The Quaker Way: A Rediscovery

by Rex Ambler

This book is an attempt 'to explain the Quaker way, as far as that is possible'. It is a distinctive way and, though perhaps no better than others, it has its own integrity and effectiveness. Although it is fairly well known, Quakerism is not well understood, so the purpose of this book is to make it intelligible, to explain how it works as a spiritual practice and why it has adopted the particular practices it has. It is aimed primarily at non-Quakers, who may nonetheless be interested to know what Quakerism is about.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Theology

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2013

Reviews

[Stephanie Barko]

This is the March 2024 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the Quaker view of the Christian faith. No doctrine, or looking to a leader for direction. Their belief that if as an individual or a group they are silent and open they will be lead by the Spirit. They believe that God, in some measure, is in each person. One cannot argue, or direct another to faith but can only show by the example of one's own life. They are firmly against any form of violence. They start by seeing themselves as honesty as possible, realizing and accepting that our egos are what separate us from others and God. As our own desires and facades are put aside, and one sits quietly waiting for God's teaching, we are faced with new insights (both positive and negative) about ourselves. Then more time is spent viewing what has been presented, what it means, acceptance, and then perhaps finally action.
Definitely a good and helpful read for anyone in or outside the Christian faith. For those of us in the faith it is a wonderful take on verses like "be still and know that I am God", " in quietness and trust is your strength ", "I will fight for you and you have only to be still", "do not be anxious about your life, for your Father cares for the Ravens who do not sow reap, or harvest, He will surly care for you". The Quakers have a quietness about them, a knowing, while most of us Christians think first of acting. And for those outside the faith I see the Quakers offering a look see approach to the faith that is low pressure because of the lack of doctrine, the lack of rules to follow, the belief that God is there in you, and with some modeling perhaps one can trust oneself enough to follow. Or trust God enough to follow.

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I read an article in The New York Times by Ezra Klein about the folly of believing in Twitter as a “global town square.” (“So much genius and trickery and money have gone into a mistaken metaphor” - amen brother) (you can find the article here: ). As part of the article, he discussed the powerful way that Quakers deliberate. He writes, “as a movement, Quakers have been far ahead of the moral curve time and again — early to abolitionism, to equality between the sexes, to prison reform, to pressuring governments to help save Jews from the Holocaust. That is not to say Quakers have gotten nothing wrong, but what has led them to get so much right?” “Silence” is the answer, and he lauds Rex Ambler’s book. I concur with the laudability (and loveliness) of Ambler’s book. Whether you believe in God or not (I’m on the fence), there is wisdom to be gathered here about decision-making in groups, the factors of understanding people and situations, peace and violence, integrity, honesty and the truth about ourselves and others, simplicity (so, so hard to achieve in today’s world), equality, the power of delay, discernment, the relevance of everyone’s experiences, how important variety is when it comes to decision making, of course, the power of silence (again, so very hard to achieve).

“Love is not always what you need,” Ambler writes, and that almost sounds like anathema today (certainly anti-Beatle). It takes more than love - and more than Twitter - to make the world go ‘round.

[Ieva Andersone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and comprehensive book to understand what Quaker believes and way of life is. I was actually very surprised that Quaker approach to faith and practice is very contemporary and somewhat even fashionable: in essence it is quiet meditation, contemplation and mindfulness. So all new is the forgotten old. The book itself is a honest reflection about this faith and actions, without advice or preaching. Might have been a bit more engaging, but perhaps it was not a point. Quakers are not really aggressive evangelists. However, this faith is very welcoming and tolerant way of being a Christian, thus I think it could actually be very relevant today.

[Andrew Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but dry

It provided me with an explanation of Quakerism so it met my aim in reading it. It was quite dry - not really a page turner! I’d have valued a chapter on how it changed UK society to better understand the historical social impact, and also why it seems less visible today.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good one for those looking to learn more about the basics of the Quaker faith.

[Brian Hull · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some helpful information to assist in the understanding of Quaker practices but I preferred Geoffery Durham's “Being a Quaker: A Guide for Newcomers.”

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful look into Quakerism, touching on many areas of the Faith in detail without muddying the waters of its non-dogmatic nature.

[Johann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, proving an even deeper appreciation for the Quaker way.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite instructive.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good resource for those well on their path of Quakerism and want to better understand it. I found it too long and descriptive for where I am though.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing introduction to Quaker practice: for old and new Friends alike, as well as those curious.

[Sallie Garvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

The best part of this book was the quotations from George Fox, William Penn, and other early Quakers. I might have been better served to have skipped this volume and read the originals. That said, it was a quick and easy read that shed light on the views of at least one contemporary Quaker.