Margery Post Abbott - Böcker

Although relatively few in number-there are only a few hundred thousand members worldwide-the Religious Society of Friends has had an unusually strong impact. Originating in Great Britain in the 17th century, the denomination has since expanded to many other parts of the world while its spiritual influence has reached even further. Concepts such as the "inward light" and "friendly persuasion" are familiar well beyond their own circles and others have often heeded the Quakers' call for cooperation and peaceful resolution of problems as the wisest counsel.Yet, while widely known and admired, they are too often known only superficially. The A to Z Guide of the Friends (Quakers) clears up these superficialities by digging much deeper into the Society's past as well as present. In the guide's dictionary section, numerous cross-referenced entries describe the origins and history, the situation in many different countries, the basic concepts and practices, and the views on important contemporary issues. Others present the leading figures, from the founders, such as George Fox and Francis Howgill, on. The chronology shows the progression over time while the bibliography points the way to further reading. The book's four editors were aided by an Advisory Committee, while the contributions stem from over a hundred authors.

The modern reputation of Friends in the United States and Europe is grounded in the relief work they have conducted in the presence and aftermath of war. Friends (also known as Quakers) have coordinated the feeding and evacuation of children from war zones around the world. They have helped displaced persons without regard to politics. They have engaged in the relief of suffering in places as far-flung as Ireland, France, Germany, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, and India. Their work was acknowledged with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 to the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the Friends Service Council of Great Britain. More often, however, Quakers live, worship, and work quietly, without seeking public attention for themselves. Now, the Friends are a truly worldwide body and are recognized by their Christ-centered message of integrity and simplicity, as well as their nonviolent stance and affirmation of the belief that all people—women as well as men—may be called to the ministry.The expanded second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Friends (Quakers) relates the history of the Friends through a chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and over 700 cross-referenced dictionary entries on concepts, significant figures, places, activities, and periods. This book is an excellent access point for scholars and students, who will find the overviews and sources for further research provided by this book to be enormously helpful.

Quakerism: The Basics introduces a vibrant twenty-first-century religion, tracing the evolution of the Religious Society of Friends from its origins in seventeenth-century England to a worldwide religion, balancing discussion of Quaker history, evolving beliefs and practices, and contemporary social action. An accessible and engaging introduction to the history and diverse approaches and ideas associated with the Religious Society of Friends, this book treats Quakerism as a global religion with wide geographic reach and varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christianity to non-theism, including:Quaker values in actionQuaker history, worship, and practiceQuakerism in different regions of the worldThe future of QuakerismThis thoroughly revised second edition now includes information on Quakers in Africa, Friends active engagement with electoral politics, electronic communication and online meetings, and a new appendix on Quakers in film. Quakerism: The Basics is suitable for secondary and university courses on Quakerism and comparative religion, with features including suggested readings, timelines, boxed features on special topics, a glossary, and guides to Quakers in fiction and on film. This book is also intended for individuals new to Quakers, for meeting and church study groups, and for those who want to refresh their understanding of Quakerism.