Silence and Witness: The Quaker Tradition (Traditions of Christian Spirituality.) Paperback – May 1, 2004
by Michael Lawrence Birkel (Author), Philip Sheldrake (Editor)
4.6 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
Paperback
AUD 15.45
Publisher : Orbis Books; Second printing edition (May 1, 2004)
Language : English
Paperback : 164 pages
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
john fallen
5.0 out of 5 stars I have been a practicing Quaker for the last fifteen ...Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have been a practicing Quaker for the last fifteen years and I believe that this should be the first book in any Quaker's library. Both spiritual and instructional, this little jewel is very well written. My little Meeting has decided to give this volume to each of our new members.
8 people found this helpful
===
Jul 23, 2019Quirkyreader rated it it was amazing
This was a good introduction to Quakerism. So if you are Quaker curious, this is a good starting point.
Dec 03, 2013Beth Oppenlander rated it really liked it
I have been a practicing Quaker for my entire life, now 43 years, so when a friend of mine raved about it, I thought, "What the heck, let's give it a try." My friend says this is one of two books he revisits regularly and after having explored it myself, I can see I too will revisit it. What I like most is that Birkel does a wonderful job describing what my inner experience is. I spend so much time just lingering in my Quaker form of worship, that I realized I have not spent the time to describe it. He described astutely and accurately what I experience. So much so, I felt like we are friends who were sharing in a cup of coffee and savoring the moment. His words were rich with recognition and intimate with imagery and resonated deeply for me. At the heart of it, he captured why I am a practicing Quaker.
I think this is a good book for those who are new to Quaker worship, and I think it will be a companion book for those who have chosen Quaker worship as their faith tradition. (less)
I think this is a good book for those who are new to Quaker worship, and I think it will be a companion book for those who have chosen Quaker worship as their faith tradition. (less)
Sep 11, 2016James Hamrick rated it it was amazing
An inviting, accessible, and honest introduction to Quaker spirituality. The author brings out the value and diversity of the tradition without over-idealizing or over-simplifying. Generous quotations from a range of Friends appear throughout, a multi-voiced style that seems appropriate for a book on Quakerism. I think I especially appreciated the way he draws on a close reading of John Woolman to offer 8 observations about spiritual discernment. This is a book I suspect I'll return to often. But be careful if you choose to read it: you might just come away "convinced" :) (less)
Jun 18, 2021Johann rated it really liked it
Surprisingly well written, I have gained a huge respect for Quakers over the last few months of learning about them. This book upheld that respect.
I find it ironic how excited LDS folk are this week about the church leaders’ meeting with NAACP leaders in Utah, when, for the majority of the church’s history, people with black skin were denied priesthood authority and access to temple ceremonies and thus, in their minds, were denied full heavenly glory in the afterlife with their spouses and families—in other words, they were not considered heirs to God’s glory and thus not fully Human.
Quakers, on the other hand, have been fierce abolitionists from as early as the 1600-1700s and were active in helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. This is just one example of how Quakers have lived out their Christians ideals—to say nothing of their outspoken equality for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and LQBTQA+ people. I admire their pacifism and quest for deep personal spirituality/experience with the divine. (less)
I find it ironic how excited LDS folk are this week about the church leaders’ meeting with NAACP leaders in Utah, when, for the majority of the church’s history, people with black skin were denied priesthood authority and access to temple ceremonies and thus, in their minds, were denied full heavenly glory in the afterlife with their spouses and families—in other words, they were not considered heirs to God’s glory and thus not fully Human.
Quakers, on the other hand, have been fierce abolitionists from as early as the 1600-1700s and were active in helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. This is just one example of how Quakers have lived out their Christians ideals—to say nothing of their outspoken equality for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and LQBTQA+ people. I admire their pacifism and quest for deep personal spirituality/experience with the divine. (less)
Jan 16, 2019Benjamin Fitzgerald Hernandez rated it it was amazing
A wonderful introduction to a tradition that I find myself falling in love with.
A brief introduction to Quaker spirituality - including both insight to spiritual practices and history of chief figures.
