Quaker Theology

Issue #19, Spring-Summer 2011

Examines Quaker vitality, institutional conflict, and the preservation of religious identity. Its contributors revisit the “evolutionary potential” of Quakerism through the socially innovative visions of Kenneth Boulding and John Bellers, while a comparison with Amish communities asks why Friends have struggled to retain young people and maintain a distinctive culture. The continuing conflict within Indiana Yearly Meeting over LGBTQ inclusion exposes tensions involving scriptural interpretation, institutional authority, and the threat of division. Reviews of Maurice Creasey’s theology and Mother Teresa’s troubled spiritual life explore questions of faith, doubt, suffering, poverty, and religious witness. Together, the issue asks whether Quakerism can renew its social imagination and communal strength while navigating profound theological and cultural disagreements.

  • Editor’s Introduction, #19

    Does it mean that Quaker Theology has “arrived” when it becomes part of the opening prayer at Indiana Yearly Meeting? Well, that’s what happened, according to more than one credible witness: our cover “teaser” reference in Issue #18 to “Indiana Trainwrecks” was mentioned in an appeal there for divine guidance and protection. We earnestly hope…

  • Collected Essays of Maurice Creasey, A Review

    Reviewed by Chuck Fager The Swarthmore Lecture is the prestige gig for Britain Yearly Meeting. It’s been given every year for more than a century, since 1908. Every year, that is, except 1948, when it was abruptly cancelled. It seems a Swiss Friend named Edmond Privat had been tapped, and it was learned that he…

  • The Darkness of Mother Teresa, Two Reviews*

    This article critically examines the spiritual life and legacy of Mother Teresa through the lens of two books: the devotional “Come Be My Light” edited by Brian Kolodiejchuk, and Christopher Hitchens’ critical biography “The Missionary Position.” It explores Mother Teresa’s prolonged spiritual doubts, her embrace of suffering as redemptive, and critiques her approach to poverty…

  • “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…

  • Lopping Off a Limb?

    This article details the deep divisions within Indiana Yearly Meeting (IYM) over the acceptance and affirmation of LGBTQ+ persons, particularly focusing on West Richmond Monthly Meeting’s decision to adopt a welcoming and affirming stance. The conflict highlights broader issues including interpretation of scripture, yearly meeting authority, and the potential realignment or division of the yearly…

  • 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,…

  • About The Contributors

    George Amoss Jr. a member of Homewood Meeting in Baltimore, attends Little Falls Friends Meeting in Fallston, Maryland. A social worker and psychotherapist, he has served as editor of Universalist Friends, the journal of the Quaker Universalist Fellowship, and he established the Quaker Electronic Archive Web site at http://www.quakerarchive.org. Stephen W. Angell is Leatherock Professor…