Protestant Mystics
Presentation: October 3, 2009
Howard Macy, Ph.D.
Brief Description of Presentation
Howard Macy will explore the roots of Quaker spirituality, beginning with its roots in the experience of George Fox and following its practical development in ministry, worship, sacramental practice, group discernment, simplicity, integrity, and more. He will also explore how the concern for Christian integrity/integration and “practical mysticism” finds expression in daily living, creative innovation, and prophetic witness.
Prayer Exercise
Worship as “waiting upon the Lord” in expectant silence.
Preparation for Session and Bibliography
In preparation for the presentation, please click here to download and read: "The Quaker Discovery" by Thomas Kelly.
The following annotated bibliography offers excellent resources for exploring Quaker spirituality.
Bill, J. Brent. Holy Silence: The Gift Of Quaker Spirituality. Orleans, MA: Paraclete Press, 2005.
A brief and well-received recent introduction to Quaker spiritualilty.
Kelly, Thomas R. A Testament of Devotion. San Francisco: HarperOne, 1996 (1941).
An enduring spiritual classic that gives moving and practical guidance about practicing the presence of God.
Macy, Howard R. Stepping in the Light: Life in Joy and Power. Richmond, IN: Friends United Press, 2007. A collection of essays exploring Quaker faith and practice.
Punshon, John. Encounter with Silence: Reflections from the Quaker Tradition. Richmond, IN: Friends United Press, 1987. Graceful and simple reflections by a British Friend on silence, prayer, discernment, worship, and lived practice.
Roberts, Arthur O. Through Flaming Sword: The Life and Legacy of George Fox, rev. ed. Newberg, OR: Barclay Press, 2008. A reliable, readable, and stirring biography of George Fox by one of the twentieth centuries finest Quaker scholars.
Steere, Douglas. Quaker Spirituality. Ramsey, NJ: Paulist Press, 1984. An outstanding collection of readings from major works in Quaker spirituality with generous selections from the journals of George Fox and John Woolman. Steere’s introduction is, in itself, destined to be a classic. A volume in the fine Classics of Western Spirituality series.
About Howard Macy, Ph.D.
Howard R. Macy is Professor of Religion and Biblical Studies at George Fox University in Newberg Oregon. His academic specialties include Psalms & Prophets and Spiritual Formation. His current research and writing is about humor and the spiritual journey. It explores how we experience and use humor and how that relates to Christian maturity. It also explores how to recognize and interpret humor in the Bible.
He has taught at George Fox University since 1990. As a Friends minister, he has also served as a youth and Christian education worker and as a pastor.
His books include:
Rhythms of the Inner life: Yearning for Closeness with God, 1999
Laughing Pilgrims: Humor and the Spiritual Journey, 2006
His educational journey included receiving the B.A. from George Fox University; the M.A. from Earlham School of Religion; and the Ph.D. from Harvard University.