Geoffrey Durham paints a vague, but appealing picture of the Quaker religion. I did wonder whether he is describing an extremely modern form of Quakerism, however, because I thought that Quakers were Christian and Protestant. According to Durham, you don't have to be a Christian to be a Quaker, although the Bible is very important to Quakers. It is possible to be a Hindu or Buddhist Quaker, apparently.

Durham gets rid of the misconceptions concerning Quakers, for example, that they are exclusive or that they dress in black and don't have any fun. He writes eloquently about Quaker philosophy, their belief in an Inner Light and their approach to life, the importance of meetings and their work for charity and society. Many people will have heard that Quakers are pacifists. Durham explains this. He has Quakers from several different backgrounds describe their experiences at the end of the book.

This is an excellent introduction to Quakerism and I enjoyed reading it.

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

Informative, entertaining and engaging the concise introduction to Quakers.
Quakers beliefs are deeply human and natural. Their value system is wildly shared by different groups striving for social, economic or environmental justice perhaps without realising of this fact. Durham listed few of articles of faith. For instance: "Quakers believe that no person is deserving less respect than the other," or "any deep-rooted custom of the society, however commonplace or entrenched, should be opposed if unjust". What can be interesting in the era of seeking for safe or holy places, Quakers reject traditional division into sacrum and profanum (profane) because, according to them, "every person, every place and every day is holy". This is the foundation for their rejection of any aggression including any type of war. Durham's chapter on this subject titled "Everything that lives is holy" is probably the most intellectually challenging in the whole book.

Two things in Quaker Quicks: What do Quakers Believe? that impressed me from the start were the avoidance of Quaker jargon (plain speech for the modern age!), and the focus on the present rather than idealizing the faith and activism of past generations of Quakers. This book provides a clear and concise overview of Quaker beliefs, practices, and organization with a focus on unprogrammed Quakerism. The author's examples and experience are focused around British Quakers, but much of the book applies to the broader (Liberal) Quaker community. It highlights the way that Quakers value truths that are "opened" to them through direct experience, rather than creeds which others have presented to them.

One weakness this book suffers from at times is the tendency to overly emphasize individual and sometimes consumption-focused actions by Quakers. For instance, the focus on how Quakers live greener personal lifestyles presents a faith that has a footprint only as large as its own members. At times Quakers do fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on personal change, but Quakers often do (and should) work to change the wider world through both witness and action. Hopefully this book encourages people to experience Quaker faith for themselves, and they find it to be a community working toward systemic change.

The book is refreshing in its clear statements about Quaker beliefs, along with the acknowledgment that Quakers do not hold to dogmas or creeds. The blending of description, quotes from various Quakers, and summarizing statements helps the reader get a clear picture of Quaker faith. If you want to learn about how Quakers seek to find truth, live in that truth every day, and transform both their world through conviction rather than condemnation, this book is an excellent starting point.

It was a bit confusing at first, but then things got really interesting. This is obviously not enough to understand what Quakerism is about, but it serves as a good introduction for the topic and get a basic knowledge on the topic. The author has a good style, simple and direct, making it easy to enjoy the reading.

An interesting and quick read about the mindset of Quakers. A lot I had no clue about, as I was one of those that thought it was related to Shakers. Not a lot is well known about this religion, and the author explains why that is as well. A good read, but I felt like it rambled a bit at times too, which made it skimmable. Would still recommend this book though, and if you have any interest about Quakers and their beliefs this book will help you.

The opinions expressed in this book set forth by the author have greatly changed my perception of Quakerism. As told from a voice of experience, not encumbered by the rules of the church, the Quakers of today live by principle - not doctrine; they follow a spiritual path. That was my first revelation.

Not surprisingly from the aforementioned, it was revealed that there are no specific holy days for Quakers; to them every day is holy. They firmly believe that there is no one religion superior to another. 

It was interesting to learn that a Quaker meeting is filled with meditative silence. There is no agenda to follow. However, someone offering a discussion that would benefit the group might take place. Again, anything is allowed. No one is denied.

This well-written narrative turned me around to what quakerism is all about. Its dominant principle brings together a divine order of people who share one primary objective: Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men - an ideal worth heeding.

I offer my gratitude to NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing Ltd for this digital edition in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a fascinating quick guide to a Faith that many people know nothing about, or think they know but actually believe wrongly in false myths about the Quaker community or Quaker beliefs. I was surprised to learn that not only is their no "dogma," also individual Quakers believe as they wish. Quaker experience is just that: personal experience. I applaud the Quaker drive to honesty, clarity, and love. I really applaud their Silence. I believe the world in general could use a whole lot more silence and contemplation.