Marcelle Martin

There are so many books out there dealing with Quaker history--why another? The answer lies in that Martin didn't simply regurgitate the same old same old. In a format new (to at least me!), she divided a "Spiritual Journey" into "ten elements":
~~~Awakening: Longing; Seeking; Turning Within
~~~Convincement: Openings; The Refiner's Fire; Community
~~~Faithfulness: Leadings; The Cross; Abiding; Perfection

Each section is divided into two: How the topic in question played out in 17th c., and how show more it is reflected in the contemporary world.

I predict this will become a modern Quaker classic. 5***** show less

Quakers refer to intercessory prayer as "holding one another in the Light." This practice, Martin writes, is "an opportunity to participate in divine love." In Quaker thought, it is the experience of the Divine that is foremost; Martin is true to this tradition, describing the variety of ways intercessory prayer nourishes the individual and community spiritual experience. I was particularly grateful for her elegant reminder that God is always present; we simply need to step into the Divine show more flow that awaits our attendance. There is considerable food for thought in this beautifully written essay. It left me feeling positive, hopeful, and inspired to be a better human being. show less

This book can build a holy bridge among all branches and traditions of Friends who have the courage to walk across it, so please pass it on. It can also capture the imagination of spiritual seekers of all faiths, far beyond the bounds of the Society of Friends, for the spiritual journey Marcel Martin describes is not limited to any one tradition. Marcel understands and interprets early Quaker experience in fresh and profound ways…. She does not write about the early Friends as a detached show more historian, analytical theologian, or objective outside observer, but as an intuitive, empathic fellow traveler because she shares their spiritual DNA. show less

In the first two powerful pages, Martin presents the call to Friends arising from the planetary crisis of violence, injustice, and ecological destruction, what this requires of us, and our hopes in response. The challenge is a spiritual one, not merely practical: to testify to the spiritual nature of both the crisis and the healing actions, witness, and service. The rest of this eloquent pamphlet is about the Quaker practices that can prepare and sustain us in our Way of faithfulness.
Martin show more explains clearly how Friends' action in the world arises from awareness of the Divine Presence and through spirit-led leadings, with careful discernment of such leadings, and collective support for these actions, witness, and service. She lays out, with examples, the various Quaker practices for nurturing awareness of the Divine Presence, providing help with discernment, and supporting faithful action. Her comprehensive enumeration of these practices is particularly valuable, as each meeting can assess how it works to provide them and each Friend can discern their own role. show less