Margery Post Abbott

Quakerism: The Basics introduces a vibrant twenty-first-century religion, tracing the evolution of the Religious Society of Friends from its origins in seventeenth-century England to a worldwide religion, balancing discussion of Quaker history, evolving beliefs and practices, and contemporary social action. An accessible and engaging introduction to the history and diverse approaches and ideas associated with the Religious Society of Friends, this book treats Quakerism as a global religion with wide geographic reach and varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christianity to non-theism, including:Quaker values in actionQuaker history, worship, and practiceQuakerism in different regions of the worldThe future of QuakerismThis thoroughly revised second edition now includes information on Quakers in Africa, Friends active engagement with electoral politics, electronic communication and online meetings, and a new appendix on Quakers in film. Quakerism: The Basics is suitable for secondary and university courses on Quakerism and comparative religion, with features including suggested readings, timelines, boxed features on special topics, a glossary, and guides to Quakers in fiction and on film. This book is also intended for individuals new to Quakers, for meeting and church study groups, and for those who want to refresh their understanding of Quakerism.

Quakerism: The Basics introduces a vibrant twenty-first-century religion, tracing the evolution of the Religious Society of Friends from its origins in seventeenth-century England to a worldwide religion, balancing discussion of Quaker history, evolving beliefs and practices, and contemporary social action. An accessible and engaging introduction to the history and diverse approaches and ideas associated with the Religious Society of Friends, this book treats Quakerism as a global religion with wide geographic reach and varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christianity to non-theism, including:Quaker values in actionQuaker history, worship, and practiceQuakerism in different regions of the worldThe future of QuakerismThis thoroughly revised second edition now includes information on Quakers in Africa, Friends active engagement with electoral politics, electronic communication and online meetings, and a new appendix on Quakers in film. Quakerism: The Basics is suitable for secondary and university courses on Quakerism and comparative religion, with features including suggested readings, timelines, boxed features on special topics, a glossary, and guides to Quakers in fiction and on film. This book is also intended for individuals new to Quakers, for meeting and church study groups, and for those who want to refresh their understanding of Quakerism.

By considering the prophetic ministry an ordinary consequence of listening for the Spirit of Truth as often as possible in all we do, space opens up for this way of being to be part of our life journey. The awareness of God is an awareness of the value of all life. Considering this as part of a journey makes it easier to accept setbacks and mistakes and to notice growth and newness, whether our journey is one of radical witness or of loving care for our neighbors.Often the prophetic work starts with self-knowledge and personal healing. The Light, which is such a powerful instructor about the way forward, is also relentless in allowing us to see the painful corners of our attitudes and behaviors. Peace is not just about opposing war but is also about establishing justice, and it is initially felt within each heart and soul.We have the choice to shift our focus from what is "ours" to what is infinite. Early Quakers again and again pointed out that the kingdom of God is within and that we will find this new creation within. The prophetic voice is nurtured by communities that know the reality of the new creation. Such a community is filled with everyday prophets and the occasional radical prophets who call the community to account as well as carry their deepest hopes to the wider world

By considering the prophetic ministry an ordinary consequence of listening for the Spirit of Truth as often as possible in all we do, space opens up for this way of being to be part of our life journey. The awareness of God is an awareness of the value of all life. Considering this as part of a journey makes it easier to accept setbacks and mistakes and to notice growth and newness, whether our journey is one of radical witness or of loving care for our neighbors.Often the prophetic work starts with self-knowledge and personal healing. The Light, which is such a powerful instructor about the way forward, is also relentless in allowing us to see the painful corners of our attitudes and behaviors. Peace is not just about opposing war but is also about establishing justice, and it is initially felt within each heart and soul.We have the choice to shift our focus from what is "ours" to what is infinite. Early Quakers again and again pointed out that the kingdom of God is within and that we will find this new creation within. The prophetic voice is nurtured by communities that know the reality of the new creation. Such a community is filled with everyday prophets and the occasional radical prophets who call the community to account as well as carry their deepest hopes to the wider world.

The modern reputation of Friends in the United States and Europe is grounded in the relief work they have conducted in the presence and aftermath of war. Friends (also known as Quakers) have coordinated the feeding and evacuation of children from war zones around the world. They have helped displaced persons without regard to politics. They have engaged in the relief of suffering in places as far-flung as Ireland, France, Germany, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, and India. Their work was acknowledged with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 to the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the Friends Service Council of Great Britain. More often, however, Quakers live, worship, and work quietly, without seeking public attention for themselves. Now, the Friends are a truly worldwide body and are recognized by their Christ-centered message of integrity and simplicity, as well as their nonviolent stance and affirmation of the belief that all people—women as well as men—may be called to the ministry. The expanded second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Friends (Quakers) relates the history of the Friends through a chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and over 700 cross-referenced dictionary entries on concepts, significant figures, places, activities, and periods. This book is an excellent access point for scholars and students, who will find the overviews and sources for further research provided by this book to be enormously helpful.

In To Be Tender and Broken, Margery Abbott weaves together a brave and beautiful personal narrative with Quaker history and theological reflection in response to questions and struggles about belief, language, social issues and other deeply-felt concerns that unsettle and divide our meetings and the wider Religious Society of Friends. Research underpins each chapter with a rich and wide range of classic and contemporary Quaker writers; her analysis is both original and evocative. She asks how, for example, do Friends answer that of God in light of the heinous acts that daily erupt in our world? What strength might a liberal Friend draw from the experience and meaning of the cross to make sense of our lives? Abbott shows us what is possible when we are willing to enter conversation without expectations about where our conversations might lead. Our willingness to listen, to risk being tender and broken, allows the Light within to move us to places we could not have imagined. This is a book Friends of all persuasions have been waiting for. -Barbarajene Williams, elder for the Way of Ministry program