Quaker Theology

Liberal Quaker Theology

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

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

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

  • A 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…

  • “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…

  • “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…

  • “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…

  • 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.

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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.

  • Puritanism, Spiritualism, and Quakerism:

    This extensive historiographical essay examines the relationship between Puritanism and Quakerism, arguing that although there are affinities, Quakerism should be more accurately situated among Spiritualist movements rather than as a subset of Puritanism. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significant doctrinal and experiential differences between the two, particularly regarding Christology, the role of…

  • 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.

  • 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…