How the Quakers Invented America

by David Yount

Nationally syndicated columnist David Yount shows how Quakers and the Society of Friends shaped the basic distinctive features of American life, from the days of the colonies, revolution and founders, to the civil rights movements of modern freedom, equality, community, straightforwardness, and spirituality.

Quaker prep schools and colleges continue to guide future generations of mostly non-Quaker students. Quaker spirituality is the basis for much of contemporary Christian spirituality. Yount makes clear that America would not have become what it is without the profound influence of the Friends.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Theology

Hardcover

First published June 28, 2007

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, it's a bad choice of title. This isn't so much history as theology. Yount is a convinced Quaker himself, and his obvious affection for his subject propels his book, a bit like Thomas Cahill's take on the Irish or Joseph Pearce's collection of literary giants and Catholics. The amount of actual history here is scanty. Still, given the quiet reluctance of Quakers to toot their own horns, the movement deserves a little cheerleading. Despite being deeply interested in Quaker theology and spirituality myself, I knew very little of the presence of Friends in modern culture (James Michener and Richard Foster were Quakers? Who knew?) Yount shows us where these humble and deeply committed people have been hiding.

If not as historical as it could have been, Yount's book is beautifully spiritual. He illuminates (quite literally, given the Quaker emphasis on Light) the practices of Friends and the beliefs and reasons behind those practices. And they are profoundly appealing. This is an introduction to Quaker religious practice from the perspective of an insider well grounded in Scripture and mainstream Catholic and Protestant practice, and it clears up misconceptions and stereotypes with grace and humor (I was surprised at how orthodox much Quaker doctrine was- and also at how many exceptions to that rule there were). If you are interested in Quaker spirituality, read this book. It will make this unique faith come alive.

[Leland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for an historical treatment of the Quakers and their influence in the New England Colonies. This book is far more a personal spiritual journey than a readable historical treatment of the Quakers.

[Roderick Wolfson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a superficial book that does not focus on the title premise that Quakers invented America. It is a rosy-eyed view of qualities of early Quakers that the authors says typify America. He doesn’t prove that Quakers caused major parts of the American identity. He exaggerates early Quakers equality of genders and friendly treatment of indigenous people. The majority of the book is a gospel according to Quakerism, with a heavy dose of his own experience- who cares?

[David Monroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using previously published essays, author, journalist, and theologian David Yount has created this book. It is part personal spiritual journey and confession of faith (he's a former Roman Catholic who is now a convinced member of the Religious Society of Friends), part spiritual guide, and part exposition of Quaker religious belief and practice that utilizes history to provide important background information and to illustrate key points.

The provocative title suggests that the it promises much, but anyone expecting an accurate and thorough explanation of the impact of Quakers and their values in American life and culture over the last three centuries will be disappointed. There are many problems with this book.

Yount makes generalizations that are too broad, and he offers grand assertions without providing examples. In general, his vision of Friends is idealistic and static. Some of what we know to be hallmarks of Quakerism developed and became new testimonies only after many years of quiet reflection on the Inner Light. Yount pays inadequate attention to change or growth over time in their faith or culture. Moreover, there are multiple historical lapses and errors throughout the book.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did the Quakers "invent" America? Well, if you look at the influence of Quaker created constitutions in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania you could make a pretty good case as this author did. Besides there are all those reform movements led by Quakers, women's suffrege, women's rights, abolition of slavery, prison and child labor reform, even the Underground Railroad. Quakers did a lot. This is an informative book.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tried to finish--this was somewhat interesting, but cursory if you are really into deep history or specifics.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was looking for....a bit to historical....nothing really thought provking

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this three stars because the writing was very clear and concise. I felt there was too much content regarding 'why' the Quaker way is better than others. The first chapter and the conclusion were the best parts of the book. The title may have been better defined as 'HOW LIVING IN AMERICA RE-INVENTED THE QUAKERS'

My mother said that her mother was a Quaker but I did not get any help or hints on how to know more about the Quakers in Kentucky South of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Some very good resources were mentioned in the book about the general Quaker evolution.

[Genie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected. Most of the book was a basic introduction to Quakers and Quakerism. I expected more based on the title of the book and more discussion of how the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were based so much on Quaker principles set out by William Penn in Pennsylvania. so the title really felt misleading to me.

[Willie]

Heard a review of this on WUNC radio, featuring Max Carter, and was pretty intrigued...