1st Edition
The Creation of Quaker Theory Insider Perspectives
The last forty years has witnessed a 'golden age' of Quaker Studies scholarship, with the bulk of this work into the history and sociology of Quakerism being undertaken by scholars who are also Quakers. For the scholars involved, their Quakerism has both prompted their research interests and affected their lives as Quakers. This book presents a unique study into Quakerism: it draws together the key theories of Quaker origins, subsequent history, and contemporary sociology, into a single volume; and it allows each of the contributors the opportunity to reflect on what led to the initial choice of research topic, and how their findings have in turn affected their Quaker lives. The result is a unique contribution to Quaker theory as well to the discussion on insider/outsider research. This book is invaluable to anyone interested in Quakerism, research into religion, notions of outsider objectivity within academia, and areas of theology, religious history and sociology in general.
Biography
Programmes Leader, Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and the University of Birmingham. He is also Editor, Quaker Studies, and Convenor, Quaker Studies Research Association
'This book offers non-Quaker readers a way to assess Friends today and to understand the variations in belief and practice, and will be useful to Quakers in providing self-analysis and course correction.' Arthur O. Roberts, George Fox University, USA 'I know of no other study like it. It brings together significant elements of the sociological, historical, and theological approaches to the study of early and modern Quakerism which have developed in the last 40 years and offers an accessible source for competing theories of/about Quakerism.' Christine Trevett, University of Wales, UK 'All the essays are intelligent; particularly notable is Rosemary Moore's discussion of the reasons for the survival of the Society of Friends... Scholars interested in the Society of Friends will profit from reading this book...' Choice '[Pink Dandelion's] work as an editor is creative and substantive: he 'moderates the meeting', and serves both the essayists and the reader in a way that I have rarely seen in such a collection... It is a valuable and stimulating experience to read this book, and I am grateful that it came my way.' Friends Journal
