What Makes Me a Quaker?

By Adam Woog

Discusses Quakerism, including the history of the religion, and how it is practiced. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 073773082X
• ISBN13: 9780737730821
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: KidHaven
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

*Compose YOUR answer to the question in this book's Title . . . *

How would YOU answer the query "What makes me a Quaker" if put to you while working on a classroom project about different faiths? Adam Woog's book is an overview for young readers. The author shares some history of Quakerism, and tells of general practices in the Religious Society of Friends, in its many variations. This is a branch of Protestantism, unfamiliar to most people. It is one of three "historic Peace churches" that do much-heralded work of compassion around the world in countries suffering from war, drought, AIDs & other epidemics and traumas. If this is your first confrontation with Quakerism, and especially if you come from a traditional faith, you may not realize that "historical" Quakers attend silent, or what are called "unprogrammed" meetings. This means they do not have clergy and try to live out their beliefs in simplicity, community and non-violence. The latter belief came when founder George Fox tried to follow Christ's way. He said, "I live by that life and power that took away the need for any war." (pg.18) Children often accept diversity more easily than adults and should find much to interest them in this text. In unprogrammed meetings creeds are not recited, nor is baptism practiced, or the ritual of Holy Communion. In the Business Meetings of Friends, there are no votes counted. Decisions are reached through a process of sharing possible solutions, interspersed with silent meditation, weighing options and arriving at a consensus. To further understanding, it is helpful to establish whether the person answering your queries is an "evangelical" Quaker. In discussing "historical" Friends you may want to include a mention of "Birthright Friends" and a discussion & /or definition of "a leading" (which could be interpreted as a nudge from your conscience). The emphasis of Quakers, generally, is on individual beliefs . . . sometimes expressed in "testimonies" . . . or a message from the Inner Light so strong that one must rise to speak in the meeting. As a parent, or adult working with young people, you may want to read in greater depth about the history of Quakers. Jane Yolen wrote an excellent history for youth, "Friend, the Story of George Fox & the Quakers" (#0816430187). It was due to be republished in 2006, but has been held up. Reviewer mcHaiku thinks the publishers may be slow to realize that there is a growing audience for her book. Author Woog has suggested other titles for children, and these may be useful. Even more useful, I believe, is answering the title question for yourself to clarify your own beliefs, Quaker or not.