Known best for their long-standing commitment to social activism, pacifism, fair treatment for Native Americans, and equality for women, the Quakers have influenced American thought and society far out of proportion to their relatively small numbers. Whether in the foreign policy arena (the American Friends Service Committee), in education (the Friends schools), or in the arts (prominent Quakers profiled in this book include James Turrell, Bonnie Raitt, and James Michener), Quakers have left a lasting imprint on American life. This multifaceted book is a concise history of the Religious Society of Friends; an introduction to its beliefs and practices; and a vivid picture of the culture and controversies of the Friends today.
The book opens with lively vignettes of Conservative, Evangelical, Friends General Conference, and Friends United meetings that illuminate basic Quaker concepts and theology and reflect the group's diversity in the wake of the sectarian splintering of the nineteenth century. Yet the book also examines commonalities among American Friends that demonstrate a fundamental unity within the religion: their commitments to worship, the ministry of all believers, decision making based on seeking spiritual consensus rather than voting, a simple lifestyle, and education. Thomas Hamm shows that Quaker culture encompasses a rich tradition of practice even as believers continue to debate a number of central questions: Is Quakerism necessarily Christian? Where should religious authority reside? Is the self sacred? How does one transmit faith to children? How do gender and sexuality shape religious belief and behavior? Hamm's analysis of these debates reveals a vital religion that prizes both unity and diversity.
Industry Reviews
With its broad approach to the topic, this scholarly yet readable book deserves careful reading by anyone interested in Quakerism. Library Journal Thomas D. Hamm's immensely valuable book presents the ongoing complexity of this unusually potent sect with maximal clarity. Booklist [A]n eye opening book... [that] describes the history of Quakerism in America from 1640 to the present and introduces the reader to such prominent Quakers as William Penn and John Woolman. It also describes some of the schisms that have taken place in Quaker beliefs and practices that resulted in the current divisions of Quaker organizations. Wilmington News- Journal Tom Hamm's latest book furthers his valuable contributions as a leading Quaker historian... It would be a valuable addition to the library of any meeting unafraid to countenance the wider family of Friends today. -- Doug Gwyn Quaker Life This book is both readable and scholarly...which would be just right for those wanting to know more about the how, why and what of American Friends today. It would also be an excellent introduction for anyone interested in more serious research. -- Eileen M. Fowler The Friend Hamm has an established reputation for clear expository writing, always well grounded in sources and characterized by judicious conclusions. -- H. Larry Ingle The Journal of American History The Quakers in America is a welcome update...Hamm manages impressive breadth, as well as surprising depth. Journal of Religion This is an exceptional book. It is simply one of the best books ever written about American Quakerism - high praise indeed, but deserved... This reviewer commends Hamm for producing a remarkable guide book to the maze that is contemporary Quakerism. -- Steven Jay White The Historian The Quakers in America presents a concise, highly readable account of American Quakerism toady. From the first pages Hamm draws the reader into the text... Hamm's work, part of the Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series, offers a concise and engaging introduction to Quaker history and to Quakerism today. -- Elizabeth De Wolfe Nova Religio Worth reading by anyone seeking knowledge of religion in the contemporary United States. -- Peter W. Williams Indiana Magazine of History
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