The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction

The Quakers are a fascinating religious group both in their origins and in the variety of reinterpretations of the faith since. This Very Short Introduction charts the history of Quakerism and its present-day diversity, and outlines its approach to worship, belief, theology and language, and ecumenism.

• The perfect introductory guide to this varied and growing worldwide faith
• Places Quakerism in the wider religious picture and outlines what the future may hold for the group
• Explains the origins and history of the Quakers: how they emerged from the social unrest of the English civil war, and how they have since gone on to have an influence way beyond their numbers
• Examines their continued stance against war and their pioneering work for penal reform and against slavery
• Illuminates the distinctive methods of worship, and how Quakers believe they achieve a direct encounter with God