Synopsis

Friends in the unprogrammed, liberal tradition respond in a wide variety of ways to the language and teachings of Christianity. In her explorations of the writings of early Friends, Marge Abbott has discovered her own approach to Christian perspectives, one that speaks specifically to her experiences of the Divine Light. She finds inspiration and fellowship with early and modern Friends for whom Christ is central, without excluding the wisdom and inspiration of other religious traditions. Engagement with evangelical Friends and social justice work have expanded her sense of compassion. Her example is an invitation to spiritual receptivity: a stance that emphasizes “yes” and connection, rather than separations among those who hold different beliefs.

About the Author(s)

Margery Post Abbot is a member of Multnomah Monthly Meeting, an unprogrammed Friends meeting in Portland, Oregon. She has been “released” by her meeting to follow a calling of teaching and writing about her faith. Her publications include the anthologies A Walk Worthy of Your Calling: Quakers and the Traveling Ministry (co-edited with Peggy Senger Parsons) and A Certain Kind of Perfection: An Anthology of Evangelical and Liberal Quaker Writers, as well as writings about Quakerism and mysticism among Friends. Her book On Being Broken and Tender: Theological Reflections of a Liberal Friend was published by Quaker Press in 2009.

Pendle Hill Pamphlet #402