Quaker Theology

Pacificism

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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”…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • “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…

  • “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.

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • “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…

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • “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…

  • 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…

  • “Just War Against Terror: The Burden of American Power In a Violent World” a Review

    This article is a critical review of Jean Bethke Elshtain’s book *Just War Against Terror*, examining its neo-conservative justification of American military power post-9/11. The reviewer challenges Elshtain’s arguments for U.S. imperialism, critiques her interpretation of just war theory, and highlights the failure to adequately account for civilian casualties in recent conflicts. The review also…

  • Peace Theology and Foundations for Ecumenical Dialogue

    This article explores the complexities of peace theology within Christian traditions, focusing on the challenges and foundations necessary for ecumenical dialogue among historic peace churches and other Christian communities. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse theological legacies, embodying faith in lived experience, and fostering a spirit of covenantal fellowship to advance shared understandings of…

  • Milton Mayer, Quaker Hedgehog

    This article profiles Milton Mayer, a twentieth-century Quaker and writer known for his critique of state authority and individual corruption. Mayer’s major work, *They Thought They Were Free*, examines the gradual acquiescence of ordinary Germans to Nazism, highlighting the importance of early resistance to institutional power. His lifelong commitment to moral individualism and opposition to…

  • Quakers and The Lamb’s War: A Hermeneutic for Confronting Evil, Non-Violent Resistance

    This article explores the Quaker peace testimony as an active, nonviolent resistance rooted in spiritual warfare, tracing its historical development from early Quaker times through the twentieth century. It emphasizes the theological and communal foundations of Quaker pacifism, recent hermeneutics that interpret Jesus’ teachings as advocating assertive nonviolence, and practical models like the Alternatives to…

  • Abolishing War? An Appeal to Christian Leaders and Theologians

    This article is an appeal by Christian theologians Stanley Hauerwas and Enda McDonagh calling for the abolition of war as a means of resolving political conflicts. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus Christ and early Christian pacifism, it critiques the just war tradition and urges Christians to lead a global effort towards peace through non-violent…

  • Editor’s Introduction, # 7

    This issue of Quaker Theology covers diverse themes including a call for interfaith collaboration to end war, the importance of rebuilding strong Quaker meeting communities through eucharistic practices, personal spiritual journeys from Quakerism to Orthodoxy, and ethnographic insights into indigenous ceremonies in Mexico. It emphasizes the intellectual and communal work needed to sustain Quaker peace…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Quaker Peace Witness After 9/11 – A Resource List

    This article provides a curated resource list to support Friends in reflecting on and sustaining their Peace Testimony in the aftermath of 9/11. It includes recommended books, essays, historical background, theological perspectives, and contemporary peace studies, emphasizing spiritual care and the complexity of Quaker pacifism in challenging times.

  • “Refiner’s Fire: A Religious Engagement with Violence”* a Review

    This article reviews Cheryl Kirk-Duggan’s *Refiner’s Fire*, which explores an African American Womanist theological perspective on violence. It highlights the complex engagement of violence within cultural, biblical, and social frameworks, emphasizing how nonviolence is expressed differently across diverse experiences of race, gender, and class.

  • The Bible & Peacemaking — A Response

    This article explores the complex and often ambiguous Biblical teachings on peacemaking, emphasizing the diversity and contradictions within the scriptures. It argues that rather than a cohesive doctrine, the Bible presents a calling to peacemaking that is fraught with paradox and requires ongoing reflection and commitment. The author situates this calling within the Quaker tradition,…

  • What Can The Bible Teach Us About Peacemaking?

    This article explores what the Bible teaches about peacemaking, emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible as a coherent and authoritative text. It outlines a broader Biblical vision of peace (“shalom”) beyond mere pacifism, encompassing justice, truth, mercy, stewardship, and hope, urging active engagement in peacemaking across political, economic, and community spheres.

  • A Report on the North American Launch of the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence

    This article reports on the North American launch of the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence held in Nashville in 2001. It outlines the WCC’s ecumenical commitment to peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of violence and the diverse approaches the Decade advocates to address and transform it. The piece highlights Friends’…

  • Caroline Emelia Stephen (1834-1909) and Virginia Woolf (1882-1941): A Quaker Influence on Modern English Literature

    This article explores the influence of Quaker theologian Caroline Emelia Stephen on her niece, modern English writer Virginia Woolf. It examines their family backgrounds, Caroline’s spiritual and mystical Quaker beliefs, and how these shaped Woolf’s pacifism, feminism, and literary innovation. The piece also highlights Caroline’s rational mysticism and Woolf’s natural mysticism as key components in…