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The Spirit of ...
The Spirit of the Quakers
An inspiring and enlightening introduction to Quakerism, the second title in the Yale University Press “The Spirit of . . .” series
Who are the Quakers, what do they believe, and what do they practice? The Religious Society of Friends—also known as Quakers-—believes that everyone can have a direct experience of God. Quakers express this in a unique form of worship that inspires them to work for change in themselves and in the world. In The Spirit of the Quakers , Geoffrey Durham, himself a Friend, explains Quakerism through quotations from writings that cover 350 years, from the beginnings of the movement to the present day. Peace and equality are major themes in the book, but readers will also find thought-provoking passages on the importance of action for social change, the primacy of truth, the value of simplicity, the need for a sense of community, and much more. The quoted texts convey a powerful religious impulse, courage in the face of persecution, the warmth of human relationships, and dedicated perseverance in promoting just causes. The extended quotations have been carefully selected from well-known Quakers such as George Fox, William Penn, John Greenleaf Whittier, Elizabeth Fry and John Woolman, as well as many contemporary Friends. Together with Geoffrey Durham’s enlightening and sympathetic introductions to the texts, the extracts from these writers form an engaging, often moving guide to this accessible and open-hearted religious faith.
Who are the Quakers, what do they believe, and what do they practice? The Religious Society of Friends—also known as Quakers-—believes that everyone can have a direct experience of God. Quakers express this in a unique form of worship that inspires them to work for change in themselves and in the world. In The Spirit of the Quakers , Geoffrey Durham, himself a Friend, explains Quakerism through quotations from writings that cover 350 years, from the beginnings of the movement to the present day. Peace and equality are major themes in the book, but readers will also find thought-provoking passages on the importance of action for social change, the primacy of truth, the value of simplicity, the need for a sense of community, and much more. The quoted texts convey a powerful religious impulse, courage in the face of persecution, the warmth of human relationships, and dedicated perseverance in promoting just causes. The extended quotations have been carefully selected from well-known Quakers such as George Fox, William Penn, John Greenleaf Whittier, Elizabeth Fry and John Woolman, as well as many contemporary Friends. Together with Geoffrey Durham’s enlightening and sympathetic introductions to the texts, the extracts from these writers form an engaging, often moving guide to this accessible and open-hearted religious faith.
- GenresReligionNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 17, 2022
I relished this book - an anthology of extracts of Quaker texts; an effective balance of early Quaker quotations (eg George Fox, William Penn) and inspiring contemporary writings. It powerfully shares the religious experience of Quakers and discusses their collective values. And phrases like these just resonated with me,
‘To be a Quaker is by no means to say goodbye to myth, ritual and symbol, but rather to find myself set free to discover them as the very essence of the way I now experience…’
‘The less form in religion the better … for the more mental our worship, the more adequate to the nature of god; the more silent, the more suitable to the language of the spirit.’
Less ritual, more silence. Yes.
‘To be a Quaker is by no means to say goodbye to myth, ritual and symbol, but rather to find myself set free to discover them as the very essence of the way I now experience…’
‘The less form in religion the better … for the more mental our worship, the more adequate to the nature of god; the more silent, the more suitable to the language of the spirit.’
Less ritual, more silence. Yes.
December 15, 2019
The author's stated aim in writing this book was to "guide new readers down the hidden paths of Quaker literature in a logical way, based on my own experience and a sense of what they might want to know next." However, he acknowledged that this might not work for everyone and invited his readers to "dip in wherever you wish". Having found that reading in a sequential way wasn't working for me, I adopted the latter approach for the majority of the book and found that this enabled me to remain engaged with the writing. By dipping in and out of the book over two week period I felt able to spend time reflecting on the various contributions. I already knew something about the tenets of Quakerism before I started reading but gained considerably more depth to my knowledge by the time I'd finished.
March 30, 2021
An easily digestible and moving introduction to Quaker beliefs and ethos, this book is like several books in one. It includes quotes, analysis, and Quaker journals.
May 30, 2013
Quakerism involves following your inner light. If you are remotely questioning your religion or belief system, then I'd recommend this book.
This book takes you on a brief history of the movement, and while it's based on Christian beliefs, the Society of Friends has evolved over time, but the essence has remained the same.
I learned a lot about Quakers reading this book, had a lot of questions answered. Durham's writing is easy to read and looks at the movement without browbeating. Durham discloses his interest in the movement.
This book takes you on a brief history of the movement, and while it's based on Christian beliefs, the Society of Friends has evolved over time, but the essence has remained the same.
I learned a lot about Quakers reading this book, had a lot of questions answered. Durham's writing is easy to read and looks at the movement without browbeating. Durham discloses his interest in the movement.
June 9, 2016
A long time in reading but only because I got distracted. very worthwhile collection of quaker writing
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May 20, 2013I really found this an interesting book. It is the first book I have ever read about the Quakers. This one was written by a Quaker which made it more interesting.
November 30, 2013
There was nothing overtly wrong with this book, but I just prefer a more narrative style. This consisted of many, many unrelated paragraphs, from all kinds of Quakers in different times.
October 23, 2014
A nice introduction to Quaker writings. Encourages further reading.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews