Description: 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 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. The book is generously illustrated and includes numerous diagrams to help the reader. Undergraduate and graduate students will find this an essential introduction to the Quaker movement.
Brief description: Pink Dandelion is Programme Leader, Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies at Woodbrooke Quaker Studies Centre and Honorary Professor in Quaker Studies at the University of Birmingham.
Review Quotes: "A real strength is the incorporation of the worldwide family of Friends throughout the book...Dandelion's book adds a broader dimension by placing U.S. Friends within the context of those in Britain, Africa, and elsewhere around the world. Dandelion's work also provides deeper analysis of Quaker theology, both historical and contemporary, and more complex examination of contemporary Friends with detailed examples and excerpts from yearly meeting disciplines across theological and geographic differences.
Gwen Gosney Erickson, Friends Journal