Synopsis
Born in an era of profound spiritual awakening, the Quaker Peace Testimony remains a radical challenge today-to live Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Neither religious dogma nor philosophical principle, it offers no easy answers, only a daunting question – how shall we live “in the virtue of that life and power that took away the occasion of all wars?” When I stand in utter sincerity in the pure Light of Christ, the causes of violence and hatred melt away from my life, bringing me into sweet harmony with all of creation. Abiding in God, I know that God abides in me. Love banishes fear. Anxiety drops away, replaced by confidence, courage and joy. I find my prophetic voice, and am free to act boldly in the world. This is the story of my discovery and conviction in the Light.
About the Author(s)
Steve Smith was born in 1939, and grew up in Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative). He attended Scattergood Friends School, Earlham College, and Harvard University, from which he received an M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy. He has recently retired from 35 years of teaching in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. He is a member of Claremont Monthly Meeting (Pacific Yearly Meeting) and has served his monthly, quarterly, and yearly meetings in various capacities. He has a son, David. Steve and his wife, Pat, live in the small California mountain village of Mt. Baldy.
Pendle Hill Pamphlet #378
