The book, “Evolution of the Quaker Theology”, is an attempt to consolidate the vast literature available on Quakerism into one volume. The Book delves into the deep history of the early period of Quakerism and the gradual evolution of the Quaker Theology into what it is today. “Evolution of Quaker Theology” is a significant and much needed addition to the African Theology and World Christianity at large, told from an African Perspective. In an easy-to-read way, one is able to see the global history of the Quaker Movement with simplicity and critical objectivity. The Book is written with enviable simplicity and honesty about complex historical developments and makes it easy for the reader to visualize events spanning almost four centuries as one complete story.
The book provides a comprehensive account of the early Quakers and enumerates the men and women who shaped the Quaker theology across the globe, especially in Europe and America. Key among them is the founder of the Quaker Movement George Fox and his early converts including Margaret Fell, William Penn, Elizabeth Fry, John Joseph Gurney and Elias Hikes among many other notable Quakers of the early days. Apart from the overview of the Quaker history, the book gives an account of Quaker Theology. It captures different traditions of Quakers in the World family of Friends. The book delves into questions like why we have such diverse traditions among the same denomination of the Quaker Church and why the theology of one tradition is so different from that of another.
The book documents the Quaker Faith and Practice. The writer unravels some of the Quaker Traditions and etiquette and captures the core Quaker values or testimonies. The book also gives insights into topical issues such as Water Baptism, Speaking in tongues, Sacrament and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. More contemporary topics such as the Role of Women among Quakers, Same Sex Relationship, Cremation, Death, Organ Donation, and Euthanasia are also highlighted. The book is a good resource for Theology Students or for the general reader who is interested in the broad brush of Quakerism. As Quakerism continues to evolve, adopting to the ever-changing world, important to note is that the book is anchored in what Quaker Faith holds dear as encapsulated in-Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Service-to all.
