lifelong pacifist, Jeannette Rankin, I was approached by a Quaker woman. She was moved by my work and felt compelled to tell me about Mary Dyer, whom she described as a Quaker martyr. She thought I…

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

    The review critiques Sarah Crabtree’s book *Holy Nation*, which explores the “Zion tradition” in early Quakerism, highlighting a sense of chosenness and a unique identity akin to biblical Israel that shaped their activism and communal life. While the book’s thesis offers valuable insights into Quaker history and social reform, the reviewer points out numerous factual…

  • 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…

  • “From Personality & Place”* An Excerpt

    The article explores the intertwined themes of personalism and place in Quaker history, particularly at Pendle Hill, emphasizing community, spirituality, and social justice. It highlights significant figures like Teresina Rowell and Wilmer and Mildred Young, who embodied Quaker ideals through intentional community living, racial justice, and nonviolence amid capitalist challenges. The piece also situates Pendle…

  • 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…

  • “From Peace to Freedom: Quaker Rhetoric and the Birth of American Antislavery, 1657-1761″*

    This article reviews Brycchan Carey’s work on the early Quaker opposition to slavery in America, highlighting the significance of George Fox’s 1657 epistle as a foundational anti-slavery statement. It explores the complexity of Quaker abolitionism, including prominent figures like Anthony Benezet and John Woolman, and considers the ongoing challenges in public recognition of Quaker contributions…

  • “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…

  • “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…

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • “The Early Quakers and the Kingdom of God: Peace, Testimony and Revolution”*

    The post reviews Gerard Guiton’s book on early Quakers, critiquing his theological approach that prioritizes a static interpretation of Quaker beliefs over historical context and action. The reviewer emphasizes the need to consider evolving historical circumstances and actions in understanding Quaker pacifism and theology rather than purely theological assertions detached from historical realities.

  • “An Excerpt from Howard and Anna Brinton: Re-inventors of Quakerism In the Twentieth Century, An Interpretive Biography”*

    By Anthony Manousos Growing Up in “Brinton Country” To tell the story of the Brintons or of the Beans and the Coxes, Anna’s family, is to tell the story of Quakerism as it developed in America. Anna and Howard both took pride in the fact that they could trace their ancestry to the early days…

  • Questions for Howard: Being a Kind of Review of the New Biography of Howard & Anna Brinton

    By Chuck Fager “The time has come–indeed, it is long overdue–for a critical assessment of Howard’s major works: Friends for Three Hundred Years (1952) and Guide to Quaker Practice (1943), which continue to be best sellers among liberal Friends.” –Anthony Manousos in Howard and Anna Brinton:                                …

  • “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…

  • William Bartram: The Moral Philosophy of a Quaker Botanist

    Sarah Werner William Bartram (1739-1823) was one of the first scientists to explore the southern colonies of the United States in the 18th century. He is best known for his widely popular account of his journey, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida, the Cherokee Country, the Extensive Territories of the…

  • 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…

  • “The Evolutionary Potential of Quakerism” Revisited From Kenneth Boulding to John Bellers

    This article explores the concept of the “evolutionary potential of Quakerism,” tracing its origins from Kenneth Boulding’s 1964 lecture to the pioneering social and economic ideas of 17th-century Quaker John Bellers. It highlights Bellers’ innovative proposals for education, healthcare, social equity, and peace, situating his contributions within the broader Quaker ethos and their ongoing relevance…

  • 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…

  • “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 Psychology of Salvation: Recovering, Reframing, and Reclaiming the Early Quaker Experience

    This extensive essay explores early Quaker theology by interpreting the Quaker experience of salvation through modern psychological concepts, particularly schemas and cognitive dissonance. It emphasizes salvation as a profound inner transformation from self-centeredness to a love-centered orientation, rooted in the dynamic presence of God as life, light, and love within. The article advocates for Quaker…

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • The Catechisms of George Fox

    Why they were written in the first place, what was contained in them, what use was made of them, And what we can learn from them today By Stephen W. Angell Catechisms are out of fashion in the twenty-first century, perhaps because of a perceived rigidity or undue conformity that seems to many to be…

  • Friendly Healing in Frampton and the Forest

    The article recounts the author’s family tradition of healing and spiritual practices rooted in the Forest of Dean, blending Quaker beliefs with indigenous wisdom and mystical experiences. It highlights the significance of places like Frampton and Jubilee House as spiritual and healing spaces and reflects on the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and Quaker worship. The…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • A Great Deep: The Peace Testimony and Historical Realism

    This article critically examines the historical complexities and ambiguities surrounding the Quaker Peace Testimony, particularly through the lens of colonial Rhode Island during King Philip’s War and British Quakerism during the early 20th century. It highlights how Quaker pacifism has evolved amid internal conflicts, societal pressures, and differing interpretations, ultimately emphasizing the need for honest…

  • “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…

  • Stillness: Surrounding, Sustaining, Strengthening

    The post reflects on the theme of stillness through three vivid images: a peaceful summer afternoon at a loved one’s deathbed, the deceptive silence in Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, and the profound stillness of Jesus on the cross. It explores the spiritual dimensions and complexities of stillness in these contexts, emphasizing God’s sustaining presence…

  • Crossroads of Western Quakerism in Africa

    The article explores the historical and theological journey of Western Quakerism’s introduction to East Africa, highlighting the complexities of missionary efforts led by Arthur Chilson and his colleagues. It contrasts African indigenous spirituality, rich with Trinitarian concepts, with Western missionary theology, noting the cultural and religious transformations imposed on African communities. The lasting impact of…

  • War in the Social Order: the Great War and the Liberalization of American Quakerism

    This article explores how the Great War catalyzed the liberalization and social activism of American Quakerism, particularly among Philadelphia Orthodox Friends. It highlights the role of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and progressive Quaker businessmen in reconnecting modern Quakers with their historic pacifist and reformist roots, leading to a broader engagement with social justice,…

  • Growing Up Plain, Conservative Quakerism

    This post reviews Wilmer Cooper’s memoir, “Growing Up Plain,” which reflects on his childhood experience within the declining Wilburite Conservative Quaker tradition. It highlights the culture of strictness, anti-intellectualism, and austere lifestyle that led Cooper to leave this insular community in pursuit of education and broader engagement with the world. The post contrasts Wilburite decline…

  • Editor’s Introduction #3 — Notes on Contributors

    This post introduces an issue focused on learning Quaker theology through recent history, highlighting contributions from both Quaker and non-Quaker scholars. It features reflections on the intersection of Quaker and Unitarian-Universalist thought, insights into influential Quaker figures like Rufus Jones and Caroline Stephen, and explores the origins of modern liberal Quakerism.

  • George Fox Among Christian Mystics

    This article explores George Fox as a Christian mystic in the context of Catholic mystical tradition, comparing his experiences and theology with notable mystics and critiquing him from Catholic and Anglican perspectives. It highlights Fox’s emphasis on the Inner Light, his restlessness as an itinerant preacher, and his tenacity in pursuing a spiritual kingdom grounded…

  • 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…

  • The Case Against the Richmond Declaration

    The article presents a detailed critique of the Richmond Declaration of Faith, emphasizing that it was created by a non-representative group and has been a source of division within Quakerism since its inception. It argues that the Declaration poorly represents Quaker faith, was often misused as a creed to exclude others, and remains largely irrelevant…

  • Sense and Sensibilities: Quaker Bispirituality Today

    The article explores the historical and theological tensions within Quakerism, particularly between evangelical and liberal traditions, likening these conflicts to biblical interactions and early Christian debates. It advocates for a “bispiritual” Quakerism that embraces respectful coexistence and complementary differences among diverse beliefs and identities in a postmodern context. The piece highlights the need for mutual…

  • Landmark: Manchester 1895

    The 1895 Manchester Conference marked a pivotal moment in British Quaker history, showcasing a rising liberal movement challenging evangelical doctrines and emphasizing a more progressive, intellectual approach to faith and scripture. The conference highlighted tensions over biblical authority, worship styles, gender roles, and class distinctions within Quakerism, setting the stage for ongoing internal conflicts and…

  • The Exposition of Sentiments, 1853

    The 1853 “Exposition of Sentiments” by the Pennsylvania Yearly Meeting of Progressive Friends outlines a foundational vision for liberal Quakerism, emphasizing individual conscience over ecclesiastical authority, the rejection of rigid dogma, and active social reform. The document critiques traditional church structures and calls for a religious association grounded in practical goodness, inclusivity, and moral responsibility.

  • “George Fox” Speaks

    This post presents a spiritual communication attributed to George Fox, emphasizing the need for progressive spiritual growth and the dangers of rigid sectarianism within Christianity. It highlights Fox’s vision of embracing love and mercy over strict doctrinal adherence and encourages continuous personal and spiritual development.

  • Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers

    The Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers, spanning 1817 to 1918, detail their extensive involvement in 19th-century social reform movements including abolitionism, women’s rights, and spiritualism. The Posts, Hicksite Quakers and active reformers, utilized their home as an Underground Railroad station and were key figures connecting notable activists such as Frederick Douglass and Susan B.…

  • 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…

  • Inventory of the William Rotch Papers

    This post provides an inventory and detailed biographical background of the William Rotch Papers, which document his life as a prominent Quaker shipowner and his involvement in the whaling industry during the American Revolution and beyond. It highlights Rotch’s commitment to Quaker pacifism, his navigation through political and business challenges, and his contributions to historical…