QUAKERS IN THE MODERN WORLD

by William Wistar Comfort ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

One of the smallest religious bodies in the United States (115,000 members), the Society of Friends, popularly known as the Quakers, exercises an influence all out of proportion to its numerical strength. The Friends Service Committee, for example, has won an enviable reputation for imaginative and effective service in areas of great need here and abroad. Individual Quakers such as Rufus Jones, Douglas Steere and many lesser known personalities have attracted a large following by their popular presentation of an appealing practical mysticism. This volume tells the story of the Friends. It outlines their history, describes their beginning in England under George Fox, the persecutions to which they were subjected and their history here. The book outlines the guiding principles of the Quakers, the ""Inner Light"", ""The Universality of Grace"", the attainability of perfection and their belief in continuous revelation. How these basic beliefs account for the Quaker's opposition to war, for their commitment to interracial understanding and to aggressive social action is explained. The author states that the book is intended for ""seekers who have forsaken all visible churches and societies and wandered up and down, as sheep without a shepherd, as doves without their mates."" As shown in the opening chapters there are many such seekers today and they would be enlightened by a reading of this simple and persuasive story of a quiet religious faith quietly and effectively put into action.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 1406747882

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1949

Categories: NONFICTION