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Advices & queries
- GenresReligionNonfiction
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 28, 2017
This is a text that although it has been read will need to be re-read many times to take the full wisdom and guidance that is here. I've read it as I've an increasing interest in reading about Quakerism and texts written by Quakers as I feel they offer a lot for my own life and have been some really great catalysts for considering ideas, stripping myself down, metaphorically, and re-considering things.
I am not aligned with any particular religion but would describe myself as spiritual and very skeptical of things which I know led George Fox to found the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the 1600's - particularly his concern about preachers or religious leaders who seem to speak with inauthenticity about God or simply not speak with words that allow individuals to make their own path to God - simply regurgitating texts which didn't allow individuals to find the Light themselves, and in themselves.
'Advices and Queries' is a good place to see that understanding of individuals finding their own way to God particularly in the 'queries' - the questions - the topics that might help us consider our own Truth in relation to either what the answers might be or how to live out those answers which is also a key elements of being a Quaker - faith in practice - how shared or individual understandings of God are lived in everyday life. There is also the 'advices' element of this text which is what will be largely agreed upon ideas on which Quakers hold central to what holds them together as a group.
In it's presentation the 'advices' and 'queries' are mixed together in forty two bullet points of short paragraphs so it really is an excellent text to read in one sitting or to stop and start and come back to frequently as Quakers will do. You definitely find that when you go back and re-read it that at different times there are different points that will seem of more importance on that particular day you are reading.
I wouldn't recommend starting with this text if you just want to read this out of interest but there are other texts I've read or am currently reading - 'Being a Quaker: A Guide for Newcomers' by Geoffrey Durham and 'The Quaker Way: A Rediscovery' by Rex Ambler which I've found useful to introduce me to Quakerism, including the reasons why Quakers meet together for worship in the way they do, the importance of silence in worship, the importance of social justice etc. There's a nice tone to both of these texts which seems to prove true to the Quaker central understanding about making your own way to God - they are absolutely not texts there to convert you to a certain viewpoint, they are there to explain a way to you, to offer it to your understanding and let you see what comes of it.
Even if you are not intereted in spiritual matters, there is a lot of wisdom that can still be lifted from this text and carried with you - for that alone it's worth reading.
I am not aligned with any particular religion but would describe myself as spiritual and very skeptical of things which I know led George Fox to found the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the 1600's - particularly his concern about preachers or religious leaders who seem to speak with inauthenticity about God or simply not speak with words that allow individuals to make their own path to God - simply regurgitating texts which didn't allow individuals to find the Light themselves, and in themselves.
'Advices and Queries' is a good place to see that understanding of individuals finding their own way to God particularly in the 'queries' - the questions - the topics that might help us consider our own Truth in relation to either what the answers might be or how to live out those answers which is also a key elements of being a Quaker - faith in practice - how shared or individual understandings of God are lived in everyday life. There is also the 'advices' element of this text which is what will be largely agreed upon ideas on which Quakers hold central to what holds them together as a group.
In it's presentation the 'advices' and 'queries' are mixed together in forty two bullet points of short paragraphs so it really is an excellent text to read in one sitting or to stop and start and come back to frequently as Quakers will do. You definitely find that when you go back and re-read it that at different times there are different points that will seem of more importance on that particular day you are reading.
I wouldn't recommend starting with this text if you just want to read this out of interest but there are other texts I've read or am currently reading - 'Being a Quaker: A Guide for Newcomers' by Geoffrey Durham and 'The Quaker Way: A Rediscovery' by Rex Ambler which I've found useful to introduce me to Quakerism, including the reasons why Quakers meet together for worship in the way they do, the importance of silence in worship, the importance of social justice etc. There's a nice tone to both of these texts which seems to prove true to the Quaker central understanding about making your own way to God - they are absolutely not texts there to convert you to a certain viewpoint, they are there to explain a way to you, to offer it to your understanding and let you see what comes of it.
Even if you are not intereted in spiritual matters, there is a lot of wisdom that can still be lifted from this text and carried with you - for that alone it's worth reading.
December 26, 2021
I have had this little book (really more of a long pamphlet) for years, and finally decided to read it. Despite its short length, it is not a quick read because it is so dense with beautiful, thoughtful language and ideals. By the end I was mentally planning a time to visit a Friends meeting, and wishing I could be part of a community that, however imperfect its practice, at least aspires to this level of kindness, gentleness, and patience.
June 1, 2025
This is a booklet containing the first chapter of a longer book, Quaker Faith and Practice. It consists of a series of questions and brief comments that Quaker Meetings can use as a "challenge and inspiration", to quote the introduction. It reminded me of the sort of questions one might find in an examination of conscience in the Catholic tradition, but designed for corporate rather than individual use. I can definitely see the value of it in that setting.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews