Abstract
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
In the last issue of Quaker Religious Thought (QRT) I reflected that the type of Quaker theological reflection and praxis explored in QRT was important if Friends are to confront the strife, inequity, and injustice we can witness all around us. Now, six months later, we are experiencing the deadliest days of the pandemic, political tensions have boiled over to the point of an attempted coup by Christian Identity groups and an attempt to thwart such hallmarks of democracy as the peaceful transfer of power. What do Quakers have to offer in a world like this? One potential way of exploring this question is to reflect on the nature of Quaker ministry, the outward facing embodiment of Quaker spirituality. The 2020 Quaker Theological Discussion Group meetings featured two panels on this topic. Conveners Christy Randazzo and Carole Dale Spencer invited participants to reflect on the challenges of ministry and what it might look like in a Quaker context. The presentations from the first session are printed in this issue. The session asked the question: “What is a Quaker pastoral theology? How is it enfleshed/ embodied in community?” The presenters were Ashley M. Wilcox, C. Wess Daniels, Oscar Lagusa, Derek Brown, and Phil Baisley. In these presentations, Quaker ministers named the challenges faced in Quaker ministry and, also, identified what Quaker pastoral ministry might look like in action. I invite you to spend some time thinking about pastoral theology, and how it might have a bearing on your calling to faithfulness. The presentations in the second Quaker Theological Discussion Group session, on Quaker vocational ministry, will be printed in the Fall QRT issue #137. In addition to the articles on pastoral ministry, this issue also includes the second installment of Cherice Bock’s study of the peace testimony in Oregon Yearly Meeting, which poses the history of ministry and the desire for faithfulness as a source for contemplation on the current practice of Quaker faith. The first part of her study appeared in QRT #133 in September 2019. This issue also contains four book reviews, covering important studies on James Nayler, the Book of Revelation and empire, Quakers and mysticism, and, fittingly, Quakers and pastors. This meaty issue is crammed full of the latest insight in Quaker scholarship and praxis. Please enjoy! I would also like to take some space to announce that Quaker scholar and former QRT editor, T. Vail Palmer, passed away, at the age of 93, on February 5, 2021. Vail’s long career cannot be properly addressed in this issue. You can expect an extended memorial in the Fall issue. Last but certainly not least, I want to express my deepest thanks to Phil Smith who has served QRT as business manager for more than 20 years. Phil’s outstanding work has provided continuity across many editors and many changes to QRT procedures. Phil retired from his role with QRT effective January 1, 2021, but he continues to make sure the transition to a post-Phil era goes smoothly and QRT thrives. And as a result of this change, I am happy to announce that QRT has formed a new partnership with Barclay Press. Barclay Press has a long history of publishing material that is of importance to Friends, so this partnership is a great fit. I am pleased that Eric Muhr and the team at Barclay Press will be putting their talents to work for QRT! If you like our work, please take a moment to like the Quaker Religious Thought Facebook page and visit the website. We have been working diligently to both keep our subscription rates very low and make the act of subscribing more accessible. Please visit www.qtdg.org to renew, subscribe, and find more information about our work. Please enjoy this issue! —Jon R. Kershner Editor
Recommended Citation
Kershner, Jon R.
(2022)
"Frontmatter, Quaker Religious Thought, No. 136,"
Quaker Religious Thought: Vol. 136, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol136/iss1/1