Quaker Theology

05. Social Witness

  • Selected Correspondence-SAYMA

    This article presents a collection of correspondence and minutes from Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and Association (SAYMA) discussing intense disputes over racism, funding, and leadership within the yearly meeting, especially focusing on the Uplifting Racial Justice (URJ) committee. The communications reveal conflicts concerning financial accountability, accusations of racism, and differing approaches to anti-racism work, highlighting…

  • 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…

  • The Ku Klux Klan by Daisy Douglas Barr

    This article presents a poem by Daisy Douglas Barr, a Quaker preacher and leader in the women’s Ku Klux Klan in 1920s Indiana. The poem vividly describes the Klan as a force of justice and protector of social order, reflecting Barr’s controversial involvement in promoting its ideology.

  • 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…

  • Engaging Homelessness Behind the “Orange Curtain” By Joseph Pfeiffer

    This article explores the increasing homelessness crisis in Orange County, California, through the lens of a small Quaker church’s compassionate response and the ensuing conflict with local authorities and the church denomination. It critically examines how suburban ideals, white normativity, and church growth models in Evangelical Friends Church Southwest have contributed to exclusionary practices and…

  • Editor’s Preface to “Engaging Homelessness behind the ‘Orange Curtain’” by Chuck Fager

    This article examines the struggle of a small Quaker church in Orange County, California, that sought to minister to and advocate for homeless individuals in one of the nation’s wealthiest and most conservative counties. It contrasts the church’s inclusive, compassionate mission with the dominant evangelical Friends Church Southwest’s (EFCSW) centralizing, market-driven, and property-controlling leadership, highlighting…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Faith, Power, and Trump

    The article explores the responses of three major 20th-century religious thinkers—Reinhold Niebuhr, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X—to racism and social justice in America, especially during the Civil Rights Movement and the Age of Trump. It contrasts their theological perspectives on faith, power, sacrifice, and activism, critiquing white evangelical support for Trumpism and urging…

  • 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…

  • 00. Can the American Friends Service Committee Get Its Quaker Groove Back?

    This article analyzes the American Friends Service Committee’s (AFSC) current crisis involving organizational decline and disconnection from its Quaker roots, especially in terms of donor base and identity. The author argues that AFSC’s survival depends on re-establishing strong ties with the Religious Society of Friends through renewed historical awareness, re-engagement with Quaker communities, and strategic…

  • “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.

  • Some Quaker Reflections on the Kosovo War

    This article offers a Quaker perspective on the Kosovo War, exploring the complex dilemmas between war and oppression through historical and contemporary lenses. It examines Quaker pacifist principles, the shifting paradigms of peace and military intervention, and the limited but meaningful ways Friends can influence peacebuilding without abandoning their core testimonies. The author concludes with…

  • PRELUDE: Two Documents From Discussion held at FGC in Richmond, Indiana, July, 1979

    This article summarizes the concerns raised by over 150 Friends in 1979 during open meetings at the Friends General Conference regarding the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). The concerns highlight issues with AFSC’s structure, communication, staff composition, commitment to Quaker principles, and program directions. The discussion is framed within a broader reconsideration of the meaning…

  • 01: “Truly Radical, Non-violent, Friendly Approaches”

    This article examines longstanding internal challenges faced by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), focusing on criticisms from within liberal Quaker circles regarding its governance, professionalization, diminished explicit religious commitment, and political stances. The piece chronicles tensions from the AFSC’s founding in 1917 through the late 20th century, highlighting key moments of internal dissent and…

  • 02: From Supporter to Friendly Critic: How AFSC Changed Me

    The article reflects on H. Larry Ingle’s evolving perspective on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), highlighting his initial support and later criticism of the organization’s shift away from strong Quaker influence. He details the challenges of AFSC’s governance, the move toward professional staff over volunteer Friends, and the dilution of Quaker identity within the…

  • 03: The Cold War’s Effect AFSC, 1947-49

    The article examines the impact of the Cold War on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) between 1947 and 1949, highlighting its transition from a primarily relief-oriented Quaker institution to a politically engaged organization critiquing American foreign policy. It explores the internal debates over professionalization, political involvement, and the tension between maintaining Quaker identity and…

  • 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…

  • 05: “Speak Truth to Power:” A Thirty Years Retrospective (1985)

    This article reflects on the 1955 publication “Speak Truth to Power” by the American Friends Service Committee, highlighting its principled pacifist critique of Cold War militarism and its call for nonviolent resistance rooted in Quaker faith. It emphasizes the pamphlet’s urgent message that lasting peace requires inner spiritual transformation and active love, offering a timeless…

  • 06: AFSC and Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting & Association

    The article discusses the Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting & Association’s (SAYMA) 2011 request to the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) for data on the number and percentage of active Quaker staff involved in the organization. It highlights the AFSC board’s dismissive response and the ongoing concerns about maintaining the Quaker character of AFSC through active…

  • 07: A Flicker of Hope: A Friendly Letter

    The article discusses a pivotal 1981 meeting aimed at bridging growing divisions within American Quakerism, particularly concerning the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). It highlights internal critiques around the AFSC’s diminishing Quaker identity, governance issues, and lack of responsiveness, proposing significant reforms to restore Quaker representation and unity.

  • 08: Another False Dawn: AFSC, 1991-1992

    The article reviews the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) during its 1991-1992 period, focusing on its challenges related to leadership, finances, and strained relationships with Quaker constituencies, especially “Disaffected Friends.” It highlights tensions between AFSC’s institutional culture and traditional Quaker identity, emphasizing hopes for reform with new leadership but expressing skepticism about meaningful change.

  • 09: Introduction to Quaker Service at the Crossroads – 1988

    This article presents a detailed critique and multifaceted discussion regarding the evolution and current state of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) as analyzed in Guenter Lewy’s 1988 book. It explores internal Quaker debates over the AFSC’s faithfulness to its Quaker roots, pacifist principles, and social mission alongside proposals for reform or disassociation.

  • 10: Gilbert White & AFSC: A Letter to the Editor, Friends Journal, 2006

    This letter to the editor addresses concerns raised by Gilbert White regarding the governance and direction of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in the late 1960s. The authors emphasize the importance of openly discussing these longstanding issues about AFSC’s board-staff balance and its connection to the Religious Society of Friends, calling for a renewed…

  • 11: Can the AFSC Get Its Quaker Groove Back?

    The article examines the American Friends Service Committee’s (AFSC) decline due to its disconnection from the Religious Society of Friends and loss of a distinct Quaker identity. It argues that AFSC’s future depends on reestablishing ties with its Quaker roots, engaging younger generations through historical activism campaigns, and repositioning itself within the Quaker community to…

  • Wilmington YM: Another Yearly Meeting Schism?

    This article examines the ongoing theological and organizational conflicts within Wilmington Yearly Meeting, particularly focusing on debates over same-gender marriage and the autonomy of monthly meetings to decide sensitive issues. It traces the historical background of Wilmington Yearly Meeting, highlights the controversies surrounding LGBT inclusion and disciplinary actions, and discusses the challenges of maintaining unity…

  • 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.

  • Joseph Southall & The Ghosts of the Slain:

    The post highlights Joseph Southall, a British Quaker artist and pacifist who used his art to protest World War One and militarism. It focuses on his 1917 allegorical pamphlet “The Ghosts of the Slain,” which condemned politicians, munitions makers, and churches supporting war, emphasizing the Quaker commitment to peace and draft resistance.

  • “Many Friends Do Not Know ‘Where They Are’”: Some Divisions in London Yearly Meeting During the First World War”

    This article explores the divisions within London Yearly Meeting during the First World War, focusing on differing Quaker responses to the conflict and their peace testimony. It contrasts the experiences of two Friends, Wilfrid E. Littleboy, a steadfast pacifist and conscientious objector who endured imprisonment, and Walter Trevelyan Thomson, who supported the war and served…

  • 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.

  • Jim Corbett, Sanctuary Prophet of Post-Desert Quakerism

    This article profiles Jim Corbett, a Quaker activist and founder of the 1980s Sanctuary movement, which aided Latin American refugees fleeing U.S.-supported wars. It highlights Corbett’s unique spiritual journey as a Quaker “unbeliever,” his discovery of the prophetic faith, and his vision of the Church as a diverse, ecumenical people dedicated to justice and peace.

  • Remembering Tom Fox Introduction to: Tom Fox Was My Friend. Yours, Too.

    The post recounts the life and tragic death of Tom Fox, a Quaker and Christian Peacemaker Team member kidnapped and killed in Iraq in 2006. It highlights Tom’s dedication to peace activism, his faith-driven decision to pursue nonviolent witness in conflict zones, and the efforts to raise awareness and advocate for his release. The article…

  • Passages by Tom Fox & James Loney

    This post shares reflections from James Loney and Tom Fox on captivity, pacifism, and peacebuilding in violent contexts like Iraq. It explores the paradox of relying on military forces for protection while maintaining Christian pacifist convictions and emphasizes standing firm in peace despite fear and aggression. The post also highlights the spiritual practice of seeking…

  • 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.

  • The Quaker Peace Testimony as Questing Beast

    The article explores the multifaceted nature of the Quaker Peace Testimony, likening it to the mythical Questing Beast—a complex and elusive entity that embodies various perspectives on pacifism, nonviolence, and peacemaking. It examines historical foundations, personal and corporate interpretations, definitions of violence, and the challenges Friends face in living out this testimony authentically today.

  • Study War Some More (If You Want to Work for Peace)

    This article explores the complexity and history of the Quaker Peace Testimony, emphasizing the need for a strategic, long-term approach to peace work. It critiques the influence of the U.S. military-industrial complex, highlights the spiritual dimensions of militarism, and advocates learning from military strategy to enhance Quaker peace activism. The author proposes a “Hundred-Year Lamb’s…

  • “No Country for Jewish Liberals,” “The Half Life of a Free Radical”* Two Reviews

    This article reviews two autobiographical memoirs that, despite different cultural backgrounds, resonate with themes relevant to Quaker concerns such as war, social justice, and exile. Both authors grapple with the personal and political impacts of the Vietnam War and Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting issues of militarism, occupation, and the struggle to maintain hope in polarized societies.

  • 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…

  • Excerpts from: ALL SLAVE-KEEPERS That keep the Innocent in Bondage, APOSTATES

    This article features excerpts from Benjamin Lay’s early Quaker abolitionist writings condemning slavekeeping among Quakers in 18th-century America. Lay passionately denounces the hypocrisy of slaveholding ministers and members of the Quaker community, pleading for a complete separation from the practice of keeping slaves as incompatible with Christian truth and Quaker principles. The text provides historical…

  • “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…

  • Review Essay: Resistance Theology in Niebuhr, Barth, Rauschenbush & Dorrien; Irony & Living a Theological Saga

    This review essay analyzes Gary Dorrien’s extensive works on American liberal theology, focusing on key theologians like Karl Barth, Walter Rauschenbush, and Reinhold Niebuhr, particularly their resistance to war and militarism. It highlights the tension between liberal theology and emerging neoconservatism, and calls for theological reflection that supports resistance to militarism and the “war spirit”…

  • Attachments: NC Yearly Meeting Documents

    The article presents a series of attachments documenting the theological conflicts and resulting organizational challenges within the North Carolina Yearly Meeting (NCYM) of the Religious Society of Friends. It details proposals for separation due to irreconcilable theological differences, letters from quarters and meetings, dissenting opinions against splitting, and the eventual plan for reorganization into two…

  • 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…

  • Three Reflections on Same Sex Marriage

    The article presents three reflections supporting same-sex marriage from a Quaker perspective, emphasizing equality, love, and the importance of marriage as a societal and spiritual commitment. It critiques historical and ongoing injustices against marginalized groups, advocates for inclusivity within religious communities, and celebrates the normalcy and blessings of same-gender unions. The author also shares a…

  • Quakers and “Transformation”

    The post critiques the overuse and dilution of the term “transformation” in Quaker and broader religious contexts, highlighting how it has lost meaning and can be misused, including in justifications of war and militarism. The author calls for clearer, more precise language and warns against uncritical adoption of buzzwords that obscure real change.

  • George Fox University and West Hills Friends:

    This article examines the controversy at George Fox University concerning the housing of a transgender student, Jayce M., and the university’s policies grounded in evangelical Christian beliefs on sexual purity. It highlights the conflict between the university’s adherence to traditional gender and sexual norms and the calls from some Quaker leaders and groups within Northwest…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • “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…

  • Forgiveness over Khmer Rouge: a journey or an obligation? A Beginning of Dialogue

    This article presents an interview with Claire Ly, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, who reflects on the complex and deeply personal nature of forgiveness in the context of mass atrocities. It explores the intersections of Buddhist and Christian perspectives on forgiveness, the spiritual struggle of victims, and the challenges of justice and reconciliation…

  • 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…

  • “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…

  • “Paper Trail: Writings from the Front Line of Peace Action, Quaker House/Fort Bragg, 2001-2012″* A Review

    This review of Chuck Fager’s book *Paper Trail* highlights its comprehensive and heartfelt account of peace activism during a highly militarized era. The book discusses peace efforts connected to military families, torture, and the Iraq war, emphasizing the human and moral costs of conflict while celebrating personal and community commitment to peace.

  • “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…

  • Links to NCYM-FUM letters online

    This article provides direct links to various historical letters from the North Carolina Yearly Meeting of Friends United Meeting (NCYM-FUM). The letters include both protests and responses related to Quaker meetings and issues within the community.

  • Blessed Unrest: The Radical Act of Gathering

    This article draws historical and legal parallels between early Quaker persecution for unlawful assemblies in 17th-century England and the modern Moral Monday protests in North Carolina. It details William Penn’s landmark trial defending the right to assemble and connects it to the experiences of contemporary Quaker activists, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil liberties, community…

  • 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.

  • Northwest Yearly Meeting and “Shattering” Conflict: Chapter One

    This article details the escalating conflict within Northwest Yearly Meeting of Evangelical Friends over LGBTQ inclusion, focusing on the schism triggered by West Hills Friends Church’s public welcoming stance. It outlines the historical and theological background, the struggle for LGBTQ recognition at George Fox University, and the eventual ultimatum faced by West Hills Friends threatening…

  • Excerpts from “The Dance Between Hope and Fear,” by John Calvi

    This article presents excerpts from John Calvi’s book “The Dance Between Hope and Fear,” highlighting his lifelong journey as a Quaker healer and practical theologian. It explores his experiences in healing, spiritual encounters, coping with AIDS and torture survivors, and reflections on hope, fear, and divine love within a Quaker framework.

  • “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…

  • “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.

  • “Quaker Brotherhood: Interracial Activism and the American Friends Service Committee, 1917-1950″*

    This article reviews Allan W. Austin’s book on the American Friends Service Committee’s interracial activism from 1917 to 1950, highlighting both the Committee’s efforts and struggles with race relations during that period. It discusses the historical context, challenges in funding and administration, and the broader implications for Quaker engagement and declining influence in social justice…

  • “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…

  • “350 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…

  • “Deep Green Resistance: Strategy to Save the Planet”*

    This article is a detailed review of the book *Deep Green Resistance: Strategy to Save the Planet*, which advocates for radical ecological sabotage to dismantle industrial civilization. The reviewer critically examines the book’s militant strategy, ethical dilemmas, and the potential for genocide embedded in its plan, while contrasting it with Quaker peace testimony and historical…

  • Editor’s Introduction: Divorce in Indiana – Quaker Style

    The article examines the ongoing division within Indiana Yearly Meeting over issues related to LGBTQ+ inclusion, highlighting the conflict between liberal and orthodox factions. It explores historical precedents, scriptural justifications, and the potential outcomes, warning of a likely schism akin to a church “divorce.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • My Theology of Peacemaking

    The article explores a theology of peacemaking grounded in forgiveness, reconciliation, and non-violence, drawing heavily from experiences with the Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities (HROC) program in the African Great Lakes region. It emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness, even in the face of horrific violence like genocide, and advocates for rebuilding relationships based on…

  • “A History of Southland College: The Society of Friends and Black Education in Arkansas,”* A Review

    This review discusses Thomas C. Kennedy’s detailed historical account of Southland College, a Quaker institution dedicated to African-American education in Arkansas from 1864 to 1925. It explores the challenges of racial violence, financial struggles, evangelical Quaker efforts, and the eventual decline of the school amid shifts in Quaker racial attitudes and leadership conflicts. Kennedy’s work…

  • “Climate Wars” & “The Green Zone”* Reviewed

    This article reviews Gwynne Dyer’s book *Climate Wars*, highlighting its military-strategic analysis of climate change and the urgent need for a global political deal to replace carbon-based energy usage. It contrasts Dyer’s expert perspective with Barry Sanders’s *The Green Zone*, which inadequately addresses the environmental impact of U.S. militarism despite raising important points about military…

  • 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.…

  • “Hostage In Iraq” & “118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq”* Reviewed

    This review critically examines two books about the kidnapping of Christian Peacemaker Teams members in Iraq, focusing on the theological, strategic, and practical issues around martyrdom and peace activism. It highlights the recklessness of some peaceworkers, contrasts preparedness between hostages, and addresses the profound challenges faced by one gay captive and the LGBT community’s need…

  • “Study War Some More (If You Want to Work for Peace),”* A Review

    This article reviews Chuck Fager’s book “Study War Some More (If You Want to Work for Peace),” highlighting its call for a rigorous, long-term peace strategy informed by biblical reflection, Quaker history, and lessons from military strategy. Fager critiques simplistic pacifism and urges Friends to engage thoughtfully with the military-industrial complex through sustained, visionary peace…

  • Narrative Theology: from Psychological Warfare to Peace; My journey to/into Quakerism and nonviolence

    The article chronicles Jeanne-Henriette Louis’s intellectual and spiritual journey from researching American psychological warfare during World War II to embracing nonviolence and joining the Quakers. Through extensive archival research and reflection, she contrasts the ideology of psychological warfare with nonviolent approaches and finds profound alignment with Quaker philosophy and history. The study suggests that historical…

  • “Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship, Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice”* A Review

    This detailed review examines the book *Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship*, highlighting the complex and often contradictory history of Quakers in relation to African Americans and racial justice. It acknowledges the Society of Friends’ notable yet imperfect record on abolition and civil rights, critiques common myths about Quaker racial progress, and calls for further…

  • “The Dark Side” and “Never Surrender”* Reviewed

    This article reviews two contrasting books about Fort Bragg’s role in post-9/11 U.S. military and intelligence operations. Jane Mayer’s “The Dark Side” exposes the use and spread of torture techniques in U.S. interrogations, while retired General William Boykin’s “Never Surrender” promotes an apocalyptic religious worldview justifying the war on terror. The review highlights the starkly…

  • 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.…

  • An Interview with David Gosling, Winter 2008

    This article is an interview with David Gosling, a U.S. Army Infantry Captain deployed to Iraq, who reflects on his Quaker background and how his military experiences led him to reconsider his views on war and peace. Gosling discusses his spiritual journey reconnecting with Quaker writings and pacifist philosophies amidst the challenges of combat and…

  • 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…

  • The Importance of Context

    This personal essay explores the author’s journey as a gay Quaker, detailing struggles with identity, faith, and acceptance. It reflects on the transformative power of love, radical discipleship, and hope found through a personal relationship with Christ, set against the backdrop of Quakerism and life experiences.

  • Four Publications on Torture

    This article reviews four publications that examine the history, methods, and ongoing use of torture by the CIA from the Cold War to the War on Terror, highlighting the institutional and psychological mechanisms behind it. It also details local North Carolina activism against the “Torture Industrial Complex,” including Quaker efforts to educate and witness against…

  • The Sermon on the Mount in the Life and Death of Tom Fox

    This article recounts the life and spiritual journey of Tom Fox, a Quaker and Christian Peacemaker Teams member who dedicated himself to nonviolent peacemaking inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. It highlights his transformation from a Marine Band clarinetist to a committed peaceworker in Iraq, his reflections on love, forgiveness, and justice, and 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…

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • “Many Friends do not know ‘where they are’: Some Divisions in London Yearly Meeting During the First World War”

    The article explores the divisions among British Quakers in London Yearly Meeting during World War I over their peace testimony. It contrasts the experiences and perspectives of two prominent Quakers: Wilfrid Littleboy, an absolutist pacifist imprisoned for his stance, and Walter Trevelyan Thomson, a Quaker who supported the war effort and served in the military.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Questions for the Movement: Property Damage as a Tactic in Nonviolent Actions

    This article examines the contentious issue of property damage as a tactic within nonviolent movements for social change. It contrasts the Gandhian/Kingian philosophy of strict nonviolence with the Berrigan tradition that views property damage as a strategic tactic, emphasizing the need for careful context, intent, and scale considerations. The author advocates for a nuanced approach…