John Punshon (1) (1935–2017)

A classic book every Quaker needs to read! Even for those who may not readily identify as "Christian," Punshon helps readers to understand our heritage. This is HIS spiritual journey, after all.

He writes with such grace. I only wish I had as strong a faith, but Punshon gives me the courage to continue to aspire to that type of communion with God.

In conclusion, he wrote: "Finally, my death is certain, but I do not regard that with fear. I am not moved to seek my own pleasure or advantage, but show more rather I have a sense of missed opportunity, false starts, visions of what might have been. At one and the same time, I know the possibility of perfection and that I am a sinner. Peter said, 'Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' But the Lord did not. At a camp meeting they ask for forgiveness. In a monastery they ask for mercy. I ask to be healed" (p131). show less

Punshon offers the outline of a Quaker Christian theology, showing how Quakerism is related to but differs from other forms of Christianity, and thus is an alternative form of Christianity. He believes it is vital that Friends understand this theology, to maintain the central Quaker traditions. Friends should avoid a diversion either toward the evangelical Quakers and other forms of Christianity or toward the rejection of Christianity on the basis or rejecting those other forms of show more Christianity. His version of Quaker Christian theology seems to accept all the basic Christian doctrine, but differs on the basis of the practices of religion, on ways of worship, and on the understanding that the Bible must be interpreted by illumination of the Light Within. Punshon believes Quaker Christianity culminates in the assertion that all the theology of church, scripture, ministry, etc., is servant to the basic Quaker conception of the Christian faith as prophecy, the proclamation of God's goodness, justice, and love, as the immediate and eternal work of the Holy Spirit.
Punshon writes clearly enough, but to this Friend there seem to be several confusions about how the Christian creed can be essential but we do not impose a creedal test on members, how one's attitude to war is a clearer indication of the ground of one's faith than any creed but Quakers are definitely Christians, and so forth. show less

In this pamphlet, Punshon posits a crisis of identity for unprogrammed Quakerism, between universalism and Quaker Christianity. Punshon argues that Quakers must be Christian because Christian doctrine is the Truth, and also early Quakers were Christians. He argues doctrine, rather than helps us open to the guidance of the Spirit. There are interesting points here, but in a way, it shows why the Quakers eschewed doctrinal debate and argument; these lead away form the experience of the show more Presence rather than lead to it. More than a passionate defense of Quakerism as Christian, it feels not only argumentative, but aggressive at times. While he posits his definition of universalism, he does not attempt a balanced presentation of both points of view. show less

Peaceable, truthful and simple living is not easy. The lecture gives a personal view of the way the ethical and political principles of contemporary Quakerism are related to the older spiritual tradition from which they spring, and argues that this tradition is indispensable for their continuing vitality.