Thee Quaker Podcast

Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio. On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken minister who prophesied war, and so much more. Put on your seat belt and join us for a very Quaker road trip.Visit our episode page for more information on the Quaker Scenic Byway, a transcript and discussion questions. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Michael Birkel, a professor at Earlham College, is celebrated for his engaging approach to Quaker theology. He shares insights on the balance between mysticism and social justice in early Quaker communities. Birkel delves into the importance of personal narratives and the dual themes of silence and witness in Quaker spirituality. He emphasizes the transformative power of contemplative scripture reading and the role of community support in nurturing authentic faith. The discussion is enriched with profound reflections on suffering and personal growth.

Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs.Visit our episode page for links, discussion questions, and the transcript. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

This discussion features Patrick Lozada, teaching Quaker engagement with China, Andrew Taylor, who researches surviving Quaker documents, and Polly Ashmore, who studied British missionaries in Sichuan. They delve into the complex legacy of Quakers in China, contrasting their evangelical and educational approaches amid political upheaval. The impact of colonialism on their humanitarian efforts is examined, along with reflections on how to renew Quaker concern for China today, celebrating their rich cultural history and the resilience of the people.

On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natural world.Transcripts, discussion questions and more on our episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends.We've got photos, additional Monopoly info, a transcript, discussion questions, and more on our episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu.Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela Igesa as well as songs and testimonials from the congregation.Find a transcript of this episode with discussion questions, see photos from Manyatta, and more on the episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own. On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment to peace, the challenges they face today, and why their numbers are growing so quickly.Visit the episode page at QuakerPodcast.com for discussion questions, a transcript, and links. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence.Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacifism is the way forward, even in an age of troubling conflict and polarization. We asked George about his lifetime of nonviolent activism, and why Quakers are pacifists.Find more resources, discussion questions, and a transcript on the episode page.  Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Do you have a daily spiritual practice?On today’s episode, we’re exploring ways that spiritual discipline has helped Quakers connect with the Spirit today and throughout history. We made this episode to celebrate the launch of our newest project, the Daily Quaker Message, a daily Quaker devotional designed to nourish your spiritual journey.Visit our episode page for more information on the topics we discussed today, discussion questions, a transcript and more. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.