An introduction to the life, thought and spiritual practices of Rufus Jones, a Quaker giant of the 20th century.
An introduction to the life, thought and spiritual practices of Rufus Jones, a Quaker giant of the 20th century.
History, Philosophy, Quaker
Rufus Jones was a Quaker giant of the 20th century. Charismatic and controversial, he reshaped the way many Quakers thought about the relationship between God and humans. Rufus Jones and the Presence of God traces Jones' life from adventurous farm boy to much-loved college lecturer and popular author on mysticism, showing how he wove together ideas from Quakerism, psychology and philosophy. It also explores some of his spiritual practices, asking whether there is anything we can learn from them today, whatever our beliefs.
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This is the book on Rufus Jones we’ve needed for a long time. Helen Holt has given us a beautifully written, compact yet impressively comprehensive introduction to one of the most influential Quakers of the twentieth century. Jones’ thinking is clearly articulated, and Holt does not shy away from critiquing Jones when he is less than clear or cogent. Holt also offers what Jones neglected to provide: a practical guide to the mystical path he extolled in his life and work. Highly recommended to anyone seeking to better understand the roots of the modern Quaker way. ~ Mark Russ, Quaker theologian, blogger and author of Quaker Shaped Christianity
Helen Holt’s Rufus Jones and the Presence of God is a superb book. It presents a wonderfully readable – and highly intelligent – survey of Jones’ life and thought. Holt’s explorations of Jones’ approach to mysticism, the inner light, and human beings’ relationship to the sacred are especially valuable. ~ David Harrington Watt, Douglas and Dorothy Steere Professor of Quaker Studies, Haverford College
Helen Holt has written an illuminating and engaging brief portrait of the life and spirituality of a towering figure in twentieth-century Quaker thought, Rufus M. Jones, one that suggests the continuing relevance of Jones’ thought for our own times. A most welcome addition to the literature on Quakerism and spirituality. ~ Stephen W. Angell, Leatherock Professor of Quaker Studies, Earlham School of Religion
Very little has been written about what Rufus Jones really thought and taught. Yet he was a serious thinker in his time and his thinking changed the whole course of the Quaker movement during the first part of the twentieth century. He was also widely admired by people of other faiths. So here is a welcome book from Helen Holt, who sets out to explain his ideas in the context of his own life and times, and does so with great clarity and sympathy. His message was timely then and it is so again today, as we sense a new need for some spiritual depth in our lives but can’t quite accept what religion generally now offers us. Holt’s book is a helpful guide in our own modern quest. ~ Rex Ambler, author of The Quaker Way
