An Introduction to Quakerism (Introduction to Religion) [Paperback]

Pink Dandelion (Author)

Book Description

Series: Introduction to Religion | Publication Date: April 30, 2007

This is the first comprehensive introduction to Quakerism which balances a history of the theology of the Quakers or Friends with an overview of present day practice. It charts the growth of the Quaker movement through the 1650s and 1660s, its different theological emphasis in the eighteenth century, and the schisms of the nineteenth century which resulted in the range of Quaker traditions found around the world today. The book focuses in particular on notions of 'endtime', 'spiritual intimacy', and what counts as 'the world' as key areas of theological change. The second half of the book uses extracts from Quaker texts to highlight differences in belief and approach between the different traditions and analyses their future prospects. The book is generously illustrated and includes numerous diagrams to help the reader. Undergraduate and graduate students will find this an essential introduction to the Quaker movement.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A real strength is the incorporation of the worldwide family of Friends throughout the book...Dandelion's book adds a broader dimension by placing U.S. Friends within the context of those in Britain, Africa, and elsewhere around the world. Dandelion's work also provides deeper analysis of Quaker theology, both historical and contemporary, and more complex examination of contemporary Friends with detailed examples and excerpts from yearly meeting disciplines across theological and geographic differences.
Gwen Gosney Erickson, Friends Journal

Book Description

This comprehensive introduction to Quakerism balances a history of the theology of the movement with an overview of present day practice. It charts Quaker history across three and a half centuries including the schisms of the nineteenth century which resulted in the range of Quaker traditions found worldwide today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052160088X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521600880
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #485,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Quaker

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction for newcomers, April 28, 2008

By 

Pilar Ma Moreno Jimenez "PMM" (Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Quakerism (Introduction to Religion) (Paperback)

I am not a Quaker but I have been interested in Quaker Religion for many years. I have read several books on the subject, but this is the first one that made me understand Quakerism in all its aspects. Although it's been written by a scholar it's quite easy to read, and the included figures, tables and abstracts prove to be very helpful. In this book are succintly exposed the main Quaker related people, works, ideas, controversies and branches throughout the history, so you can fully understand the context. As a result, myths and wrong assumptions about Quakers become apparent. Tensions between theology and mysticism, orthodoxy and heterodoxy, or the relative importance conceded to inward or outward affairs, are all part of the history of Quakers, but it also is the social leadership of their numerous apostles and activists. The bibliographical references added at the end of the book are very useful in going deeper to specific authors or subjects. I recommend this book for those people who want to know what this religious movement is all about.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative & well written, November 11, 2010

By 

J. Sanders "J.S." (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Introduction to Quakerism (Introduction to Religion) (Paperback)

This book is extremely helpful and a "must have" for anyone new to Quakerism or interested in studying the tradition. This is a book that one would like to keep as a reference book and study guide. I love how the author covers the history of Quakerism, all the way from George Fox to current times. I have been a Quaker for only a few years and this is the most interesting book I've read so far. It has helped me have a better knowledge of this beautiful tradition.