Quakers say that we understand God when we listen or pay attention to the Divine Light which is within everyone.
Quakers say that we understand God when we listen or pay attention to the Divine Light which is within everyone.
Psychology of religion, Quaker, Theology
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.
Click on the circles below to see more 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 non-Quakers, 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
