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2022/10/18

Quaker Quicks - Hearing the Light by Rhiannon Grant - Ebook | Scribd

Quaker Quicks - Hearing the Light: The Core Of Quaker Theology

By Rhiannon Grant
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About this ebook

Quaker Quicks - Hearing the Light begins with the foundations of Quaker theology, which is based in the Quaker method of unprogrammed, silent worship. This act of gathering as a community to wait and listen to God is at the heart of Quakerism and essential to understanding Quaker theology, which is embedded in the practice as well as explained by it. Rhiannon Grant shows how Central Quaker theological claims, such as that everyone has that of God within them, that God offers support and guidance to all who choose to listen, and that Quakers as a community are led by God to treat everyone equally, resist war, and live simply, can be understood through a consideration of this distinctive worship practice. Rhiannon Grant also explores what it means to say that this form of theology is liberal - although many Quakers are politically liberal, they have also been called "conservative radicals" (Kenneth Boulding), and the liberalism involved is not mainly political but an attitude towards diversity of thought, opinion, and especially religious belief. While united by the practice of unprogrammed worship, Quakers have no written creed and no specific beliefs are required of members. Instead, there is a prevailing attitude of continued searching, an acceptance that new evidence may appear, and a willingness to learn from others, including members of other faith communities. At a time of great religious and political division, this radical approach to faith and learning that Grant sheds light upon, has never been more prescient.

Religion & Spirituality
LanguageEnglish
PublisherJohn Hunt Publishing
Release dateSep 24, 2021
ISBN9781789045055

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RG
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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Mark

Jan 22, 2022Mark rated it really liked it

Shelves: theology, quaker

A wonderfully clear explanation of what unites liberal Quakers today.
It was exciting to read a book that begins with such a confident explanation of what Quakers know.
I particularly appreciated the opening chapters which deal with some big philosophical questions in a rigorous and lucid way.
A highly recommended book for newcomers to Quakers, and a perfect text for a Quaker study group.

Top reviews from other countries

M S Hazel

5.0 out of 5 stars very thorough

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2022

Verified Purchase

This is a well written book - thorough research, covers many areas succinctly.

It felt like having someone talk to me. Very glad I bought it.

Hard to judge how it would appeal to someone who wasn't a Quaker because I am a Q, but I suspect it would do a good job of speaking to non-Quakers and Quakers alike

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Reader Reviews

This is a valuable and lucid introduction to the core of Quaker theology in terms of what and how they know through deep listening and tuning in to the Light within. This Light is available to us all and offers us Love and guidance if we are prepared to listen, as the title suggests. It is written for nonQuakers, although Quakers will also find the articulation insightful. Silence is of the essence, out of which guidance arises. The author draws on different geographical locations to illustrate more general points and the application of ‘the spiritual force of righteousness, lovingkindness and trust’ to social issues. She also counters potential objections to Quaker claims, noting that these have to be tested experientially rather than experimentally – which is something we can all undertake. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

'HEARING THE LIGHT comes alive with Rhiannon Grant's love of language and her passion for Quakerism. These blend together in an unusual and delightful introduction to Quaker practice. The reader is taken on a rapid tour of the different meaning of key words to address the inward knowing of Friends. Her sense of humor (such as a reminder that a piece of God is not the same as a piece of

pie) helps explain this inward dimension for those without a mystical bent. Noting that the world is a messy place and that Quakers don't always live up to their convictions, she lists several objections the reader might have to the Quaker way. She invites us to test out what she says knowing that the

simplest test is to be still and listen.' ~ Margery Post Abbott, author of To Be Broken and Tender: A Quaker Theology for Today, Historical Dictionary of the Friends, and Walk Humbly, Serve Bold

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Rhiannon Grant. Quaker Quicks - Telling the Truth About God by Rhiannon Grant - Ebook | Scribd

Quaker Quicks - Telling the Truth About God by Rhiannon Grant - Ebook | Scribd

Quaker Quicks - Telling the Truth About God: Quaker Approaches to Theology
By Rhiannon Grant

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
(1 rating)

Ebook93 pages1 hour

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About this ebook

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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RG
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

Disappointing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2019

Verified Purchase

A 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, 2019

Verified Purchase

A 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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COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Showing 1-36

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)

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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!

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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

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(Review) Quaker Quicks: Telling the Truth About God

Published on April 2, 2019 by snlemons

https://www.snlemons.com/?p=83

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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/

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‘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

