Quaker Quicks - Telling the Truth About God: Quaker Approaches to Theology
By Rhiannon Grant
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Telling the truth about God without excluding anyone is a challenge to the Quaker community. Drawing on the author’s academic research into Quaker uses of religious language and her teaching to Quaker and academic groups, Rhiannon Grant aims to make accessible some key theological and philosophical insights. She explains that Quakers might sound vague but are actually making clear and creative theological claims. Theology isn't just for wordy people or intellectuals, it's for everyone. And that's important because our religious language is related to, not separate from, our religious experience. It also becomes clear that denying other people's claims often leads to making your own and that even apparently negative positions can also be making positive statements. How do Quakers tell the truth about God? This book explores this key theological process through fourteen short chapters. As Quakers, we say that we know some things, but not very much, about God, and that we are in a constant process of trying to improve our ways of saying what we do know.
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Author
Rhiannon Grant
Rhiannon Grant is tutor of Quaker Roles at Woodbrooke Quaker study centre and is the Deputy Programmes Leader for the Centre for Research in Quaker Studies, where she teaches on Modern Quaker Thought. Her research includes work on Quaker uses of religious language and changing Quaker practices. Rhiannon lives in Birmingham, UK.
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From other countries
TJ
Disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2019A well written, if brief, discussion about the problems, and possible solutions, to the differing uses of language to describe God in a group context. Given the title, Telling The Truth About God, I was disappointed that the author focused merely on linguistics and a few already well worn theological concepts, rather than elucidating on what Quakers actually experience during Meeting for Worship. I sensed the author views gathering for worship as an exercise in communal ‘message gathering’ so that decisions may be arrived at in order to act or campaign in the world. No mysticism, no personal accounts of experiencing the Divine, nothing. I think modern liberal Quakerism is well on the road to being a slightly ‘religious’ political/reform group and as far from mysticism as you can get without discarding the religious or spiritual entirely.
2 people found this helpful
Tas Cooper
A wonderful short summary of Quaker theology
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2019A clear, accessible, well-researched, concise and honest look at Quaker views on and experiences of God in all their diversity and complicated beauty. I would recommend this to interested newcomers to the Quaker way, as long as they are willing to cope with a degree of uncertainty and open questions in their theology – this is not quite a book that hands you answers on a plate – and it is certainly also an interesting read for experienced Quakers.
3 people found this helpful
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Average rating4.52 · Rating details · 21 ratings · 8 reviews
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Sofia Lemons
Apr 20, 2019Sofia Lemons rated it it was amazing
In Quaker Quicks: Telling the Truth About God, Rhiannon Grant presents a case that Quakers must talk more clearly and openly about God and theology, and encourages us to see the ways that we already do. The book gives a clear view of what (liberal) Quakers often do and don’t say about God, as well as what things could be added to the conversation to find unity in our diversity of beliefs. It could serve readers well who are looking for an entry point into Quaker theology, and it has many worthwhile insights for more experienced Quakers, as well.
The book explores the unique theology that Quakers express by pointing out some ways our values show up in conversations about God: value in negation, value in silence, and value in listing possibilities. Grant turns some of the standard Quaker tropes and jokes on their heads as she draws out the theology that we express with statements like “I wouldn’t say that” or “consider that you may be mistaken.” At the same time, she cautions that we may actually have an over-reliance on some of these less explicit conversational tools which can be detrimental to our community and shared story. She also shows sympathy to Quakers who feel hesitant to use more traditional Christian expressions and those who feel that doing so is vital to their religious practice, and presents some methods for bridging these conversational divides.
One thing which I deeply appreciated about this book was the way that it demonstrated how clear talk about theology in Quaker circles can push back on the hyper-individualistic tendencies of our culture. Grant points to ways that we express our openness to individual experience and leading, but reminds us that the essence of Quaker faith is to value and process those experiences in community. She highlights several ways that our universalist tendencies can be life-giving and acknowledges ways which they can be condescending to or exclusive of those who hold more focused beliefs in one definition of God.
This book is an excellent resource for Quakers looking for advice on how to work within the tension that exists in our broad faith community, as well as a tool for clarifying to newer Quakers what all our odd expressions and vague-sounding statements mean. Grant shows a way that we can value silence and be open to many experiences of God, but that we can hold our community together and grow stronger by living out our value of honesty in the ways we speak to each other about those experiences. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Taz Cooper
Mar 29, 2019Taz Cooper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A wonderful short summary of Quaker theology
A well-researched, clear and concise guide to Quaker views on and experiences of God in all their diversity. I would recommend this to interested newcomers (as long as one is willing to cope with a degree of uncertainty and open questions in one's theology) and experienced Quakers alike. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Fred Langridge
Jul 18, 2019Fred Langridge rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction, quaker, religion
A very accessible look at Quakers and theology - how we think and talk about God-or-whatever in day-to-day practice rather than in textbooks. Lots more content than I had expected from 75 pages!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Lin SINGH-BARRINGTON
Jul 01, 2019Lin SINGH-BARRINGTON rated it really liked it
I agree with J. Brent Bill, (as per front cover), in that this book is, in my view, "wide-ranging, warm, wise, and witty."
The author addresses aspects of religious community life which are often not stated and yet, represent how many people of faith can feel when confronted with dogmas and challenging experiences within faith-based settings .
Possibly the next Karen Armstrong, Grant has much to contribute to 21st century inter-faith dialogue within Friends and beyond. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Taz
Mar 29, 2019Taz rated it it was amazing
A clear, accessible and honest look at Quaker theology in all its complicated beauty. I think it would be a good guide for interested enquirers as long as they are willing to grapple with not finding easy answers - and it is certainly an interesting read even for "seasoned" Quakers! (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Mark
Nov 02, 2019Mark rated it it was amazing
Shelves: theology, quaker
In the space of 75 pages, Grant gives a sharply insightful account of the nature of God-talk amongst British Quakers, and offers a constructive way forward for British Quakers to improve their theologising and thereby strengthen their community. All this is done with clarity, readability and warmth. I particularly liked the description of 'a spiral of denials', giving a positive interpretation of the ways British Quakers describe themselves by what they *don't* believe. This is an important book for British Quakers, and anyone who wants an accurate and helpful account of how British Quakers talk about their beliefs. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Pip Usmar
Sep 10, 2021Pip Usmar rated it really liked it
Shelves: quaker-theology
A clear and accessible short book on the nature of discussing truth within U.K. liberal Quakerism.
flagLike · comment · see review
Alan Fricker
Feb 11, 2021Alan Fricker rated it it was amazing
Packs a lot in to such a short book. Great to get wider perspectives from beyond my quaker experience
flagLike · comment · see review
===
(Review) Quaker Quicks: Telling the Truth About God
Published on April 2, 2019 by snlemons
https://www.snlemons.com/?p=83
In Quaker Quicks: Telling the Truth About God, Rhiannon Grant presents a case that Quakers must talk more clearly and openly about God and theology, and encourages us to see the ways that we already do. The book gives a clear view of what (liberal) Quakers often do and don’t say about God, as well as what things could be added to the conversation to find unity in our diversity of beliefs. It could serve readers well who are looking for an entry point into Quaker theology, and it has many worthwhile insights for more experienced Quakers, as well.
The book explores the unique theology that Quakers express by pointing out some ways our values show up in conversations about God: value in negation, value in silence, and value in listing possibilities. Grant turns some of the standard Quaker tropes and jokes on their heads as she draws out the theology that we express with statements like “I wouldn’t say that” or “consider that you may be mistaken.” At the same time, she cautions that we may actually have an over-reliance on some of these less explicit conversational tools which can be detrimental to our community and shared story. She also shows sympathy to Quakers who feel hesitant to use more traditional Christian expressions and those who feel that doing so is vital to their religious practice, and presents some methods for bridging these conversational divides.
One thing which I deeply appreciated about this book was the way that it demonstrated how clear talk about theology in Quaker circles can push back on the hyper-individualistic tendencies of our culture. Grant points to ways that we express our openness to individual experience and leading, but reminds us that the essence of Quaker faith is to value and process those experiences in community. She highlights several ways that our universalist tendencies can be life-giving and acknowledges ways which they can be condescending to or exclusive of those who hold more focused beliefs in one definition of God.
This book is an excellent resource for Quakers looking for advice on how to work within the tension that exists in our broad faith community, as well as a tool for clarifying to newer Quakers what all our odd expressions and vague-sounding statements mean. Grant shows a way that we can value silence and be open to many experiences of God, but that we can hold our community together and grow stronger by living out our value of honesty in the ways we speak to each other about those experiences.
========================
Telling the Truth about God by Rhiannon Grant is written to help meetings deal with the animosity
and individualism that can result when there is no common language or theological understanding.
Grant resists “any proposal that Quakers should put a theological boundary around our community,”
even the gentlest suggestion that “one ought to … be open to or accept the possibility of this or that.”
When each Friend rejects different words and their associated theologies, the community is
prevented from degenerating into individualism only if it is “united in the practice of unprogrammed
worship.” She does not describe what is going on in this practice of mostly silent sitting; she does not
address: What is worship? What is the object of the worship? How does it unite us? Grant explains
that, since we need words for “discussion groups, leaflet writing, and outreach,” there are ways to use
them constructively. Words can help a meeting community appreciate rather than despise or fear
the theological differences that so often exist. What seems to be missing from this list is that words
are the way we communicate our own deep spiritual experiences with one another thereby creating
a spiritual community—although this becomes a little clearer later. Grant offers “three responses
which seem to lead to positive outcomes.” The first suggestion is for each person to actively listen,
especially when words for the Divine are used that you do not like. Acknowledge you are upset so
that you can share your experience that led to this reaction. Consider carefully the context: are the
words used in meeting for worship or a discussion? Is it the usual pattern for the speaker or a
quotation? Then she suggests, “Active listening, and where appropriate speaking out using [y]our
own preferred language, is a way to bring a balance to the community’s wider patterns of language
use.” Grant’s second suggestion has to do with telling—and hearing—stories. These include the
larger Christian and Quaker stories as well as our personal stories. When we know the historical and
cultural context of words and of the Friends who used and use them, it becomes possible to hear
meanings that need to be expressed. The result for British (and Friends General Conference) Friends
has been to favor ambiguity so a word can hold a wide variety of meanings and thereby be
acceptable to most Quakers. An example is taking the early Quaker use of “the Spirit,” “Holy Spirit,”
“Spirit of Christ,” and so on to become lowercase “spirit,” which can be interpreted to mean almost
anything the listener feels is acceptable. For the many Liberal meetings struggling with covert or
overt conflicts around language and the theologies those words are associated with, Grant’s book will
be quite helpful. For those looking for simplified ways of describing what Liberal, unprogrammed
Quakers are about, Durham’s book will be very useful. Together they offer good tools for
accomplishing the “gateway” Quaker task. ~ Marty Grundy, https://www.friendsjournal.org/what-doquakers-believe-and-telling-the-truth-about-god/
===
‘How nontheists view discernment is giving me a headache.’ I have just finished reading Rhiannon
Grant’s Telling the Truth About God (see review, 8 March). This humane, kind, thoughtful book makes
use of ‘ordinary theology’ and the bottom-up (rather than top-down) ideas of the later Ludwig
Wittgenstein to think about truth in religion. It takes further some thinking in recent publications
around theology, prior to the revision of Quaker faith & practice. With the suggestion ‘Don’t think, but
look!’, Ludwig Wittgenstein in his Philosophical Investigations (1953) developed the notion of ‘forms of
life’, and of ‘language games’ to describe ways of conceiving the world. These ideas were elaborated,
and made use of by others (such as DZ Phillips in Swansea) to develop a deeply engaged, passionate
but philosophically reformed frame for religious experience. How we talk together defines and
describes what we are talking about – and at the same time defines us in the way we speak. Much of
this way of talking would make sense to many Quakers. So far so good – and interesting, and well
described in the book. What really surprised me, however, was to learn that even nontheists in our
Society use the process of discernment: ‘As I learnt when I sat in on the AGM of the Nontheist
Friends Network’, says Rhiannon, in her chapter ‘Not God’. Now, discernment is a key Quaker spiritual
act (it is short for spiritual discernment, an act of spiritual listening, of becoming attuned spiritually).
At least that is my sense of it, my understanding of it. It is the way I speak, having listened. I
remember how, a few years ago, as a naive new attender at our Local Meeting, I was very glad to be
taught about discernment and what it meant. I learned how important and different it was to
‘deciding’ or ‘agreeing’. This personal introduction to discernment came from a direct descendent of
WC Braithwaite, the Quaker historian, who could therefore trace his Quakerism back to the
seventeenth century. This ‘showing’ to me – what the Greeks called an aletheia – was a literal
revelation to me (perhaps, in retrospect, a Revelation with a capital R!). Discernment, as a central
A very accessible
day-to-day practic
~ Fred Lan
===
‘How nontheists view discernment is giving me a headache.’ I have just finished reading Rhiannon
Grant’s Telling the Truth About God (see review, 8 March). This humane, kind, thoughtful book makes
use of ‘ordinary theology’ and the bottom-up (rather than top-down) ideas of the later Ludwig
Wittgenstein to think about truth in religion. It takes further some thinking in recent publications
around theology, prior to the revision of Quaker faith & practice. With the suggestion ‘Don’t think, but
look!’, Ludwig Wittgenstein in his Philosophical Investigations (1953) developed the notion of ‘forms of
life’, and of ‘language games’ to describe ways of conceiving the world. These ideas were elaborated,
and made use of by others (such as DZ Phillips in Swansea) to develop a deeply engaged, passionate
but philosophically reformed frame for religious experience. How we talk together defines and
describes what we are talking about – and at the same time defines us in the way we speak. Much of
this way of talking would make sense to many Quakers. So far so good – and interesting, and well
described in the book. What really surprised me, however, was to learn that even nontheists in our
Society use the process of discernment: ‘As I learnt when I sat in on the AGM of the Nontheist
Friends Network’, says Rhiannon, in her chapter ‘Not God’. Now, discernment is a key Quaker spiritual
act (it is short for spiritual discernment, an act of spiritual listening, of becoming attuned spiritually).
At least that is my sense of it, my understanding of it. It is the way I speak, having listened. I
remember how, a few years ago, as a naive new attender at our Local Meeting, I was very glad to be
taught about discernment and what it meant. I learned how important and different it was to
‘deciding’ or ‘agreeing’. This personal introduction to discernment came from a direct descendent of
WC Braithwaite, the Quaker historian, who could therefore trace his Quakerism back to the
seventeenth century. This ‘showing’ to me – what the Greeks called an aletheia – was a literal
revelation to me (perhaps, in retrospect, a Revelation with a capital R!). Discernment, as a central
A very accessible
day-to-day practic
~ Fred Lan
===
5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Quakers, or the Quaker-curious Written with exemplary clarity and wide
imaginative sympathy, this is a highly accessible discussion of the different ways in which Quakers
talk about “God”. It will be of interest to all branches of the Quaker community, and to anyone
wanting to find out more about Quakerism. But it deserves a much wider readership than this: it’s a
study in how to deal skilfully and attentively with differences of understanding within a religious body.
~ T. Pitt-Payne, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customerreviews/R3C2CYI8WOVHAQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1789040817
===
This book is an excellent resource for Quakers looking for advice on how to work within the tension
that exists in our broad faith community, as well as a tool for clarifying to newer Quakers what all our
odd expressions and vague-sounding statements mean. Grant shows a way that we can value silence
and be open to many experiences of God, but that we can hold our community together and grow
stronger by living out our value of honesty in the ways we speak to each other about those
experiences. For the full review visit: https://www.snlemons.com/2019/04/02/review-quaker-quickstelling-the-truth-about-god/ ~ Sofia Lemons, A Listening Heart Blog
===
Abigail Maxwell reviews 'Telling the Truth About God' by Rhiannon Grant Everyone does theology.
Each of us has an understanding of what God is or is not, and for Quakers that begins with our
experience. We value our meetings and the experiences we have there, which we might call ‘spiritual’.
This is a direct experience, without a priest, and traditions may guide but not bind us. It is shared in
community, and we make decisions as a community. Balancing the individual and community is
complex. Considering that we may be mistaken, sometimes revising our words, we find it easier to
say what we do not believe – neither one extreme where the Bible is the literal word of God, nor the
other where it is worthless and outdated. First there is silence, and direct experience, but when we
talk afterwards we might use words others find difficult. Words can get in the way, reminding a Friend
of past hurt, perhaps. But after this, discussion becomes deeper, with the sharing of what a
particular word can mean to a particular person. Knowing the different reasons why someone might
value or reject the word ‘Christ’, say, can bring us closer together. We give lists of alternatives, where
we hope one word will be acceptable to all, showing our unity and our diversity. The Quaker
Women’s Group changed our view of masculine terms for God, but I might use the word ‘Father’
praying with other groups; I can recognise its meaning for them, even as I see the harm it does
others. We are rooted in Christianity and open to new light. Can this unite those hurt by abusive
churches with those hurt by the rejection of tradition? Can we unite those who see Jesus as a human
teacher with those who see Creator God? ‘Unity’ in our meetings has meaning; we are led by more
than ego. Our process follows a Guide, whatever that guide is. This is difficult. Words approach
experience but cannot encompass it. We all say ‘That of God’ is in each person; some say God is
external too. This is a summary of Rhiannon Grant’s book, moulded by my experience and
understanding. I find it winsome, showing a beauty and possibility in Quakerism that I want to share.
my unsolicited rev
I've already led w
showed the boo
thanks! :-) ~ Rut
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Quaker Quicks - Quakers Do What! Why?byRhiannon Grant
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