What part does Jesus play in the Quaker faith? Do Quakers 'believe' in the Bible? No one can speak for Quakers as a whole on these matters, but in this booklet twelve individual Quakers share their responses to these questions. Some focus mainly on the teachings of Jesus; others also search for meaning in the Christ of faith. The variety of different approaches to the topic reflects the emphasis that Quakers place on each individual's speaking in a way that in truthful to him or her. We hope that these twelve honest accounts will be helpful to those wanting to explore the Quaker way.

What is God? Who is God? Or maybe the question is: Who is God for you? What is the name you use? What is your experience, your understanding? Twelve Quakers write from their own experience, starting from their own insights, not from any agreed statement of belief. Twelve pieces, twelve different viewpoints, yet each has been life-changing for the person involved. This small book is part of an exploration for writers and readers alike, together growing in understanding. It has been published for people who are looking for a God in which in which they can believe, whatever name they give to the divine. Though few in number, Quakers have had a positive influence in society. Those wondering about the Quaker way, and what motivates its followers, should find these twelve honest accounts helpful.

What is prayer? If it isn't pleading or wishing, what is it? What's the point if prayers are not answered? Is prayer expecting God to do what we should do? Can you pray if you don't believe in God? Twelve Quakers respond to these and many more questions about prayer from their own experience. Each responds differently. Some recognise that how they know or understand God shapes their prayer life. Some see praying as 'holding the light'. Some know that letting go of self to enter into a greater self is crucial for them. All see prayer as communication. Simply and clearly, they describe how they pray and tell of the changes it has made to their lives. They hope their attempts will inspire readers to engage again with prayer in a more experimental and radical way

At a time when so many insist on countering violence with violence, this exploration of the life of Jesus and the (often misunderstood) teachings of Gandhi puts nonviolent action at the very heart of Christian salvation.

The Rise and Fall of Belief and the Coming Age of the Spirit There is an essential change taking place in what it means to be “religious” today. As religious people shift their focus to ethical guidelines and spiritual disciplines—not doctrine—we are seeing a universal trend away from hierarchical, regional, patriarchal, and institutional religion. Now, legendary Harvard scholar Harvey Cox offers a new interpretation of the history and future of religion, revealing how doctrines and dogma are giving way to new grassroots movements based in community, social justice, and spiritual experience. The Future of Faith is a major statement and a hopeful vision from one of the most revered theologians today.

"Noone raises provocative questions about Christianity more kindly than PhilipGulley. " —Diana Butler Bass,author of Christianity for the Rest of Us “Everyserious Christian ought to read this book, ponder it,wrestlewith it, but above all, be grateful for its presence in today's urgentconversation about what we are and are becoming as a people of God.” —Phyllis Tickle, author of The GreatEmergence RenownedQuaker minister Philip Gulley, bestselling author of If the Church WereChristian, delivers a practical, insightful guide to developing aliving, flexible, personal Christianity—a faith that allows you to confront theprofound challenges facing every believer in today’s difficult world.

Since its first publication in 1941, A Testament of Devotion, by the renowned Quaker teacher Thomas Kelly, has been universally embraced as a truly enduring spiritual classic. Plainspoken and deeply inspirational, it gathers together five compelling essays that urge us to center our lives on God's presence, to find quiet and stillness within modern life, and to discover the deeply satisfying and lasting peace of the inner spiritual journey. As relevant today as it was a half-century ago, A Testament of Devotion is the ideal companion to that highest of all human arts-the lifelong conversation between God and his creatures. I have in mind something deeper than the simplification of our external programs, our absurdly crowded calendars of appointments through which so many pantingly and frantically gasp. These do become simplified in holy obedience, and the poise and peace we have been missing can really be found. But there is a deeper, an internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil, in childlike trust listening ever to Eternity's whisper, walking with a smile into the dark."

Argues the theological stance that all people will be saved through God's grace, offering a message of hope that explains how Christians can reconcile a love for non-Christian people.