Living the Quaker Way: Discover the Hidden Happiness in the Simple Life Paperback – November 18, 2014
by Philip Gulley (Author)
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From Publishers Weekly
Quakerism has many admirers but considerably fewer adherents. Gulley, a Quaker pastor and much-published author (The Evolution of Faith), hopes to reach new members with his newest work, part of the inaugural list of a new imprint aimed at the spiritually curious. He explains central Quaker values and practices—simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality—in clear and inviting ways, drawing on Quaker history to provide context and illustration of the distinctive ways of the Religious Society of Friends (another name for Quakers).
He also draws on his own life, acknowledging shortcomings in ways that disarm and attest to the Quaker value of integrity of speech. The set of queries at the book's end is extremely helpful; queries are spiritual tools for self-examination and reflection that can give readers a small taste of the faith. The author goes light on his trademark charming humor, which is unfortunate; religion goes down easier when preached with a smile. Still, Gulley might make nightstand Friends—people who flirt with Quakerism, reading about it before going to sleep.
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From Booklist
“I took a test on the Internet,” a newcomer told Quaker pastor Gulley, “and it told me I’d be happy as a Quaker.” Others saying much the same thing reconfirmed Gulley in his “long-held suspicion” that more people are philosophically Quaker than ever join a Quaker meeting. They are attracted by the Quaker way of life, which is best expressed in the basic Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality.
Gulley devotes a chapter to each testimony—a persuasive homily delivered by a very personable minister—and considers the contemporary appeal of the Quaker understanding of the particular testimony being discussed.
His aim throughout is not “for you to seek out the nearest Quaker meeting” but to help others “embrace these values . . . so that our world might be transformed.”
In conclusion, he offers a month’s worth of daily queries—examples of the kinds of questions Quakers use to guide themselves in living out the testimonies—for readers’ reflection should they chose to take the Quaker way. --Ray Olson
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Full to Overflowing with Timeless Wisdom and Insight
ByFaithfulReader.comon October 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Philip Gulley is the author of 17 books, host of the PBS programs “Porch Talk with Philip Gulley” and “Across Indiana,” and a contributor to The Saturday Evening Post. More importantly, though, Gulley is a Quaker (the Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church). His kindness-laced, easygoing style makes reading his work a restful, peaceful endeavor. Quite in opposition to the chronic, hurry-hurry of the day, settling down for a long read is simply medicine to the soul.
And wisdom? LIVING THE QUAKER WAY is full to overflowing with timeless wisdom and insights for bettering not only one’s own heart, mind and soul, but also everyone else’s too. Gulley makes it his mission to keep a sharp lookout for the well-being of everyone who crosses his path. He and his wife make it their lifestyle to live simply, contentedly, peacefully, and with a consistently service-minded purposefulness.
In this lovely resource, Gulley explains what a Quaker is (and what it isn’t). He shares that unity is very important to the Quakers, and yet they allow themselves areas of disagreement, so it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what a Quaker is to outsiders. Quakers, writes Gulley, espouse simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. In many ways, they aspire to live by the evangelical’s fruits of the Spirit, but while they may use the Bible for a source of their beliefs, they embrace other religious principles and religions as well. Christians would discover that Quakers live their lives as Jesus taught, but they don’t require the sacrifice Jesus gave for their salvation.
Readers will value Gulley’s insertion of today’s modern issues and problems into his timeless text on living simply. He offers real-life scenarios of folks who have gotten on the mindless, endless treadmill of materialism and then opted out (and how they did it and what they gained from their choice). He also hits upon the taxes Americans are forced to pay and how a good portion goes to military support (he again offers alternatives to this standard). Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of this text is his persuasive section on how to live life more simply (and what the immense gains are when this freer path is chosen).
At the close of the book, Gulley includes a reflective question section where readers ask themselves a question each day for deeper contemplation or for use in a group. Among these thoughtful queries:
Do I live simply and promote the right sharing of the world’s bounty?
Do I keep my life uncluttered with things and activities, avoiding commitments beyond my strength and light?
Do I refuse to let the prevailing culture and media dictate my needs and values?
Do I recognize when I have enough?
Do I keep myself informed about the effects my style of living is having on the global economy and environment?
When differences arise, do I make an earnest effort to end them speedily?
Do I treat conflict as an opportunity for growth, and address it with careful attention?
Surely, even with a cursory read through this fine text, readers of many faith traditions will find themselves thoughtfully challenged and encouraged. No wonder Gulley’s work and words are so transcendent.
Reviewed by Michele Howe
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Is Quakerism a religion or a way of life?
ByTeddy's Mamaon October 13, 2013
Format: Hardcover
The Society of Friends, or Quakers, is considered a religion that has been around about 400 years. Most people if asked to define Quakers would probably start with how they used to dress like the pilgrims and are rather conservative "religious" folk. Anyone who reads Gulley's book will learn contemporary Quakers don't fit that description. Though they may (or may not) be conservative in their dress or habits they cannot be put in a one-size-fits-all box.
I have always thought the Quakers were an interesting group but did not know much about their beliefs. After reading thisQuaker book some of my thoughts have been confirmed...they are active in political and social issues, live simply, there are meeting houses not churches with many styles of worship, they are generally pacifists. There are others I was not aware of...some meetings have pastors some do not, what they believe is not confined to the bible, there is no formal joining of the meeting, one can join or not and still be considered a Quaker...are a few of the things I learned.
Gulley explores the Quaker Way; simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. His views are interesting and thought-provoking for me. Some I agree with, some I disagree with, and some I am still thinking about.
Right from the first chapter, What is a Quaker?, I found myself surprised by some of his statements and I kept asking myself is the Society of Friends a religion or a way of life, a philosophy? Apparently, it is a question they ask themselves with many different answers. For example, from the first chapter:
"...For some Friends-indeed for most Friends-Quakerism is first a religion, an understanding and experience of God that leads to a certain way of life. But for others it is a way of life rich in its own right, needing no origin in or confirmation from a divine entity."
"... while Quakerism for some Friends is a way of life rooted in our experience of God, that is not the case for all. At one time, I would have mightily resisted that view, but now I am quite willing to welcome as brother and sister those persons whose integrity will not permit them to affirm a god they have not encountered. Though our perceptions of the Divine may differ, our mutual commitment to the Quaker way allows us to stand with one another as Friends and friends."
At the end of the book there are 30 questions, Queries, to consider for yourself. Gulley encourages the reader to use them as a personal check-list of sorts or as a small group discussion. The questions are well worth pondering and discussing.
Overall, I liked the book because I like to hear what others think about God and faith and life. I also liked it because it made me look a bit closer at what, and why, I believe. It's worth a read but probably not for everyone.
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5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent book on living as a Friend
ByWanda H. Gileson February 25, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is the best book that I, a lifelong Friend, have read on Friends faith and practice, particularly practice. Gulley takes up five prime Quaker values---simplicity, community, peace, integrity, and equality. Each receives a thorough, thoughtful, modest, and clear discussion, with a generosity of spirit I found quite remarkable. He is a progressive Friend; he has more than entered the current century. But his values are as strong and solid as those of the founding Friends, and his style is accessible, respectful, and pleasant. I highly recommend this book for a good understanding of contemporary Friends. It is not entirely theoretical; it includes human experience. Very fine.
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