Quaker Spirituality

An invitation to experience more fully the life-changing power of sacred silence. For over a decade, J. Brent Bill's Holy Silence has been regarded as a contemporary classic on sacred silence. With warmth, wisdom, and gentle humor, Bill presents the Quaker practice of silence and expectant listening to a wider Christian audience.

When people hear the word Quaker, their first association is often oats, motor oil, or the Amish—but oatmeal, automobile lubricant, and avoiding electricity have nothing to do with the Quakers' holistic mysticism. What is central to Quaker spirituality is the Divine Center, an inner sanctuary where the very Presence of God dwells. As Quaker theologian Rufus Jones wrote: “The kingdom of God is not a place where we go, but a state of being we can live in.” And we don’t need to take the journey by horse and buggy! Let Amos Smith open your heart and expand your mind. Quakerism holds ...

Towards the 17th century, the Puritan-raised George Fox became increasingly discouraged by the worsening moral conditions of society. George was unable to fill the spiritual void inside of him, until one day, he discovered his inner "Light". Next came the godly visions. George began to preach about the "true" Word of God, and soon, amassed a following - the Religious Society of Friends, later known as the "Quakers".