Early Quakers and Their Theological Thought
1647–1723

This comprehensive theological analysis of leading early Quakers' work, offers fresh insights into what they were really saying.

Stephen W. Angell (Edited by), Pink Dandelion (Edited by)

9781107050525, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 July 2015

360 pages, 1 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.65 kg

This book provides the most comprehensive theological analysis to date of the work of early Quaker leaders. Spanning the first seventy years of the Quaker movement to the beginning of its formalization, Early Quakers and their Theological Thought examines in depth the lives and writings of sixteen prominent figures. These include not only recognized authors such as George Fox, William Penn, Margaret Fell and Robert Barclay, but also lesser-known ones who nevertheless played equally important roles in the development of Quakerism. Each chapter draws out the key theological emphases of its subject, offering fresh insights into what the early Quakers were really saying and illustrating the variety and constancy of the Quaker message in the seventeenth century. This cutting-edge volume incorporates a wealth of primary sources to fill a significant gap in the existing literature, and it will benefit both students and scholars in Quaker studies.

Introduction Pink Dandelion and Stephen W. Angell
1. Seventeenth-century context and Quaker beginnings Douglas Gwyn
2. Quakers and the printing press Betty Hagglund
3. Unity and universality in the theology of George Fox Hilary Hinds
4. The man who 'set himself as a sign': James Nayler's incarnational theology Carole Dale Spencer
5. The witness of Richard Farnworth: prophet of light, apostle of church order Michael Birkel and Stephen W. Angell
6. Margaret Fell and the Second Coming of Christ Sally Bruyneel
7. 'Outcasts of Israel': the apocalyptic theology of Edward Burrough and Francis Howgill Pink Dandelion and Frederick Martin
8. Renegade Oxonian: Samuel Fisher's importance in formulating a Quaker understanding of Scripture Stephen W. Angell
9. 'That you may be perfect in love': the prophecy of Dorothy White Michele Lise Tarter
10. The conventionality of the notorious John Perrot Carla Gardina Pestana
11. Felt reality in practical living and innovative thinking: Mary and Isaac Penington's journey from Puritan anguish to Quaker truth R. Melvin Keiser
12. Robert Barclay: the art of apologetics Hugh S. Pyper
13. Elizabeth Bathurst: 'Tis not Inky Character can make a Saint' Mary Van Vleck Garman
14. William Penn's contributions to early Quaker thought Melvin B. Endy
15. Immediate revelation, Kabbalah, and magic: the primacy of experience in the theology of George Keith Michael Birkel
16. From apocalyptic prophecy to tolerable faithfulness: George Whitehead and a theology for the eschaton deferred Robynne Rogers Healey
Afterword Rosemary Moore and Richard C. Allen.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Quakers [Religious Society of Friends HRCC97], Church history [HRCC2], Religion & beliefs [HR]