History Extra podcast Quaker history: everything you wanted to know
Dec 22, 2024
Ben Pink Dandelion, a professor at the University of Birmingham and a Quaker studies expert, dives into the intriguing history of the Quaker movement. He discusses its radical beginnings in the 1640s and how figures like George Fox shaped its beliefs. The conversation reveals the Quakers' progressive stances on gender equality and their eventual opposition to slavery. Dandelion also highlights the Quakers' unique business practices, emphasizing their legacy of integrity and commitment to social justice, which continue to resonate today.
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Fox's Revelation
- George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, had an unsettled religious life in his youth.
- At 23, during the English Civil War, he had a revelation about a direct connection with God.
Spiritual Equality
- Fox's revelation wasn't just for him; he believed everyone could connect with God directly.
- This principle of spiritual equality is fundamental to Quakerism.
Quaker Origins
- Quakers called themselves "Children of the Light" or "Friends of the Truth".
- The name "Quaker" came from a judge mocking Fox's trembling before God.
