Douglas V. Steere (1901–1995)

In this very interesting and still relevant pamphlet, Steere explores the promise of what he called the new ecumenism of the encounter of the great world religions. He saw it as a challenging gift of God, and that Quakers have a unique task in the process. The challenge is to embrace and not erase the very special spiritual witness of the various religious groups, so that the fresh, unique witness of each group may be kept. They mutually irradiate, and neither undermine nor get undermined by show more each other; they each flourish more from their contact and appreciation. He called this functional ecumenism, to ask continually: What is the Holy Spirit saying to me, as a person in my religious tradition, in the witness of these other religions?
Steere's understanding of ecumenism and the relations among different religions can contribute helpfully to Quaker (and anybody's) discernment of who Quakers are and can be in the world's religious spectrum. His view is neither Christian exclusivism nor universalist exclusivism. Steere, a scholar of Quakerism and religion, has studied Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, finding that they each provided a new level of understanding to the Christian life of the Spirit. This rich "irradiation" of his own Quaker Christian tradition was repeated with his experience with Roman Catholicism as an observer at the Vatican Council II, and with interreligious colloquia that he himself organized.
This pamphlet, which is Steere's English version of the 1968 Richard Cary Lecture for German Yearly Meeting, is remarkably articulate about subtle motivations and distinctions. It derives from his own experiences, but is completely relevant to current questions. show less

This is an illuminating and deep discussion of what it means to be present, fully present, to another person, to God, and to people across social barriers of various kinds. To be present is to be open, to listen, to be involved and to care. The consequence of this vital contact is to learn and to change, to transform and to be transformed.
In a particularly valuable and challenging section, Steere discusses at some length how people of different faiths have long ignored each other (and show more worse), and what it would mean for them to become present to each other. He insists that to engage in such presence across faiths does not mean to weaken one's own faith, but as we open, we irradiate and enrich each other. This is an awareness that Friends pride themselves on, but our too frequent blind spots become apparent. His comments on the lack of presence across racial barriers are also illuminating to apply to current racism. show less

This book remains a good, simple introduction to the basics of the Spiritual Life. I particularly value the way examples and suggested reading include many different traditions: George Fox, Nicolas of Cusa, Blaise Pascal, Francis de Sales, ... The inclusion of such a variety makes it easier to find the guide you need to read now.

It is, of course somewhat dated, but the language is less obtrusive than you would think, and the greatest problem is that the reading list in my copy (1952) show more includes a number of books from the 1920s - 40s that have not shown the same staying power as the names listed above, and misses those of more recent decades that will. Even a beginner in the spiritual life would find value in reading this, and it is a good reminder for all of us who need a new impetus to move on. And all of this in less than 70 pages!

This book is one of the ones my father had cherished for decades and passed on to me when he no longer had the space to keep his whole library. I remember him picking out the best of the books he could bear to part with to give to me. Thank you, Dad. show less

In this valuable pamphlet, Steere writes about what contemplation is and what it can do for us, with helpful quotes from various mystical classics. Contemplation can bring us to meaning, compassion, peace, understanding, responsibility, joy, connectedness, and the openness to "the mysterious unity and integrity." It is available to everyone.
Some wonderful quotes: From the Imitation of Christ: "He in whom the Eternal Word speaks is delivered from many opinions." Bernard of Clairvaux: show more "Cultivate the gift of seeing [reality] in order to bear prosperity and not be its victim, to wield power responsibly, to see the common principle of order, to feel abundance." show less