Pink Dandelion

The author boldly applies the term liturgy to Quakers and forces them to learn how meanings are conveyed through external structures of worship – even the central one of silence. The practices and understanding of 21st century liberal Quakers are explored, showing that contemporary Quakers maintain the same kind of liturgical form as their ancestors and yet understand it in a very different way.

This is a 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 show more 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. show less

Dandelion does a good job of INCLUSION of all branches of Quakerism within the family of Friends. However, he tends to criticize what he terms "liberal-Liberal Friends" for not being Christocentric, or at least not Christocentric enough. His criticism that liberal-Liberal Friends are voiding Christianity from Quaker [Silent] worship is missing the point entirely: that the quality of unprogrammed worship is seeking to express in their worship their embrasure of the notion that the Spirit show more finds expression in myriad ways AS IT SHOULD, and ANYTHING which stifles that Spirit, including--perhaps even especially including--religion. Christianity, as expressed by so many--including those churches that do not stand up for what Jesus taught (who exactly is it, whom Jesus would agree deserves torture?)--make it difficult for thinking, feeling Quakers to claim that exclusionist mantle. show less

In many ways, "The Quakers: a Very Short Introduction" is a quite a well-built and desirable guide to Quakerism, both literally and figuratively speaking. (Its small size, good typography, modest price, and high-quality paper clearly add to its enjoyability.) Given that it's generally clear, well-researched, and wide-ranging, I concur that this is a great book for a serious student of the faith -- but only when read in conjunction with other viewpoints. Because frequent Quaker schisms over show more the past two centuries have led to so much complexity in the varieties of Quaker experience today, the book's ability to survey them all is a remarkable accomplishment. show less