Resources on Conservative Quakers

When someone today initially hears of Quakers, it’s likely that they will begin to search online about aspects regarding our faith. Unfortunately, using this method is likely to return information that heavily skews towards the liberal wing of the society of Friends. Many of those resources provided are not in agreement with the early Quaker faith. This page aims to collect profitable resources explaining the early Quaker faith and Quaker Conservatism in modern day.

Early Quaker Theology

The early quakers understood themselves to be reviving primitive Christianity. Their message to the world and those professing to be Christians was that they themselves are to be disciples of the Lord Christ Jesus, sitting as his feet and learning directly from Him. The Quaker message is best to be defined in the statement “Christ has come to teach His people himself.” This is in line with Jesus’ promise in John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

• George Fox’s Journal: The Journal of George Fox, detailing the early Quaker movement and the experiences of a man who had come under the power of Christ.
• Robert Barclay’s Apology for the True Christian Divinity: The chief Quaker theological work in defense of the principles and testimonies that Quakers hold and that conservative Quakers still hold.
• Robert Barclay’s Catechism and Confession of Faith: Robert Barclay’s elaboration on Quaker doctrine in a questions and answer format, confirmed in the holy scriptures.
• William Penn’s collection on Friends Library: William Penn’s life. Included is “Primitive Christianity Revived”, “A Key” which is a catechism, and “A Brief Account of the Rise and Progress of the People called Quakers”
• William Penn’s No Cross No Crown: William Penn on the absolute necessity of self-denial.
• Joseph Phipps’ the Original and Present State of Man: Joseph Phipps on the weakened condition of man and necessity of reliance on Christ the mediator.
• Truth Defended: This catechism defends the Quaker doctrine as confirmed in the holy scriptures.

Quaker Conservatism

Conservative Quakers seek to conserve the early Quaker beliefs, we make great use of their writings and seek a return to the foundation of the Quaker faith. Conservative Quakers don’t seek to conserve the old ways merely out of a desire for tradition, we feel that the faith Christ has led us to is the same faith of the Quakers of old.

• A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends: Issued in 1913 by various yearly meetings, this is the definitive resource on Quaker Conservatism, drawing from the Holy Scriptures as well as Early Quaker writings.
• Quakerism as Practical Christianity, John E. Southall: Written by a lesser known Quaker in Wales with a deep concern for preserving the primitive faith.
• The Truth For Friends Today, Phebe J. Hall: A 1955 exhortation for the return to the primitive doctrines of Friends.
• Conversations with Conservative Friends, Susan Smith: Hear from a modern-day conservative Quaker elder and minister on the aspects of life impacted by a conservative Quaker faith, and her story of being led by Christ.
• Fundemental Beliefs of Conservative Friends, Ohio Yearly Meeting Podcast: A podcast series that explains the fundemental beliefs of conservative friends and the necessity of conservation.
• Traditional Quaker Christianity, Ohio Yearly Meeting: A publication from Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) explaining the history of Quakers and the conservative distinction.

Spiritual Discipline

Resources for spiritual growth from a conservative lens.

• Eventide, Mary Ann Kelty: A daily devotional containing meditations on the holy scriptures.
• Mind the Heavenly Treasure: A daily devotional of quotes from scripture and the works of George Fox, dubbed the first Quaker.
• Tract Assosciation of Friends: An organization publishing Quaker tracts, largely the words from the early Quakers and tender Christians. The tracts are inexpensive for those who cannot print on their own, a plain friend’s calendar is also offered, using the plain date system and words from scripture as well as friends.
• Reflections, Crossroads Monthly Meeting: Reflections from Crossroads Monthly Meeting, a meeting in the body of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative)