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In this volume of the Friends Association for Higher Education’s series on Friends and the academic disciplines, ten authors apply theory and history of Quaker work for social change in offering insight into how Friends have approached social work.

This collection of essays is divided into three sections. The first considers theory of social work and change. Christy Randazzo applies the work of John Paul Lederach to a theological understanding of Quaker testimony and social action. Daniel Rhodes shares about his application of Quaker principles in his educational work with social work students. Douglas Bennett describes the history and development of Quaker organizations in addressing social issues.

A second section looks at individual Quakers’ lives and their work. Paul Anderson examines the life of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, Mark Bredin discusses progressive reformer Lucretia Mott, and Wendy Grab considers the Quaker influences on social work pioneer Jane Addams.

The third section considers collective work of Friends in addressing social issues. Nelson Bingham explores the creation of the first mental hospital, the York Retreat, begun by Friends in England. Max L. Carter describes the work of Friends among Midwestern Indians in the early 1800s. Linda B. Selleck draws from her book Gentle Invaders to share the history of Quaker women’s educational work among African Americans before and after the Civil War. Jennifer Buck details Quaker involvement in the women’s Suffrage movement.

About the Editors:
Max L. Carter taught in Friends secondary schools in Ramallah and Philadelphia and at Earlham College and Guilford College, retiring in 2015 from Guilford as the William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center and Quaker Studies.

Jennifer M. Buck is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Azusa Pacific University. She holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University and an MDiv from Fuller Theology Seminary.

Daniel Rhodes is currently the undergraduate director of the Social Work program at UNC-Greensboro. Daniel received his PhD in Educational Leadership with a graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008.

Erin Johnson, MSW is currently BSW Director of Field Education, Assistant Professor of Social Work at George Fox University.

Contributors:
Christy Randazzo
Doug Bennett
Daniel Rhodes (editor)
Paul Anderson (series editor)
Mark Bredin
Wendy Grab
Nelson Bingham
Max L. Carter (editor)
Linda B. Selleck
Jennifer M. Buck (editor)

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From the Introduction:

“Perhaps the Quaker tradition’s activist tactics coupled with contemplative spirituality could prove a useful offering as future Friends and others seek ways to engage in the work of personal and societal transformation.”

About This Collection:

In this unprecedented gathering of essays on ecology, creation care, and sustainability, over two dozen Quaker authors and scholars address some of the most pressing concerns of our day. Beginning with Quaker themes historically, essays also move toward developing a Quaker ecotheology, discuss Quaker approaches to the environment within academic disciplines, and share stories of sustainability—both individually and organizationally. As a disciplinary contribution to the world from the Friends Association for Higher Education, this book not only reports on ecotheology in action, it also contributes to its furtherance with the discussion questions at the end of each section and an expansive bibliography. An excellent resource for study groups or the classroom, readers concerned about the environment, climate change, and the role of people of faith in caring for the planet will find this volume a must-read.

Critical Acclaim for this Volume:

“This is the richest resource on Quakerism and creation care to date! Rooted in deep spirituality and practical experience, the chapters canvas the topic from history to theology, from academics to activism. I have never seen the case for a distinctively Quaker call to stewardship presented with this breadth and force before.”

―Philip Clayton, Ingram Professor of Theology at the Claremont School of Theology and author of Adventures in the Spirit

“On page two of George Fox’s Journal, he talked about the three great loves of our religion: love of God, love of neighbor, and love of God’s good earth. This remarkable collection speaks to all three loves in the Quaker past, present, and future. I was inspired and moved by the insights, wisdom, and faithfulness evidenced in this book.”

—Steve Chase, Manager of Academic Initiatives at the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict and author of Letters to a Fellow Seeker

About the Editors:

Cherice Bock teaches in the Creation Care Program at Portland Seminary of George Fox University and served as visiting professor of environmental studies at the Oregon Extension in 2018.

Stephen Potthoff serves as associate professor of religion and philosophy at Wilmington College in Ohio.

Quakers, Politics, and Economics
Quakers and the Disciplines: Volume 5

For over 350 years, Quakers (members of the Religious Society of Friends) have offered unapologetic prophetic witness to the formation of public policy and to scholarly discourse in political science and economics. This volume offers 18 new essays on aspects of that engagement, with topics including:

• Religion as not just a private commitment but also a public witness.
• Explorations of the moral dimensions of economic and political life.
• Exemplary thought and practice in the lives of individual Quakers.
• The blend of service, advocacy, and activism experienced by Friends.
• The role of faith in defining and building a just social order.
• The efforts of Quaker organizations and movements to bring about political and economic reforms.
• Visions of constructive and compassionate ways to address global challenges and crises.

The combination of essays and queries is designed to make the book serviceable within classroom and discussion settings and useful to scholars crossing disciplinary boundaries.

“Most people associate Quakers with peace; fewer know the breadth of how we as Friends have practiced our faith from an economic perspective. Simplicity and integrity, of course; but this important volume–Quakers, Politics, and Economics–offers a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the historical, intellectual, environmental, political and spiritual wholeness of economic life. As we confront the cultural and social shifts of our global society that hungers for peace and justice, the economic choices we make in public policy will have significant impact on the welfare of the planet and people throughout the world. This eclectic collection of essays offers the reader material for both thoughtful discussion and spiritual reflection.” -Diane Randall, Executive Secretary Friends Committee on National Legislation

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