Encounter with Silence: Reflections from the Quaker Tradition

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 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 show more 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

Thoughtful and articulate exploration of Quakerism by a highly respected English Quaker.

This was a slow book to digest, but worth the read. I now know the difference between silence and stillness and hopefully will practice the latter.

Silence is a key characteristic of Quaker worship. The author shares his experience of learning to wait in the silence and find God. Perfect for seekers, inquirers and seasoned Friends.

Hope of transformation?
“God is love, as St John reminds us. This short phrase must be absorbed into the soul of anyone wishing to follow the Christian way…
I have learned more about God by being a parent than anything else in my experience….
The soul is to be understood as that which responds to God. It is wider than the mind. It includes what we are to become, as well as what we are.”
- pages 36-37

Excellent exposition of one man's Quaker journey.

we only need 2, but did not want to lose track of c1