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Quaker 'Classic'
Quaker 'classic.' Brinton, who helped start Pacific Yearly Meeting (in California, Mexico, Hawaii) of the Religious Society of Friends (unprogrammed) and Pendle Hill (Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation near Philadelphia), describes the development of Quakerism since its beginnings with George Fox, Margaret Fell and others in the mid-1650s in England. He highlights the unique (mystical) form of Quaker Worship (in silence) as a third form of Christianity. Pendle Hill Publications used to title this book "Friends for 300 Years." ... Read more

Book Description
Wil Cooper-Quaker theologian, teacher, and author-sets forth the theology and faith of the "plain people" of Quakerdom. His personal story brings that theology to life in an intimate way and gives us a glimpse of day-to-day life of Middleton, Ohio Conservative Friends in the early 1900's. You will delight in this story of a Quaker culture that has wisdom to offer Friends today and its impact on the life of Wilmer Cooper, founding dean of the Earlham School of Religion. ... Read more

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An excellent insider's account of Conservative Quakerism
In a rare display of the ability to bridge two worlds that are so strikingly different, Mr. Cooper has the gift of being able to invite the reader into the world of Conservative Quakerism, without making him feel asif he has just been preached to.Mr. Cooper is quite unusual in that heseems to be able to appreciate (and therefore communicate with) bothworlds, both the modern secular world we find ourselves in today, and alsothe rarified (but perhaps just as valid) world of Conservative Quakerismwhich is apparently structured around a belief that the ideals of"simplicity" and the "peace of the indwelling spirit"are still two very real and attainable virtues and are not merely two moresad casualties along the side of our modern information superhighway. ... Read more

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Most impressively balanced
Maraget Hope Bacon, a leading authority on the Quakers, has done a most impressive job with this biography of Lucretia Mott, a notable Quaker social activist of the nineteenth century.
The book, on the whole, can be described as most impressive in terms of its sheer readability and clarity: we clearly see the contradictions inherent in Quakerism during the time and how she had to face them. Lucretia Mott is shown to be a woman who was exceptionally capable of dealing with criticisms from the Quaker leadership of her childhood and to take up the initiative herself when she believed she was forced to by sheer injustice. All parts of her life are described quite thoroughly but lightly: there is a notable absence of over-dense writing to clutter the book.

Whilst none of the writing is remarkably insightful because Bacon does not go into great detail (as, say, Jean McMahon-Humez does) about the realities of life in a Quaker society, the book still comes across as a good biography. If you want to know where the modern-day women's and peace movements came from, this book should be read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not quite consensus...
This book is about Quaker decision-making, but the use of the secularly familiar word "consensus" in the previous review may be misleading.Sheeran examines and explores in great depth how Friends come to make decisions.

Both simple and complicated, the process comes out of a history and practice based on spirit-led decision making.

The book can explain far better than I what the process is, how it can work amazingly well, how it may sometimes fail.The decision-making process among Friends is what 'hooked' me to keep coming to meetings, especially decision-making meetings (Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business).When it works it is an awe-filled experience.When it doesn't, the results of the decision often crumble.

An excellent book for new clerks and newcomers, as well as a reminder to Friends who may be tempted to fall back on the corporate or secular world's way of finding consensus.

Consensus decision-making processes - Quakers
Well-written examination of how and why consensus works among the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Meeting for Business, both historically and in the present. Applicable to many other groups and institutions. A fascinating read. ... Read more

Book Description
1871. This essay was written in pursuance of a suggestion made by some members of Friends' Publication Association, that a brief statement of Friends' views would be useful, to be handed to those who inquire what they believe, and what are the grounds of their faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Love and Death in the Hinterland
Kelly Cherry's collection of short stories is an outstanding example of refined English language prose as well as a philosophical exploration into the meaning or meaninglessness of human existence. However, inspite of these grand subjects, Ms. Cherry often choses the most humble of subjects and the smallest events to story the plight of her sometimes hapless, often kind, characters as they forage for love and understanding in the Wisconsin college town neighborhood where these stories take place. There is heartbreaking irony and tenderness in these stories. Ms. Cherry deftly written sentences sweep the reader toward the edge of consciousness itself, and indeed we stare over the edge and into the abyss more than once, and then we are swept back again with great waves of emotion to the everyday existence we cling to. There is great humor in these stories as well as an undertone of darkness in every sentence.Only a poet of Ms. Cherry's brilliance could render such a remarkable display without calling attention to the language itself. These are stories, not merely for the student of literature but for the student of life. Above everything else there is a great reverence for human beings and their spiritual quest in a world that harbors few places of refuge for the vulnerable.

Just like the end of summer...
I put this book up and down over several months - and that was mostly an effect of the power of certain segments of the book.

The stories move through overlapping lives - and relationships.Universally overcoming their own obstacles - molestation, racismn, sexuality, living and dying... realizing one is aging.Strong and weak - the characters feed off of each other and show a need for one another even at their stubbornest moments.

Nina is the main character - but I aim to tell you - so that you give him your undivided attention - the real story is her little dog (who seems to have no name).

The book is strongest in the final two chapters - Chapters from A Dog's Life and Block Party.I smiled hard and cried harder through the final movements between Nina and her dog.

We are all witnesses to their ceremony... ... Read more

Book Description
16-page section of 32 b/w photos5 maps6 x 9Includes Henry Simmons's 1799 journal This account of a 1799 Quaker mission to a Seneca village in northwestern Pennsylvania is based on the journal of Henry Simmons and offers a captivating look at Seneca culture of the period-their festivals and games, division of labor, and fascinating cult of dreams, which affected many of their actions. The perceptive Chief Cornplanter, realizing that his people must adapt to new social and economic patterns, welcomed the Quakers as teachers, not so much for their religion, but for their knowledge of agriculture. The interactions between the two groups brought on conflicts among the Senecas and new developments in their culture, among them the rise of the powerful prophet Handsome Lake and his Longhouse religion. The author shows how Simmons and Cornplanter each attained a grasp of the other's religion, politics, and lifestyles and were able to mutually achieve their goals by finding the similarities and utilizing them. David Swatzler is a professional writer who lives in Cooperstown, Pennsylvania. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A book about Indian Peace, not Indian Wars
This book is fantastic and covers so many topics so thoroughly, it is hard to choose just one thing as the best part.The author tells about the Quakers, their history and beliefs, about the Iroquois and their history of war and land loss, as well as giving a rare glimpse into everyday life in the 1700's--games, religious festivals, feasts, mythology.The story of the interaction of the groups as they get to know each other and explore their similarities and differences is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and the author even includes a glimpse into the religious and social implications of the interaction for the Indians.The story of Handsome Lake is particularly well-told.At the end of the book, I felt that I understood the whole vast episode, and I even had a certain fondness for Henry Simmons, the irascible Quaker.His entire 1799 journal, which is a wonderful read, is included as an appendix, and is worth the price of the book. ... Read more

Book Description
What is worship? What do Friends/Quakers believe about baptism and communion? How does the Quaker business meeting work? Those acquainted with Friends, and some Friends themselves, find some of the doctrinal differences of Quakers troubling and confusing. Why Friends Are Friends is an attempt to examine the Quaker past and connect it with the present and the challenges of the future. "These connections," writes Willcuts, "become again our own convictions as we return to the revealed Word and the leadings of the Spirit. This is why Friends are Friends." Topics include worship, the sacraments, the Friends concept of ministry, peacemaking, the Friends business meeting, and living a powerful Christian life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Definitive Guide to Quaker Beliefs
This is a very definitive encapsulation of Quaker (Friends) beliefs written in a forthright, easy to understand format.Jack Willcuts wrote thisseveral years ago, but it stands the test of time and is a fantastic reference book to refresh Quakers on the core beliefs.I bought it for that purpose and found that it can also be an excellent reference for any church on how to work within the community in carrying out Jesus' ministry.

Good Little Book
Willcuts is a clear writer, and was devoted to both Christ Jesus and to those of His servants who call themselves Friends (or Quakers).

What this book gives you is a clear, concise (6 chapters, totallying only about 100 pages) description and defense of some Evangelical Quaker distinctives.Specifically, he speaks of evangelical Quaker worship, the Quaker view of the sacraments, calling to ministry, pacifism, and rule by consensus (or "getting the sense of the meeting").So, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get.

If you're looking for a historical or comparative approach to these issues, this is not the book you want.Willcuts is specifically evangelical in his approach.You may want to try a book like A Living Faith, by Wilmer Cooper, if you want a historical comparative approach.

If you're looking for a history of Quakerism, this is also not the book you want.Willcuts is presenting the stance of evangelical Quakers of today.

If you're looking for a full-fledged defense of Quaker theology, you certainly won't get that here (try Barclay's Apology).Willcuts assumes basic Christianity as a background, and confines himself to talking about specifically evangelical Quaker issues.

As an Evangelical Friend who appreciates ecumenism, I found this book to be a good summary of what other Christians should be told if they want to know what is different about my denomination, and also provided a decent basis for them. ... Read more