Quakering Theology Essays on Worship, Tradition and Christian Faith

Quakers exist neither for themselves nor by themselves alone. Therefore, they ought not to construct Quaker theologies but rather quaker (verb) theology-to add their fingerprints to the larger conversation. David Johns contributes to a Quaker way of thinking theologically but also invites others to think through their denominational identities into a more expansive and ecumenical space. Placing contemporary Quaker thought in conversation with the wider theological tradition, Johns shows that Quakers have something important to contribute to the wider Christian family and he demonstrates how other groups may enter this conversation as well. Some themes explored may not spring immediately to mind as ?Quaker themes?-the saints, C.S. Lewis, sacraments, ritual, and Shakespeare-but Johns argues these are precisely the kind of issues that require Quaker fingerprints-that require quakering.

Part I Worship and Tradition; Chapter 1 Blessing and Cursing; Chapter 2 Sometimes You Just Gotta Dance; Chapter 3 Ritual Management of Presence and Absence; Chapter 4 Mary Dyer and Other Quaker Saints; Chapter 5 (Re)visioning Sacramental Theology; Chapter 6 A Tale of Two Edmunds; Chapter 7 He’s Not a Tame Lion; Part II Quaker and Christian Faith; Chapter 8 The Silence of Holy Saturday; Chapter 9 A Christo-Textured Life; Chapter 10 Parenting Virtues; Chapter 11 Historically Ungrateful?; Chapter 12 People of Unclean Lips; Chapter 13 Stained Glass or Transparent Glass; Chapter 14 Whatever Happened to Primitive Christianity Revived ?; Chapter 15 No Apology Required; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

David L. Johns has taught at two Quaker colleges and for twelve years was a professor of theology at the Earlham School of Religion, a Friends seminary in Indiana. He is Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Union College in Kentucky. In addition to publishing regularly in the area of Quaker studies, he is an associate editor with Quaker Religious Thought.