Quakers

by Peter Furtado

A small sect of fewer than 20,000 in the UK, and approximately 100,000 in the USA, Quakers have produced a disproportionate number of eminent thinkers, scientists, businessmen, and their teachings have been widely influential and become mainstream. Best known as pacifists, Quakers have always been at the forefront of social justice and conflict resolution, once being leaders in the abolitionist movement on three continents and, more recently, key players in international peacemaking and fighting global poverty. This book is a fascinating in-depth look at the Quaker religion, philosophy, distinctive culture and its place in history. With roots in the 17th century and the insights of George Fox, Quakers have a core belief in a direct experience of God by simply listening in silence with no need for priests, hierarchies, sacraments or other rituals, an absolute commitment to work for peace and have earned a reputation for being honest and plain speaking which helped them build successful enterprises in the 18th and 19th century. Like many religious sects, the Quakers also endured religious persecution and in the aftermath of the English Civil War fled to America for religious freedom, eventually establishing the Pennsylvania colony in 1681 as a haven for Quakers. Today, Quakers walk an intriguing line between their solemn and deeply held religious beliefs and the challenge of actively engaging in the modern world as they seek to better circumstances and in their founder's words, "walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone."

Genres: History, Religion

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Alison Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I never formally joined the Quaker Meeting I attended for ten years, I was drawn to movement because of the simplicity, emphasis on reducing consumerism and social advocacy for the poor. Quakers are also anti-war, but in this book I learned Quakers assisted during WWI and WWII by driving and operating relief ambulances.

A Quaker invented the game of Monopoly. The game was an intentional tool to educate others about the perils of landlordism. They also owned and operated the Cadbury chocolate factory in Britain and paid special attention to employees and working conditions. The Quakers were the first religious group to openly oppose slavery and many risked their lives to do so. Quakers have risked and lost their lives for the advancement of social justice. The humane treatment of the mentally ill by the society was groundbreaking.

This is a very informative book about the Quakers, also known as The Society of Friends. The illustrations are excellent.

[Charlie Siringo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good general overview that has inspired me to read more into the Quakers and their beliefs.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seem like amazing people.

[Luise · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good little introduction to the Quaker faith & philosophy - an interesting bunch!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been attending a Quaker meeting for about six months. This was helpful in increasing my understanding of my local meeting and the history behind the movement b