Harold Loukes (1912–1980)

Review by Richard Hilkin
This excellent introduction to British Quakerism was first published in 1960. It covers the complete history of the Society over the last 350 years, explaining the reasons for the changes in the light of contemporary pressures.
It is particularly good in explaining how the Society pressured the government into introducing Prison Reform. And the author describes the contribution Quakers made to the Scientific Awakening of the 18C
Loukes examines how the Quaker’s show more method of civil disobedience elevated Conscientious Objection into a recognisable response to modern warfare.
Finally by comparing us with Quaker Communities in East Africa Loukes asks why the significant influence we once played in society has diminished. show less

This pamphlet is about how to introduce children to religion, and it may draw a mixed response. On the one hand, it cites research on children's development that is now many decades old, and it assumes explicitly that the ultimate goal is to teach the concepts of God and religion, that is the Christian concepts of course. It meanders so in the beginning that it really only starts halfway down page 12. On the other hand, it soundly recommends the approach that Rufus Jones described from his show more childhood, in Finding the Trail of Life, 1926, of including children in family and meeting worship and prayer, so they will discover the experience themselves. With this recommendation in mind, one could just read Rufus Jones.
The last nine pages address mentoring adolescents; he recommends sympathy and honesty, and meeting young people in the developmental place where they are. While absolutely sound, Loukes' presentation and advice lack any particular insight, and have been superseded by the best of newer writing about parenting and education. show less

Advice for those who seek to bring up their children to recognize their calling as children of God. The 1963 Rufus Jones Lecture.

Also a copy at 05B