Practical Mystics: Quaker Faith in Action

by Jennifer Kavanagh

Are Quakers mystics? What does that mean? How does it translate into how we are and what we do in the world? 'Jennifer Kavanagh has written a lovely book which I found to be to be compelling reading. In a very practical way she explains the meaning of mysticism for Quakers and how an experience, which some might regard as being esoteric, can be truly meaningful for many today.' Terry Waite Practical Mystics is Jennifer Kavanagh's first addition to the burgeoning series Quaker Quicks, which examines every aspect of what it means to be a Quaker, from John Hunt Publishing imprint Christian Alternative.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2019

About the author

Jennifer Kavanagh is a former literary agent, who spent nearly 30 years in publishing. She now sets up micro-credit programmes, mainly in Africa, and is a facilitator for the conflict resolution programme, Alternatives to Violence project. Jennifer lives in London, England. She is a Quaker, an associate tutor at the Quaker study centre, Woodbrooke, and she writes and speaks regularly on the Spirit-led life.
She is the author of twelve books of non-fiction and three novels, the third of which, "And this shall be my dancing day", comes out in July 2023.

Reviews

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview which links Quaker spirituality with action, giving a clear summary of the early twentieth century discussions of mysticism (often left out of more recent Quaker writing) and drawing on Kavanagh's personal experience for telling examples.

[Greg D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and easy read. Perhaps one of my new favorite books about Quakerism. This one focuses heavily on the spiritual and the mystical and less on the practicalities of the faith. The primary message is the importance of the mystical in the presence of group worship and bringing that mystical into the workings of everyday life in the way we treat and love others, both on a micro-level and a macro-level. Since this is who I am and what I strive to be, I have now since called myself a practical mystic rather than just a Quaker.

[Helen Meads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romp through the theory of British Quaker experience. If only every British Quaker Meeting were as described in this book!

Well written and accurate about the ideal (which can be found in some Meetings).