Early Quaker History Spanning Centuries
Explores themes and developments in early Quaker history that extend across several centuries, including changes in belief, religious authority, community life, and social witness. Brings together studies that connect periods and trace enduring tensions, offering a broader view of how Quaker traditions developed over time.
See References:
350 of the Society of Friends in North America, 1661 to 2011
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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.
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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…
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“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…
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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.
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“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…
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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…
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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…
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“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.
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“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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…