Encounter with Silence: Reflections from the Quaker Tradition: John Punshon: 9780913408964: Amazon.com: Books
Encounter with Silence: Reflections from the Quaker Tradition Paperback – June 7, 2006
by John Punshon (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 5 customer reviews
--
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.
---
Top Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsInspiring
By Amazon Customer on May 30, 2000
Format: Paperback
An excellent apologetic for the Quaker approach to faith. Although Punshon is not well known, he is an outstanding and eloquent writer -- one of the best writers on religious issues I've encountered since Thomas Merton. He makes a strong case for an approach to faith that is grounded both in contemplation and prophetic action; two areas that are often seen as mutually exclusive.
The book is succinct and to the point and will enhance your understanding of Christianity even if Quakerism is not your interest. Punshon takes a common sense approach to much of much of Christian doctrine and even manages to make sense of the sometimes mystifying (to the nonChristian) belief in the divinity of Christ. Especially recommended to agnostics or struggling Christians although it should be noted that Punshon is equally critical of the liberal and conservative wings of the Quaker movement. END
Comment 32 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
----
4.0 out of 5 starsAn excellent read, if not original
By mianfei on February 20, 2003
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
"Encounter With Silence" is a most impressive, if not original, outline of the Quaker tradition which dates back to the middle seventeenth century.
The book, written by Quaker John Punshon and controversial theologian Matthew Fox (who gives a useful introduction from his experience of Quakers), aims to outline the distinctive practices involved in Quakerism and does so most effectively because Punshon is able to write so well from the experience of his own life. He shows how silence aims to produce recollection in those who encounter it and the existence of historical precendents for the Quakers before the seventeeth century. Punshon understands effectively how the first Friends saw convincement (being reborn as a Quaker).
Punshon then focuses on unprogrammed Quaker worship and the manner in which it occurs through believers coming together in silence to pray. He is very effective in focusing on the enviroment created by the simplicity of worship so evident in Quakerism, and he does a useful job of understanding the way in which Quakerism has evolved into the present.
The next part of the book looks at the Quaker testimony and the way in which Punshon was attracted to Quakerism and the meaning of this "Testimony" which is expressed, Punshon feels, through one's life rather than though the Testimony's words.
The remainder of the book aims to deal with the way in which Quaker ethics can be expressed in everyday life. Punshon shows very well who a Quaker meeting can be used to avoid distractions from everyday life, but he spends a lot of the book explaining how one still has to "know how to feel". The book then turns to the meaning of ministry and the rhythm of the unprogrammed meeting.Read more ›
Comment 7 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
---
4.0 out of 5 starsIt was a slow book to digest, but worth ...
By schoolmarm on April 6, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
It 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.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
----
5.0 out of 5 starsTHE SILENCE SPEAKS
By LIZANNE on September 1, 2005
Format: Paperback
THE WRITER IS PERSONAL AND NOT AFRAID TO BARE HIS SOUL. HE TRAVELS US THROUGH HIS "FINDING" HIMSELF AND THE QUAKER RELIGION AND GROWING THROUGH HIS DISCOVERIES.
I AM ENJOYING THE BOOK, HAVING A HERITAGE OF QUAKERISM WITHOUT THE UPBRINGING NOR EXPERIENCE.
1 Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this ----
5.0 out of 5 starsLike New
By David Meiser on May 6, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This book came in almost perfect condition. It was used, but obviously, it had hardly been touched. 3 more words required
Spirituality, Mind-Body, Gender, Ecology, Ageing, Peace, Scrapbook (in English and Korean)
