Resources on Conservative Quakers

When someone today initially hears of Quakers, it’s likely that they will begin to search online about aspects regarding our faith. Unfortunately, using this method is likely to return information that heavily skews towards the liberal wing of the society of Friends. If someone wishes to find information relevant to Quakers since the beginning and 150+ years after the 1652 vision, they will need to already be aware of the existence of conservative friends. This is a repository of profitable conservative resources.

Early Quakers, What We Are Conserving

The early Quakers had a strong understanding of Christianity restored to the simplicity of following Christ as His spirit appears inwardly. This led to intense transformations. Conservative Quakers today aim to conserve the beliefs and testimonies that nurtured these friends. The word “Conservative” in this instance, has nothing to do with political leanings. We are conserving the early Quaker Faith.

• Truth Defended: This catechism defends the Quaker doctrine as confirmed in the holy scriptures. Friends Library republishes the works of early quakers including their journals, catechisms, pamphlets, sermons, and memoirs. If thee wishes to hear from the Quakers and get the complete picture, read their own words.
• Robert Barclay’s Apology for the True Christian Divinity: The chief Quaker theological work in defense of the principles and testimonies that Quakers hold and that conservative Quakers still hold.
• William Penn’s Primitive Christianity Revived: William Penn’s elaboration on Quaker principles as belonging to Primitive Christianity.
• Robert Barclay’s Catechism and Confession of Faith: Robert Barclay’s elaboration on Quaker doctrine in a questions and answer format, confirmed in the holy scriptures.

Fundemental Beliefs of Quaker Conservatism

Elaboration on conservative Quakers as they exist today.

• Conversations with Conservative Friends, Susan Smith: Hear from a modern-day conservative Quaker elder and minister on the aspects of life impacted by a conservative Quaker faith, and her story of being led by Christ.
• Fundemental Beliefs of Conservative Friends, Ohio Yearly Meeting Podcast: A podcast series that explains the fundemental beliefs of conservative friends and the necessity of conservation.
• Traditional Quaker Christianity, Ohio Yearly Meeting: A publication from Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) explaining the history of Quakers and the conservative distinction.

Spiritual Discipline

Resources for spiritual growth from a conservative lens.

• Eventide, Mary Ann Kelty: A daily devotional containing meditations on the holy scriptures.
• Mind the Heavenly Treasure: A daily devotional of quotes from scripture and the works of George Fox, dubbed the first Quaker.
• William Penn’s No Cross No Crown: William Penn on the absolute necessity of self-denial.
• Tract Assosciation of Friends: An organization publishing Quaker tracts, largely the words from the early Quakers and tender Christians. The tracts are inexpensive for those who cannot print on their own, a plain friend’s calendar is also offered, using the plain date system and words from scripture as well as friends.
• Reflections, Crossroads Monthly Meeting: Reflections from Crossroads Monthly Meeting, a meeting in the body of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative)