The Foundations of Liberal Quakerism

Workshop Number
13
Stephen W.
Angell
Audience
Who may register: 
Open to All (adult & high school)
full-time attenders only
Time breakdown
Worship/worship-sharing: 
20%
Lecture: 
25%
Discussion: 
55%
Experiential Activities: 
0%
Description
Short Description: 

We will focus on Friends who have helped to shape our understanding of liberal Quakerism, e.g., William Penn, Elias Hicks, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elizabeth Watson, and Phil Gulley. We will look at such issues as continuing revelation; the testimonies; mysticism; and Biblical interpretation.

Long Description: 

What does it mean to be a "Liberal Quaker"? What does Liberal Quakerism have to contribute to Quakerism's future?

We will explore this question by looking into the life witness and thought of certain important Quaker thinkers, which may include William Penn, Elias Hicks, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elizabeth Watson, and Phil Gulley. This is a good place to explore theological questions that you may have!

There will be readings for this workshop. Many of the readings will be made available in advance, through the FGC website, if possible, but participants should also plan to take some time each day during the Gathering itself for reading and reflection upon the workshop materials.

The leader, Steve Angell, will provide remarks that will help to provide historical context, to define terms such as "liberalism," and to focus the discussion. The main emphasis, however, is on discussion, as participants grapple with insights from the readings and the larger questions of meaning that these raise.

We will begin with worship every morning, including a song from the Friend's Hymnal (or some other source). Generally speaking, about one-quarter of the time will be taken by the leader's lectures; the rest of the time will be devoted to group discussion.

At the end of the workshop, each participant will have about five minutes to share her or his own theological beliefs, and how they have been shaped by this workshop.

Available at QuakerBooks.org
Foundations of liberal Quakerism - Find it now!