Published by Western Friend Online (2014) 1
Quaker Basics - Books Compiled by Regina Renee, Librarian for Mountain View Friends Meeting
Intermountain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (2009) Faith and Practice. http://imym.org/faithandpractice A resource which details the beliefs and practices of the Religious Society of Friends within the area served by the Yearly Meeting.
North Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (1993) Faith and Practice. http://npym.org/?q=content/faith-and-practice A resource which details the beliefs and practices of the Religious Society of Friends within the area served by the Yearly Meeting.
Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (2001) Faith and Practice. http://www.pacificyearlymeeting.org/faith-and-practice A resource which details the beliefs and practices of the Religious Society of Friends within the area served by the Yearly Meeting.
A Living Faith. by Wilmer A. Cooper ISBN: 978-0944350126 A systematic theological reflection on Quaker beliefs. A study of Quaker beliefs from a historical perspective. This reference book includes detailed information concerning Quaker beliefs about the sacraments, the creator, the testimonies and the end times.
The Quakers - A Very Short Introduction Ben Pink Dandelion ISBN: 978-0199206797 Part of Oxford’s very short introduction series, this introductory guide provides information on the history and ideas of Quakers.
Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly ISBN: 978-0060642129 Testament of Devotion gathers together five compelling essays that urge us to center our lives on God's presence, to find quiet and stillness within modern life.
Daily Readings from Quaker Writings Ancient & Modern Vol II. Edited by Linda Hill Renfer ISBN: 978-0962086915 Readings from Quaker literature spanning more than 300 years that includes writings of more than 150 Friends from early times to the present.
Compiled by Regina Renee, Mountain View Friends Meeting Published by Western Friend Online (2014) 2
A Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons in Simplicity, Service and Common Sense. by Robert Smith ISBN: 978-0688156534 Reflecting on topics such as silence, simplicity, business, and family, Smith offers guidance on how to "let your life speak"--an important premise to the Quaker life of service. In the final chapter, Smith offers "Ten Life Lessons" that he wishes someone had shared with him when he was growing up.
Plain Living a Quaker Path to Simplicity. by Catherine Whitmire ISBN: 978-1893732285 This book is a collection of the sayings of Friends (ranging from Margaret Fell and Isaac Penington to Jan Hoffman and Patricia Loring) which speak to every aspect of living a spiritually centered and simple life. Topics explored include work, plain speech, money and resources, committed relationships, grief, fear, leadings, community, practicing non-violence, spirit-led service and inward simplicity. Each section is followed by queries.
Silence and Witness. The Quaker Tradition by Michael L Birkel ISBN: 978-1570755187 This is a meaty and inviting introduction to Quaker thought and spiritual life. The book provides detailed examination of discernment about when to speak in meeting and other leadings.
Friends For 350 Years. by Howard H. Brinton ISBN: 978-0875749037 This text is a Quaker classic. Brinton describes the development of Quakerism since its beginnings in England, and highlights silent Quaker worship as a third form of Christianity.
The Amazing Fact of Quaker Worship. by George Gorman ISBN: 978-0852451007 George Gorman looks at how Quaker worship will be seen by a newcomer, and approaches religion as human experience, seeking within it signals of transcendence that point beyond and bring a new dimension to life. This classic book aims to assist regular Quaker worshippers as well as newcomers to make the most effective use of silent worship.
The Quaker Reader. by Jessamyn West ISBN: 978-0875749167 Popular anthology of Quaker writings (1650-1960). Writings represent a wide range of perspectives; includes fine biographical notes at the beginning of each passage. Includes excerpts from the wrtings of George Fox, William Penn, Joseph Besse, Mary Penington, Rufus Jones, Margaret Fell, John Bellars, John Woolman, Voltaire, John Greenleaf Whittier, Caroline Fox, Emil Fuchs and Caroline Stephen. An excellent and deep survey of Friends' thought.
Compiled by Regina Renee, Mountain View Friends Meeting Published by Western Friend Online (2014) 3
The Quakers in America. by T.D. Hamm ISBN: 978-0231123624 This book describes the history of Quakerism in America from the mid 1640’s to the present. The author is a Quaker historian and scholar. He explores in depth the wide variety of Quaker practices in America today. He presents a diversity of opinion that is part of modern Quakerism in the United States.
Truth of the Heart. by Rex Ambler ISBN: 978-0852453254 Rex Ambler's collection of passages from the writings of George Fox is intended to make available his clearest and most profound writings. The anthology is presented in parallel with a translation into modern English, a glossary and a concluding essay entitled `Making Sense of Fox.
Portrait in Grey A Short History of the Quakers. by John Punshon ISBN: 978-0852451809 A comprehensive and thoroughly readable introduction to the history of Quakerism, from its origins in 17th century England to the development of the differing varieties found around the world today.
Compiled by Regina Renee, Mountain View Friends Meeting Published by Western Friend Online (2014) 4
Quaker Basics - Pendle Hill Pamphlets
Guide to Quaker Practice. Brinton, Howard Haines PHP #20 Interprets the practices of the Society of Friends in his time.
The Society of Friends. Brinton, Howard Haines PHP #48 Explains the distinguishing principles of Quakerism. Reprinted from "Religion in the 20th Century," edited by Vergilius Fern.
On Speaking Out of the Silence: Vocal Ministry in the Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship. Steere, Douglas Van PHP #182 The nature, functioning, sense of expectancy, and frame of interpretation embodied in Friends' way of worship.
What is Quakerism? A Primer. Peck, George Terhune PHP #277 A pamphlet for beginners on understanding the tenets of the Society of Friends.
The Testimony of Integrity in the Religious Society of Friends. Cooper, Wilmer A. (Wilmer Albert) PHP #296 A cogent insightful description of the central testimony among Friends from which all other testimonies evolve.
Four Doors to Quaker Worship. Taber, William PHP # 306 This essay describes four doors as thresholds into the heart of worship as communion with the invisible but eternal stream of reality in which is this living and eternal Christ.
Beyond Consensus Salvaging Sense of the Meeting. Morley, Barry PHP# 307 The author discusses three essential components in discovering the sense of the meeting: release, long focus, and transition to light, all of which are nurtured by worship. Rich stories of life experiences, especially with adolescents, illustrate the process in a pamphlet that offers a true gift back to Friends.
Compiled by Regina Renee, Mountain View Friends Meeting Published by Western Friend Online (2014) 5
Creeds and Quakers: What's Belief Got to do With It. Griswold, Robert PHP #377 Quaker spiritual authority lies not in belief system and in creeds - but in the direct communion between individual Friends and the Divine Spirit. All other forms of authority, “be they written words, steeple-houses or a clerical hierarchy,” cannot replace this direct communion. While early Friends’ refusal to formulate a creed threatened existing religious practice and brought them great persecution, this historic witness against creeds is not fully appreciated by Friends today. The pamphlet’s author asserts that Friends too often hold Quaker testimonies as ideals, as ends in themselves, rather than as fruits of the Spirit. Without spiritual grounding, testimonies become creeds. In the absence of the profound authority of a faith that defies verbal comprehension and words, the historic Quaker witness to the world is in danger.
Finding the Taproot of Simplicity: A Movement Between Inner Knowledge and Outer Action. Taber, Frances Irene PHP#400 This essay, written in 1987, explores the spiritual basis of Friends’ testimony of simplicity: how it evolved from the efforts of early Friends to live in a way that fostered the spiritual richness of their lives, and how it continues to speak today in the lives of those who seek to find not merely “balance,” but an unseamed wholeness of their inward and outward journeys. As environmental, economic, and technological events in our times push us with accelerating speed towards fragmentation of ourselves, our lives, and our communities, the “taproot” of simplicity continues to offer us wisdom for building lives of harmony and integrity. Discussion questions included.
Compiled by Regina Renee, Mountain View Friends Meeting