This is a free online library intended to make available a wide variety of writings on Quakerism. We hope it will be helpful in providing easy access to these writings both to those deeply involved in Quaker faith and practice and to those with much less or no previous knowledge and experience of Quakerism.
Quakerism was born in England in the middle of the 17th century in a time of great political, social, and religious ferment. It represented a sharp departure from Protestant Christianity as it was practiced at the time in its emphasis on a direct experiential present-time relationship with Christ in the hearts of believers and in the faith community.
Friends (or “Quakers”) today vary greatly in their theology and method of worship but broadly agree that there is an Inward Teacher (whether they name as God, Christ, Spirit, or Light) available to guide our worship, discernment of God’s guidance to our faith community, our personal lives, and our witness to the world around us.
This online library is organized thematically to help Friends find writings on particular subjects. For new users, we urge you to look over the Guide to the Library You can often find writings by a particular author or a particular subject using the Search box in the upper right.
For more information on the website, including its mission, those working on it, and ways to connect and stay in touch, go to About this Website & Library.