Being a Quaker: Volume 1: A Guide for Newcomers Paperback
4.3 out of 5 stars 4 ratings
Paperback
from $155.00
1 Used from $155.00
Being a Quaker: A Guide for Newcomers
by
4.23 · Rating details · 220 ratings · 20 reviews
"This book contains everything you always wanted to know about Quakerism, but were afraid to ask. It's an idea gift to give to newcomers who want to understand what the "Quaker way" is all about. ...more
Paperback, Second Edition, 157 pages
Published 2013 by Quaker Quest (first published January 1st 2011)
Showing 1-30
4.23 ·
· 220 ratings · 20 reviews
Super interesting, didn't tell me a lot I hadn't learned through my own experiences over the past six months but gave me some of the words to express it (and filled a few gaps). Have passed on to my mum in case she wants to know what it is I'm actually getting myself into as I increasingly disappear off into Quaker meetings and come back spouting words like "discernment" and "the Light" and whatnot, haha. Though aimed at people looking at Quakerism for themselves, might well be of interest to those who want to know more about it from an outside perspective, or because a friend/family member has become a Quaker.
Could maybe use a little bit of updating (this edition is from 2013), especially to be more trans inclusive -- not that Durham isn't, but his terminology isn't the best. He uses the term 'transgendered', for example, which is incorrect, and also uses 'he or she' where he could just use 'they' and encompass a broader spectrum of people. The name of the queer Quaker community has also changed its name since this was last updated and is now called the Quaker Gender and Sexual Diversity Community (QGSDC), not Quaker Gay & Lesbian Fellowship.
[I'm part of YFGM's working group on trans and nb inclusion so I have a vested interest in seeing what would need to be altered about current Quaker resources to make them more inclusive. Good news about this book, it's literally only a case of updating some terminology to be less gendered. 'People' instead of 'men and women', 'they' instead of 'he or she', and 'transgender' instead of the incorrect 'transgendered'. The actual content/message is sound. Hooray! Perhaps there'll be a revised edition at some point that reflects this.] (less)
Could maybe use a little bit of updating (this edition is from 2013), especially to be more trans inclusive -- not that Durham isn't, but his terminology isn't the best. He uses the term 'transgendered', for example, which is incorrect, and also uses 'he or she' where he could just use 'they' and encompass a broader spectrum of people. The name of the queer Quaker community has also changed its name since this was last updated and is now called the Quaker Gender and Sexual Diversity Community (QGSDC), not Quaker Gay & Lesbian Fellowship.
[I'm part of YFGM's working group on trans and nb inclusion so I have a vested interest in seeing what would need to be altered about current Quaker resources to make them more inclusive. Good news about this book, it's literally only a case of updating some terminology to be less gendered. 'People' instead of 'men and women', 'they' instead of 'he or she', and 'transgender' instead of the incorrect 'transgendered'. The actual content/message is sound. Hooray! Perhaps there'll be a revised edition at some point that reflects this.] (less)
Jul 21, 2018Martin Hoogeboom rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a really good introduction to Quaker practice. Well written, mainly focused on the British Society of Friends. Also a great start to read more about the subject. If you're curious like me this is a great read. (less)
I thought this was a really fantastic introduction to Quaker practice, being the first book I've ever read on it. It took both a historical look at Quakers and where they came from, it also looked at many other things including the structure of meetings, how meetings for worship work, how Yearly meetings work. It created a link between a historical narrative about Quarkers and where they came from to current Quaker practice today. The writer has certainly created a book that is easy to read, accessible and takes a lot of quotes from individuals and their thoughts on certain topics - from how to prepare for meetings for worship to how they try to act out - in their lives - the 'advices and queries' - Quaker writings that further guide their practice.
I read this book because I request it online to be sent to my house. I wanted to read a little about Quaker practice after spending nearly a year, before I just moved city, passing a Meeting House every day on my way to work. I was curious.
This book is beautifully written in it's simplicity, it's very personal connection the writer makes with you. A lot of it immediately struck me as true, I'd roll a sentence around in my head and think about it for a while in a way that tells me - there's something here, something important. I think as a result of reading it that I will try to attend a meeting for worship and see if it is for me.
What I take away from this book even if Quaker practice is not for me is the huge amount of reading and studying I want to do now, regardless, of individuals key to the Quaker community, or writing coming from this community because so much of what I've taken from this book, it's allusions to other writings, to journals of key founders of the practice - I've felt nothing but inspired by and a sense of understanding and of something shared between us somehow.
There is a lot that came out of the concerns Quakers have for living their life that spoke to me - about truth, speaking truth, doing what you understand is 'true', but also at the same time they are a group of people who understand that religion, Christianity and Spirituality is not straight forward, there are many endless questions. Questions we will have our entire lives. What Quakers also embrace and don't fear is a difference of opinion or understanding of answers to these questions - this is entirely refreshing and radical to me it seems.
Quakers are also concerned with equality, living life with simplicity and also with a duty of citizenship - both locally, nationally and internationally - this spoke to me also. To them faith is about seeing God in everyone, again a relatively radical notion, and it is about turning faith into action. It is a way not a notion.
This book has been nothing but thought provoking and it speaks true, I believe, in saying that it is not there to 'convert' or convince you but you must feel and seek out for yourself if you are meant to attend a meeting. I took a gamble when I read this book and I feel all the better for it - there's a lot for me to think about, reflection on and explore in relation to my own life, privately. It is the start of something for me - whether that is to attend a meeting or whether it is just that I will continue to acknowledge the contribution to ideas, to writing, to citizenship of Quakers - we shall see. But I recommend reading it to anyone interested in theology, in sociology, in society, in equality, politics, justice or in spirituality. My mind has been expanded in a very lovely way and my life is already the richer for it. (less)
I read this book because I request it online to be sent to my house. I wanted to read a little about Quaker practice after spending nearly a year, before I just moved city, passing a Meeting House every day on my way to work. I was curious.
This book is beautifully written in it's simplicity, it's very personal connection the writer makes with you. A lot of it immediately struck me as true, I'd roll a sentence around in my head and think about it for a while in a way that tells me - there's something here, something important. I think as a result of reading it that I will try to attend a meeting for worship and see if it is for me.
What I take away from this book even if Quaker practice is not for me is the huge amount of reading and studying I want to do now, regardless, of individuals key to the Quaker community, or writing coming from this community because so much of what I've taken from this book, it's allusions to other writings, to journals of key founders of the practice - I've felt nothing but inspired by and a sense of understanding and of something shared between us somehow.
There is a lot that came out of the concerns Quakers have for living their life that spoke to me - about truth, speaking truth, doing what you understand is 'true', but also at the same time they are a group of people who understand that religion, Christianity and Spirituality is not straight forward, there are many endless questions. Questions we will have our entire lives. What Quakers also embrace and don't fear is a difference of opinion or understanding of answers to these questions - this is entirely refreshing and radical to me it seems.
Quakers are also concerned with equality, living life with simplicity and also with a duty of citizenship - both locally, nationally and internationally - this spoke to me also. To them faith is about seeing God in everyone, again a relatively radical notion, and it is about turning faith into action. It is a way not a notion.
This book has been nothing but thought provoking and it speaks true, I believe, in saying that it is not there to 'convert' or convince you but you must feel and seek out for yourself if you are meant to attend a meeting. I took a gamble when I read this book and I feel all the better for it - there's a lot for me to think about, reflection on and explore in relation to my own life, privately. It is the start of something for me - whether that is to attend a meeting or whether it is just that I will continue to acknowledge the contribution to ideas, to writing, to citizenship of Quakers - we shall see. But I recommend reading it to anyone interested in theology, in sociology, in society, in equality, politics, justice or in spirituality. My mind has been expanded in a very lovely way and my life is already the richer for it. (less)
Jan 29, 2012D'face rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is an excellent, current introduction to Quakerism as practiced in Britain and Australia today. He covers the history and practices of Quakers and the reason and place of the testimonies. Helpfully he talks about his own experience in coming to a Quaker meting for the first time, growing as a Quaker and trying to explain his faith to others. The book finishes with a very useful list of resources that are updated on the web. Reference is made throughout to British faith and practice and the Queries which are also included in the final appendix. (less)
Pretty much the perfect introduction to every Quakerism 101 question a person might have, from "Where do they come from?" to "Why do people choose it?" to "How the hell do they get anything done?" Told with lively good humor in a voice I couldn't put down. Highly recommended to anyone who's curious like I was. (less)
May 14, 2019Rhiannon Grant rated it really liked it
Shelves: liberal-quaker-theology, library-wb, quakerism
An introduction, now a few years old, but still interesting both as an overview of what is significant to British Quakers and because of the way that writing introductions encourages clear explanations of issues, such as theological questions, which might be implied or elided in more 'advanced' material. (less)
Jun 05, 2022Anne rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Another good introduction to understanding Quakerism.
Mar 25, 2020Chris Amies rated it really liked it · review of another edition
A useful and informal introduction to Quaker beliefs and practice.
Apr 04, 2021Yates Buckley rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: curious, self-change
A view of the Quaker group from the inside. The ideas are of high sophistication, a religious view which crosses into the future.
Feb 01, 2019Sylvia Clare rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
very straightforward introduction to quaker practice - illuminating on a very politically active form of spirituality - enlightening indeed
Dec 12, 2019Brian Hull rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: spirituality-religion-philosophy
A wonderful introduction to Quakerism. Concise, clear and highly recommended to those new to the tradition.
Jan 30, 2015Chris rated it really liked it · review of another edition
A very well written and interesting read about the modern day Religious Society of Friends. This book is accessible and easy to grasp. I recommend this for anyone considering going to a Quaker Meeting; it will certainly help and put your mind at ease with what is 'required' also if you contact the British Quakers they will send you a free copy in the post (less)
Jul 22, 2014Joe Young rated it it was amazing
This is a very easy read providing an easy introduction to Quakerism. For those interested, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
Aug 11, 2016Anne Blunsden rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
The best introductory book on being a Quaker that I have read so far.
Dec 11, 2016Andrew Black rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Life changing stuff
Jan 02, 2017Dean Haywood rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Bit boring really.
Aug 11, 2015Rhysa M. Davis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
The Quaker life
This book is for anyone seeking how to live a rewarding life, a life of service to all mankind. And for the seeker, learning baby steps in spiritual growth.
This book is for anyone seeking how to live a rewarding life, a life of service to all mankind. And for the seeker, learning baby steps in spiritual growth.
Aug 30, 2015Joe rated it really liked it · review of another edition
A colourful introduction to Quakerism, with sections about Quaker traditions, history, and Quakerism today. If you're curious, a great read. (less)
========================
Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
4 global ratings
Top reviews from other countries
P. Wise
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a very good everyday guideReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 16 September 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a very good everyday guide. It takes things from the stage of wondering whether the Quakers is suitable for you, then getting up the courage to step across the threshold to try out a Quaker meeting, and on through various stages you can go to is you wish. It's very reassuring and dispels mysteries and misconceptions. It very much echoed my own experiences to date and is written in an easy, everyday style. Practical, useful and I recommend it highly to anyone with even the slightest interest in the Quakers.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
Beryl
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about QuakerismReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 8 June 2016
Verified Purchase
Excellent book about Quakerism - well written and very informative.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
Gardener in Wisconsin
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 20 February 2018
Verified Purchase
Excellent intro to Quaker practice and beliefs. Combination of personal experience with general practice
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
See all reviews
