Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives [Paperback]

Jim Pym (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 2000

Quakerism has been a source of inspiration for over 300 years. Combining spirituality with the practical life, its insights have a universal appeal that is particularly relevant to today's world. Quakers deeply value inner peace and tranquility and believe that there is "that of God" within us all. They also have a compassionate determination to alleviate suffering and a profound commitment to peace and non-violence. Listening to the Light shows us how to incorporate Quaker ideals and practices into our lives—to find our own Light-the Divine-within ourselves, to realize that the everyday is spiritual, to simplify our lives and care for the planet, to bring a sense of commitment and integrity to our actions, and to learn to listen.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Quakers (formally known as the Society of Friends) do not have confessions defining their beliefs, but they are generally thought to belong within the broader Christian community. For example, Richard Foster, a popular writer coming out of the Quaker tradition, writes firmly within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy. Foster's readers may be taken aback to discover that Pym writes here as one who considers himself both Buddhist and Quaker, and that he identifies the Quaker "inner light" as just another name for the Zen "Buddha Nature." Given the Friends' long tradition of tolerance and egalitarianism, perhaps this is not astonishing, but nothing in the title or cover blurb informs the buyer about the book's Buddhist content. Pym, a founder of Britain's Friends Interfaith Group and a member of the Council of the Buddhist Society in London, relates his own experiences with the Quakers and describes what Quakers do and why. He discusses the Friends' history, worship and devotional habits, values and testimonies (public statements regarding pacifism and social justice). His suggestions for Quaker practice are aimed at both those who wish merely to add Quaker habits to their own spirituality and those considering joining the Society of Friends. At the end of the book, Pym provides contact addresses for those who want to pursue their interest.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Pym, a longtime practicing Quaker and Buddhist, bookseller, publisher, and editor for Quakers in London, has produced a clear and thoughtful introduction to Quaker worship and practice, including much advice and insight equally useful to the non-Quaker. The text includes as an appendix the Friends' "Advice and Queries," which offers the essentials in Quaker belief. There are not many guides to Quaker spirituality for the nonspecialist, so this one ought to occupy an important place. For most collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Random House UK (January 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712670203
• ISBN-13: 978-0712670203
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Quaker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally clear introduction to Friends, February 13, 2001

By 

Theodore O. Talbott (Honolulu, HI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives (Paperback)

As an attendee of a local meeting for the last year, I have learned a great deal about Quakerism but Jim Pym's book has put all the pieces together for me in a clear, interesting and easily understood style that has significantly enhanced the value I recieve from 'sitting in the light.' From readers merely curious about Quakerism to Confirmed Friends, I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone with an interest in the Religious Society of Friends.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Simplicity, August 17, 2000

By 

Peter Ells (Oxford United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives (Paperback)

Jim Pym gives a beautiful and straightforward account of his Quaker faith, and how this affects his everyday life.

An important part of Jim's personal faith comes from the Buddhist tradition. Despite this, he gives a lucid and positive account of the Christian roots of Quakerism.

The book makes significant use of "Advices and Queries," one of the central documents of the Quakers in Britain Yearly Meeting. These are reproduced in full in an Appendix, and this adds to the value of the book.

A superb, highly practical book, expressed in clear and simple language.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just about the best overview of Quaker practice, March 10, 2003

By 

Paula (Milwaukee, WI, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives (Paperback)

I have read quite extensively in investigating Quaker faith & practice and this is just about the best introduction I've found. This is the one that finally got me to get ... off the couch and seek out a meeting. Elegant, understandable, and personable writing by a guy with an obviously sweet spirit. Wholeheartedly recommended for those seriously considering a move toward Quaker-ism or those who are just interested in making the Quaker spirit part of their life's journey.