Authenticity of Historic Progressive Quakerism

Liberal Quakerism has both a distinguished history and a Distinctive religious message. But overall, liberal Quakers have not done well either at recalling this history or declaring the message. The work of remembering our history and rethinking our faith is of continuing importance for liberal Friends. In a time of resurgent conservatism, religious as well as political, this effort may be of particular use to those who are dissenters from this new Establishment. It can provide us with a “cloud of witnesses” from whom we can draw support and strength.

Inventory of the William Rotch Papers
This post provides an inventory and detailed biographical background of the William Rotch Papers, which document his life as a prominent Quaker shipowner and his involvement in the whaling industry during the American Revolution and beyond. It highlights Rotch’s commitment to Quaker pacifism, his navigation through political and business challenges, and his contributions to historical …
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 …
Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers
The Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers, spanning 1817 to 1918, detail their extensive involvement in 19th-century social reform movements including abolitionism, women’s rights, and spiritualism. The Posts, Hicksite Quakers and active reformers, utilized their home as an Underground Railroad station and were key figures connecting notable activists such as Frederick Douglass and Susan B. …
“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.
“Edward Hicks” Speaks– A Specimen of Quaker Theology In Transition, 1852
This post presents a 1851 “spirit message” from Edward Hicks, conveyed through Isaac Post’s Spiritualist writings, reflecting on Hicks’s struggles with sectarianism and his evolving Quaker theology. Hicks emphasizes the importance of overcoming sectarian divisions, living a life of love and temperance, and the spiritual harmony beyond physical life. He critiques rigid religious structures 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.
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 …
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 …
Growing Up Plain, Conservative Quakerism
This post reviews Wilmer Cooper’s memoir, “Growing Up Plain,” which reflects on his childhood experience within the declining Wilburite Conservative Quaker tradition. It highlights the culture of strictness, anti-intellectualism, and austere lifestyle that led Cooper to leave this insular community in pursuit of education and broader engagement with the world. The post contrasts Wilburite decline …
“Catechism and Confession of Faith,”* by Robert Barclay, A Review
This post reviews the modern English edition of Robert Barclay’s 1673 work, “A Catechism and Confession of Faith,” highlighting its role in providing systematic scriptural guidance relevant to early Friends and contemporary seekers alike. It discusses the structure of the catechism, its scriptural bases, and editorial choices about biblical translations while emphasizing the book’s value …
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 …
Quaker History & Theology: Three Interviews
This post presents interviews with three scholars exploring various dimensions of Quaker history and theology. Thomas Hamm discusses contemporary American Quakerism’s diversity and challenges; Thomas Kennedy examines theological shifts and institutional changes within British Quakerism from 1860-1920; and Erin Bell investigates editorial changes in early Quaker writings and their implications for understanding Quaker history 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 …
“Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism”*
The post reviews Carole Dale Spencer’s book “Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism,” which argues that holiness is the key to understanding early Quakerism and its theology. The reviewer critiques Spencer’s thesis as overly self-justifying and questions her conflation of mysticism with holiness, while acknowledging the book’s ambitious scope and contributions to Quaker historiography.
Thomas Hamm Response to “Holiness, The Soul of Quakerism”*
Thomas Hamm offers a detailed critique and response to Carole Spencer’s book “Holiness: The Soul of Quakerism,” agreeing that holiness was central to early Quakerism but challenging some of Spencer’s portrayals of the 19th-century holiness revival among Quakers. He highlights the complexity of the movement, the diversity of participants, and debates over theology, particularly regarding …
Response to Thomas Hamm: Holiness 2.5 Cheers
Carole Dale Spencer responds to Thomas Hamm’s critique of the Quaker Holiness Movement, emphasizing the important but under-recognized role of Hannah Whitall Smith in promoting a more classical, inclusive, and mystical conception of holiness within Quakerism. Spencer contrasts Smith’s approach with more radical revivalists who led to division, and highlights the broader spiritual and historical …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
Quaker Theology is not Explained by Apocalyptic Expectation and Delay
This article critiques Douglas Gwyn’s thesis that Quaker theology originates from an imminent apocalyptic expectation, arguing that Gwyn confuses Pentecostal spiritual experience with the actual Christian apocalypse. It challenges Pink Dandelion’s endtime/meantime dynamic for explaining Quaker theological shifts, proposing instead that Quaker history is shaped by enduring tensions between spiritual unity and doctrinal tests rather …
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.
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.
“Authenticity of Historic Progressive Quakerism”
The article explores the authenticity of liberal Progressive Quakerism, emphasizing its inclusive and non-creedal approach grounded in historical Quaker theology, scripture, and evolving faith practices. It highlights key figures and historical developments that shaped this tradition, arguing for the coherence and vitality of liberal Quaker identity despite theological diversity. The piece also discusses contemporary challenges …
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 …
Joel & Hannah Bean — Reluctant Rebels
The post chronicles the lives and influence of Joel and Hannah Bean, who became foundational figures in modern liberal Quakerism by resisting revivalist holiness movements in 19th-century Iowa and preserving traditional Quaker beliefs like the universal Inner Light and unprogrammed worship. Their legacy includes the establishment of the College Park Meeting and the shaping of …
Wiliam Rotch of Nantucket A Quaker Hero
This post recounts the life and legacy of William Rotch, a prominent Quaker businessman from Nantucket who played a significant role in the American whaling industry and Quaker culture. It highlights Rotch’s contributions during and after the Revolutionary War, including his leadership within New England Yearly Meeting and support of Quaker education.
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 …