Silence and Witness: The Quaker Tradition

Traditions of Christian Spirituality

by Michael L. Birkel, Philip Sheldrake (Editor)

Shares an introduction to Quaker spirituality covering its history, significant voices, and its characteristic themes, including silent worship, the way of simplicity, prayer, discernment, and an emphasis on inner growth.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion

164 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2004

About the author

Michael L. Birkel is a professor of Religion at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and director of the school's Newlin Center. He holds degrees from Wilmington College, the Earlham School of Religion, and Harvard University. Birkel is the author of numerous books on Christian and Quaker figures, as well as more general studies of religious tradition.

Reviews

[Beth Oppenlander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a practicing Quaker for my entire life, now 43 years, so when a friend of mine raved about it, I thought, "What the heck, let's give it a try." My friend says this is one of two books he revisits regularly and after having explored it myself, I can see I too will revisit it. What I like most is that Birkel does a wonderful job describing what my inner experience is. I spend so much time just lingering in my Quaker form of worship, that I realized I have not spent the time to describe it. He described astutely and accurately what I experience. So much so, I felt like we are friends who were sharing in a cup of coffee and savoring the moment. His words were rich with recognition and intimate with imagery and resonated deeply for me. At the heart of it, he captured why I am a practicing Quaker.

I think this is a good book for those who are new to Quaker worship, and I think it will be a companion book for those who have chosen Quaker worship as their faith tradition.

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to Quakerism. So if you are Quaker curious, this is a good starting point.

[James Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inviting, accessible, and honest introduction to Quaker spirituality. The author brings out the value and diversity of the tradition without over-idealizing or over-simplifying. Generous quotations from a range of Friends appear throughout, a multi-voiced style that seems appropriate for a book on Quakerism. I think I especially appreciated the way he draws on a close reading of John Woolman to offer 8 observations about spiritual discernment. This is a book I suspect I'll return to often. But be careful if you choose to read it: you might just come away "convinced" :)

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief introduction to Quaker spirituality - including both insight to spiritual practices and history of chief figures.

[Benjamin Fitzgerald Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to a tradition that I find myself falling in love with.

[Mason Pfaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro to Quaker thought.

[Johann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly well written, I have gained a huge respect for Quakers over the last few months of learning about them. This book upheld that respect.

I find it ironic how excited LDS folk are this week about the church leaders’ meeting with NAACP leaders in Utah, when, for the majority of the church’s history, people with black skin were denied priesthood authority and access to temple ceremonies and thus, in their minds, were denied full heavenly glory in the afterlife with their spouses and families—in other words, they were not considered heirs to God’s glory and thus not fully Human.

Quakers, on the other hand, have been fierce abolitionists from as early as the 1600-1700s and were active in helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. This is just one example of how Quakers have lived out their Christians ideals—to say nothing of their outspoken equality for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and LQBTQA+ people. I admire their pacifism and quest for deep personal spirituality/experience with the divine.

Edit 6/21/25: I remember liking this book the first time I read it, but also found some parts boring. That was not the case this time around. Perhaps I was better prepared for the message this time, as I found the book highly uplifting. If I were to review it again, I would give it 5 Stars. Funny that I read this book at the exact same time of the year four years ago.

[Carl Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise, well written introduction to Quakerism. The sometimes confusing theology and American schisms are presented in an forth-right non-judgmental way. Enough information and sense of the breadth of Friends that the interested reader can go on to more in-depth study. Really good stuff.