Podcasts about Quakers

Preparation and the Lure of the Third Voyage. Guest Author: Hampton Sides. In 1776, a retired Captain James Cookwas living a comfortable life at Greenwich Hospital after two legendary voyages. However, a dinner with Lord Sandwich and the prospect of finding the Northwest Passage—and its £20,000 reward—convinced him to return to sea. Sides describes Cook's rise from poverty in Yorkshire, apprenticing under Quakers on "Whitby Cats," which were sturdy coal ships. This background instilled in him a sense of frugality and steadiness. Cook was a self-taught genius of hydrography, creating maps so accurate they rival modern satellite imagery. Despite his desire for retirement, his restlessness and the Admiralty's need for his unique mapmaking and leadership skills drove him to accept this final mission. 11781 DEATH OF COOK

Episode 4162 │ June 28, 2026 Paine arrived broke and nearly dead. He wrote the pamphlet that made independence inevitable. Six people attended his funeral. History owes him more. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS  Scott Kesterson and Rochelle Porto deliver the full Thomas Paine episode — tracing the arc from a destitute English stay-maker's son beaten up by wealthy children in Thetford, through bankruptcy, a dead wife and child, a chance meeting with Benjamin Franklin, a near-fatal nine-week sea crossing, and a recovery in a Philadelphia doctor's quarters, to the January 1776 publication of Common Sense — a 47-page pamphlet that reached 40% of the colonial population, shifted the psychological default from reconciliation to independence before Congress had the courage to declare it, prompted North Carolina to become the first colony to authorize its delegates to vote for independence, and was ordered read aloud to Continental Army troops before the crossing of the Delaware. Rochelle traces Paine's documented record — the first anti-slavery essay in American history, the Pennsylvania Abolition Act of 1780 drafted in part by Paine, his $500 personal contribution to a collapsing Continental Army, the diplomatic mission to France that secured 2.5 million livres in silver — against the arc of a man whose bones are now lost, whose burial was refused by the Quakers, whose funeral drew six people, and who was denied the right to vote in the country he helped create. The episode closes with a reading of 1 Samuel 8 — the passage at the theological root of Common Sense's argument against kings — as both historical anchor and present-day mirror. KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED  What made Common Sense the proportionally most widely read political document in American history — and how did a 47-page pamphlet written by a man with no official standing shift the entire colonial psychological default from reconciliation to independence in less than four months? Why did Theodore Roosevelt call Paine "the little atheist" — and what does Paine's actual engagement with Psalm 19, the book of Job, and 1 Samuel 8 reveal about where he actually stood on God, monarchy, and the republic? What is the 1 Samuel 8 passage at the theological root of Common Sense — and why does the warning God gave Israel about kings read today like a precise description of the permission structure being built around us? ABOUT BARDSFM BardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,100 episodes and 50 million lifetime downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fm This episode was researched and produced under the Sentinel Framework v3 — the analytical methodology built by Scott Kesterson — with AI-assisted research synthesis at a 70/30 human/AI authorship ratio, fully disclosed. All analysis, conclusions, and editorial judgments are those of Scott Kesterson. AFFILIATE LINKS Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here DONATIONS: If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here MAILING ADDRESS: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

When authoritarianism wraps itself in faith, how should a spiritual community respond? We trace the chilling historical parallels between 1930s Germany and the modern political moment as Quaker lawyer Scott Holmes crafts a modern declaration of resistance. Drawing on the 1934 Barmen Declaration, we explore the collision of religion and nationalism. How do we maintain integrity when political forces co-opt sacred traditions? Join us to navigate the challenge of preserving truth and radical love in a fractured world.   Read Scott Holmes' full statement here: https://curtisscottholmes.blogspot.com/2025/12/statement-of-faith-toward-shared.html?m=1 Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Rediffusion Dans cette saison de La Traque, revivez l'une des cavales les plus emblématiques suivez l'une des chasses à l'homme les plus retentissantes de l'histoire : celle de John Dillinger. Aux États-Unis des années 1930, au cœur de la Grande Dépression, Dillinger n'est pas un hors-la-loi comme les autres. Charismatique, audacieux, il devient rapidement le criminel le plus recherché du pays, défiant les banques et l'autorité avec une précision presque artistique. Derrière son sourire, un esprit rebelle et un homme en guerre contre un système qu'il refuse de respecter. Un passage en prison formateur  Chicago, 1934. Les rues grouillent de curieux venus voir le corps sans vie de l'ennemi public n°1 : John Dillinger. Gangster de légende, traqué sans relâche, il a été abattu à seulement 31 ans. Mais comment ce fils de fermier, élevé dans l'austérité des Quakers, est-il devenu le symbole du crime organisé ? De l'enfance d'un gamin turbulent à la naissance d'un hors-la-loi redouté, plongez dans l'histoire fascinante d'un homme que tout destinait à l'ordinaire… jusqu'à ce qu'il transforme sa vie en un jeu dangereux, entre audace, charisme et tragédie. Crédits : Production : Bababam  Textes : Vincent Rebouah Voix : Anne Cosmao, Aurélien Gouas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sheer scale of the climate crisis can easily lead to burnout if we don't have a strong anchor to hold us steady. Today, we are digging beneath the protests and policies to explore the deep, spiritual roots that actually sustain this vital work. Join us to discover how a profound shift in our theology can transform environmentalism from a crushing global obligation into a deeply personal, daily practice of love. -------------------------   World Quaker Day is on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, and this year's theme is “Let Peace Be Among Us.” To mark the day, the Friends World Committee for Consultation is doing something pretty incredible: a massive, global online Meeting for Worship. It's a chance to bridge time zones and traditions—to be in a shared, digital worship that stretches around the entire world. Find out more and other ways to take part in World Quaker Day at www.worldquakerday.org. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

In this third episode of our season-long exploration of Quakers and Money, Peterson Toscano and Diana Yañez turn toward one of the largest and most difficult questions of the series: How do Friends live with integrity inside capitalism? Last month, we explored relational finance and asked whether taking responsibility for our money and institutional assets can lead to deeper integrity and more equitable power-sharing. This month, Peterson names the friction many Friends feel: the sense of being trapped in a massive economic system built on extraction, inequity, colonialism, and environmental harm. Through conversations with Lisa Graustein, Nathan Kleban, David Watt, and Traci Hjelt Sullivan, this episode examines the spiritual dissonance between Quaker values and capitalist structures. We hear about stolen land, inherited wealth, paternalism in charitable giving, the legacy of slavery in Quaker history, and the denial made possible by class and racial privilege. Rather than offering easy answers, Peterson and Diana ask what it means to stay on a journey with truth. If capitalism harms people and the planet, how might Friends move beyond individual purity or denial and toward mutual aid, community wealth-building, repair, and solidarity? In This Episode The Dissonance: Peterson reflects on the gap between Quaker faith and a global economy built on extraction and inequity. Capitalism and White Supremacy: Lisa Graustein names capitalism and white supremacy as forces that keep the here and now from becoming the realm of God. Stolen Land and Reparative Responsibility: Lisa shares the story of New England Yearly Meeting selling property after repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and raises questions about what should happen to profits from land acquired through colonization. From Charity to Right Relationship: Nathan Kleban of Right Sharing of World Resources challenges paternalistic models of giving and asks who the economy is actually for. Quaker Wealth and Enslavement: David Watt, professor of Quaker studies at Haverford College, reminds us that some early Quaker wealth in Philadelphia was tied to Barbados, sugar plantations, and the labor of enslaved people. The Wealth of Not Having Debt: Traci Hjelt Sullivan expands the definition of ancestral wealth, naming the opportunities that come from beginning adult life without student debt. The Inner Capitalist: Diana reminds us that the Quaker belief in “that of God in everyone” also extends to capitalists, and to the parts of ourselves that continue to benefit from extractive systems. Our Guests Lisa Graustein Lisa Graustein is a Quaker educator, activist, and writer whose work often explores money, power, race, and reparative justice. In this episode, she reflects on inherited wealth, stewardship, and the responsibility to repair harm caused through the accumulation of resources. Nathan Kleban Nathan Kleban works with Right Sharing of World Resources, a Quaker organization that supports women-led economic projects in the Global South. Nathan brings a relational and community-centered lens to economics, asking how people get their needs met and how communities express their gifts outside extractive systems. David Watt David Watt is the Douglas and Dorothy Steere Professor of Quaker Studies at Haverford College. In this episode, he offers historical context about Quaker wealth, including the connections between early Philadelphia Friends, Barbados, sugar plantations, and slavery. Traci Hjelt Sullivan Traci Hjelt Sullivan is the executive director of Right Sharing of World Resources. She brings decades of nonprofit leadership and international experience to her work. In this episode, she reflects on truth, denial, race, class, debt, and the spiritual work of recognizing our own responsibility. Resources and Recommendations QuakerSpeak: “What If Wall Street Were Honest?” https://quakerspeak.com/video/what-if-wall-street-were-honest/ North Carolina Quaker Mark Hulbert has tracked investment advisors since the early 1980s. In this QuakerSpeak video, he talks about how his Quaker background and commitment to integrity led him to ask whether Wall Street advisors were telling the truth. Spent https://playspent.org/ Diana recommends Spent, a free browser-based survival game that places players inside the poverty trap. You begin with $1,000 and try to survive for 30 days while making impossible choices: pay rent, fix the car, buy medicine, or keep the lights on. It offers one way to better understand how expensive it can be to be poor in the current economic system. Caliban and the Witch by Silvia Federici https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1575 Diana references Federici's work while discussing the relationship between capitalism, labor control, gendered violence, and colonialism. The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374157357/thedawnofeverything/ Diana also points to this book while reflecting on European colonialism, the construction of human hierarchy, and the ideas that shaped the modern world. Organizations Mentioned Right Sharing of World Resources: https://rswr.org/ A Quaker organization that supports women's self-help groups in the Global South through seed grants and relationship-based partnerships. Earth Quaker Action Team: https://eqat.org/ A grassroots Quaker organization that uses nonviolent direct action to challenge systems of economic and environmental injustice. New England Yearly Meeting: https://neym.org/ A regional body of the Religious Society of Friends is mentioned in Lisa Graustein's story about land, reparative responsibility, and the Doctrine of Discovery. Haverford College / David Harrington Watt: https://www.haverford.edu/users/dhwatt David Watt teaches Quaker studies at Haverford College and appears in this episode to discuss Quaker history, wealth, slavery, and capitalism. Listener Voicemails Thank you to John Choe for sharing his reflections and concerns about Quakers, financial discernment, and the role of institutions like Friends Fiduciary. Thank you also to Richard Tindall for his faithful reminder to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. As summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere, it is a timely invitation to stay hydrated and care for our bodies. Question for Listeners How do you navigate the tension between Quaker values and capitalism? Where do you feel dissonance between your financial life and your spiritual commitments? Share your thoughts: · Voicemail: Call 317-QUAKERS, 317-782-5377 · Email: podcast@friendsjournal.org · Social Media: Respond to us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok Sponsors Friends Fiduciary https://friendsfiduciary.org/ Friends Fiduciary unites Quaker values with expert investing. They serve Friends meetings, churches, schools, and organizations through ethical portfolios, shareholder advocacy, and a commitment to justice and sustainability. American Friends Service Committee https://afsc.org/ The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization working with communities worldwide to challenge injustice, meet urgent community needs, and build conditions for lasting peace. AFSC and the Vanguard S.O.S. / Never Vanguard campaign AFSC announcement: https://afsc.org/newsroom/afsc-joins-vanguard-sos-campaign-fossil-fuel-divestment Never Vanguard pledge: https://eqat.org/never-vanguard/ AFSC has joined with Earth Quaker Action Team in the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign, asking Friends to boycott and divest from Vanguard until it stops funding fossil fuel projects and takes climate justice into account. Disclaimers Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. This season is sponsored by Friends Fiduciary and the American Friends Service Committee. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Listening does not create an advisory relationship. Friends Fiduciary is a sponsor of this podcast. Sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement, and Quakers Today does not receive compensation based on listener investment decisions. Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. Quakers Today and Friends Journal are not a registered entity and are not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See the Natural Investments Disclosures and Disclaimers and Form CRS: https://naturalinvestments.com/disclosures-disclaimers/

17th century England was a world turned upside down.A civil war resulted in King Charles I being executed, and from this moment a religious movement called the Quakers grew rapidly.Far from the pacifists we think of them as today, Quaker leaders shocked the country with their radical approach, including attempts to resurrect the dead.Taking us back to the 17th century today is Dr Erica Canela, historian and author of Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers.Edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to decide: would they sharpen religion's formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities? In A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2026) Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of defiance: Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of community: Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus's return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image. At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.” Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. The author of Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and former managing editor of Killing the Buddha, her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives. This episode's host, Jacob Barrett, is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Religion and Culture track. For more information, visit his website thereluctantamericanist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to decide: would they sharpen religion's formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities? In A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2026) Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of defiance: Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of community: Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus's return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image. At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.” Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. The author of Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and former managing editor of Killing the Buddha, her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives. This episode's host, Jacob Barrett, is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Religion and Culture track. For more information, visit his website thereluctantamericanist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to decide: would they sharpen religion's formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities? In A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2026) Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of defiance: Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of community: Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus's return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image. At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.” Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. The author of Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and former managing editor of Killing the Buddha, her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives. This episode's host, Jacob Barrett, is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Religion and Culture track. For more information, visit his website thereluctantamericanist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to decide: would they sharpen religion's formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities? In A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2026) Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of defiance: Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of community: Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus's return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image. At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.” Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. The author of Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and former managing editor of Killing the Buddha, her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives. This episode's host, Jacob Barrett, is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Religion and Culture track. For more information, visit his website thereluctantamericanist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Ever since conquistadores claimed Taino land in the name of their Catholic God and New England Puritans formed their strictly Protestant “city on a hill,” religion has been central to American life. Even as some found religious freedom—Rhode Island welcomed the Quakers, Jews, and Baptists that Massachusetts expelled as dissenters—indigenous people and Africans forced into slavery struggled to protect their religious practices. With the constitutional separation of church and state, it fell to the American people to decide: would they sharpen religion's formidable powers of division, or reimagine its creative possibilities? In A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2026) Brook Wilensky-Lanford follows this essential American tension from first contact through the 2024 election. This is an expansive history of extraordinary religious questions, told through the ordinary people who grappled with them. It is a story of defiance: Anne Hutchinson, preaching against Puritan clergy; Reform rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise serving soft-shell crab to his kosher guests at an 1883 banquet; and Wovoka, a Paiute man who envisioned the Ghost Dance movement, which persisted in the face of violent government repression at Wounded Knee. It is also a story of community: Millerites waiting together in vain for Jesus's return on a rainy October night in 1844; Chinese immigrants bringing Daoist and Buddhist gods to their California temples; Mormons pushing westward to build their “new Zion” in Utah. And in the last fifty years, it has been a story of muscular political power, as the religious right has sought to shape the present and paint the past in its own image. At a moment when religion penetrates even the most secular aspects of American life, understanding its history is more essential than ever before. “It is in history that the very human work of religion happens,” Wilensky-Lanford shows us, “and in ordinary time that even the most carved-in-stone tenets can and do change.” Brook Wilensky-Lanford is a religion writer, editor, and teacher. The author of Paradise Lust: Searching for the Garden of Eden, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and former managing editor of Killing the Buddha, her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Republic, and elsewhere. Currently the Associate Director of Sacred Writes Public Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Religion in the Americas from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she lives. This episode's host, Jacob Barrett, is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Religion and Culture track. For more information, visit his website thereluctantamericanist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

How do Quakers prepare for Meeting for Worship? How do we get ready for an hour of silence in which we may feel called upon to stand and give a message? In this week's episode, we share three essays written by members of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting about their experience of Quaker Meeting for Worship. This episode originally aired on June 21, 2023. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Today I read and elaborate on an article by the late Dr. Gary North titled, "The Little Things in Life." He wrote this in 1979 but it is as relevant today as when he wrote it. In it he talks about the often overlooked foundation for the cultural growth of the Medieval era (500 A.D. to 1500 A.D.): God's law. Although not perfect at all, it was a time of flourishing after the fall of the Roman Empire. Even though there was much illiteracy and doctrinal dispute, Dr. North points out that there was much cohesion when it came to the basic ethical standards of Scripture, and how families teaching those to their children gave rise to what we know as Christendom. I conclude with a few thoughts of how Christians can lay the foundation for Christian culture again today.  The Little Things of Life - Dr. Gary North Rented Virtue (article on the Quakers mentioned by Aaron Renn)

Meredith Sellers, Interpretation and Access Manager at the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Caroline Winschel, Director of Development & Communications at Bartram's Garden and Mackenzie Warren, Education and Programs Manager for PhilaLandmarks, representing Grumblethorpe and Powel House, discussed the Colonial Garden Consortium, bringing attention to Philadelphia's amazing botanic history in time for the Semiquincentennial. Partners in this initiative include Bartram's Garden, Fort Mifflin, Grumblethorpe, Pennsylvania Hospital, Powel House, The Woodlands, Wyck Historic House and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, where the exhibit ‘Revolutionary Botany' examines the origins of the American pharmacy and American botanical medicine and celebrates Philadelphia's role as “the birthplace of America” and the College as “the birthplace of American medicine.” The properties offer a look at the plants of our founding fathers and mothers used and cultivated for food, medicine and finally, beauty. and allows us to gain an understanding of the deep interconnections in how European settlers gained this knowledge from Native Americans and shared it, amongst themselves and as well as abroad., The Consortium has teamed up to create a StoryMap, a digital resource for the public. It displays a map of the partner sites and details their histories in relation to that era of the city. The StoryMap highlights several networks that made significant contributions to the practice and understanding of horticulture, including Native Americans, African Americans, Quakers, physicians, and families, and spotlights notable plants. The StoryMap also offers a calendar of programming from the participating sites, including a ‘Meet & Geek' on Wednesday, June 10th at the Mutter Museum. To access the StoryMap visit MutterMuseum.org and click on “On View.”Learn more about the Colonial Garden Consortium during our Mütter Meet and Geek. Several partners will be there to share fascinating objects from the sites, and discuss the many ways plants were used in Early America. Sign up by visiting visit MutterMuseum.org and clicking on events.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As wars continue in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, voices for peace still try to break through the pessimism. One of the most prominent is the Religious Society of Friends, or the Quakers. They famously won a Nobel Peace Prize after World War II. But how realistic is their vision in 2026? GUEST:Joyce Ajlouny is general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker agency. She was in Australia recently.

One of the so-called ISIS brides appeared in a Melbourne court this week, charged with terrorism related offences. Rayann El Houli is one of six women linked to ISIS, who've returned from Syria in the past fortnight. Most have children who were born in Syria and were living in harsh conditions. But their return is confronting for one religious minority that's found refuge in Australia. Extremism expert Professor JOSH ROOSE of Deakin University has been exploring the dilemma the ISIS brides pose for Australia.Pope Leo's encyclical on the dangers of artificial intelligence includes a red light about the role technology plays in the sexual trafficking of women and children. The International Justice Mission is a faith-based organisation that fights modern slavery. It's one of several human rights groups meeting in the Vatican this week. BRIONY CAMP is the head of campaigns for IJM Australia.As wars continue in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, voices for peace still try to break through the pessimism. One of the most prominent is the Religious Society of Friends, or the Quakers. They famously won a Nobel Peace Prize after World War II. But how realistic is their vision in 2026.  JOYCE AJLOUNY is general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker agency. She was in Australia recently.

How do you build peace in a war zone? During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, it didn't always start with politicians or treaties. Sometimes it started with an ordinary cup of tea. Explore the hidden history of how Irish Quakers stepped into the margins of a deeply divided society, using radical acts of hospitality to do the quiet, dangerous work of turning enemies into friends. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

This is the story of the division of the colony of New Jersey into East New Jersey and West New Jersey, and the bizarre legal and financial machinations that resulted ultimately in the settlement of the region by Quakers in the second half of the 1670s. Fundamentally, those machinations were between two somewhat disreputable Quakers, John Fenwick and Edward Byllynge. Their longstanding quarrel would threaten to spill out into non-Quaker circles, so William Penn intervened to arbitrate between them and save the Friends from embarrassment. It was this intervention that would first involve Penn in North American colonization, and just a few years down the road would result in the founding of Pennsylvania. Subscribe to my Substack! X – @TheHistoryOfTh2 – https://x.com/TheHistoryOfTh2 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfTheAmericans Useful prerequisite episodes: #167 Ohhhh! Whaddabout New Jersey? #171 New Jersey Is Revolting! Primary references for this episode John E. Pomfret, The Province Of West New Jersey 1609-1702 (Out of print – best found in libraries) The concessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of the province of West New-Jersey, in America Introduction to and summary of the West Jersey Concessions Quintipartite Deed

Even religious people act like devils. “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” - Revelation 13:15 (KJV)

The Quakers are a small enough community in Ireland, but there is one Quaker-ethos school in Waterford that has been around since 1798. So, what makes it different?Joining Seán to discuss is Keith Lemon, Principal of Newtown School in Waterford City.Image: Newtown School

Irish Quakers have always punched far above their weight, leaning on deep spirituality and radical hospitality to bring relief during the Great Famine and build quiet trust throughout the Northern Ireland peace process. Last month, podcast producer Zack Jackson traveled to Ireland Yearly Meeting to learn, firsthand, how this diverse community has managed to have such an outsized impact on the island. Tune in to hear what this small but mighty community can teach the rest of us. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

In this episode, Madeline chats with her friend Jess Fetterman, a historian with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, a brief history of how agriculture became sciencey, her family's connections to farming, an influential high school research experience, living history, some basics on the Quakers and the college she went to, her unique college experiences, marrying traditional and modern agricultural practices, subsidiarity, her grad school stints and mental health, the importance of cultivation to our humanity, the effects of her parents' mixed marriage on her religious upbringing, the liturgy and how her husband helped her be comfortable with different liturgies, how she met her husband, being a biritual marriage, and so much more!-link: Byz Ben's episode, Silent Spring, I&A, Caroline George's episodeDuring the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include episodes 63 and 97, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, and the Inkwells and Anvils community.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!

Quaker author, speaker, and teacher Parker Palmer joins us to explore the tension between the world's demands for success, and our soul's need for integrity. By sharing his personal journey through darkness and renewal, he offers a deeply moving invitation to let go of forced outcomes and instead live with simple faithfulness to our unique gifts. ---------- Want an experience that lives at the intersection of transformational spirituality and activism? Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) is an 11-month experiment in intentional living. Through the program, young adults work full-time at community-based organizations while living in a cooperative house and receiving mentorship from local Quakers. Fellows are provided with housing, food, a personal stipend, wellness supports, and a deeply engaged community dedicated to supporting young adults in discerning and living into their gifts and callings. You can support this prophetic work by applying for the fellowship, volunteering locally, or donating directly to support the Fellows. Learn more and get involved today:  https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/ Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Noah Bishop Merrill originally offered this message to the 2023 gathering of the Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas. Want to share your thoughts on our podcast content? Email podcast@neym.org.To learn more about the life and ministry of Quakers in New England visit neym.org.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: neym.org/newsletter-signupDonate to sustain our ministry here: neym.org/donate

Your region was already shaping what you wore, what felt normal, and what got you sideways looks at dinner, long before you had any framework for personal style at all.   Colin Woodard's American Nations framework proposes that North America is actually 11 distinct cultures, each with founding values that have persisted for centuries.   The eleven nations: Yankeedom (New England to the upper Midwest): Founded by radical Calvinists. Deep investment in education, community improvement, and civic duty. New Netherland (New York City metro): Founded by the Dutch as a commercial trading hub. Pluralistic, cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial from the start. The Midlands (Pennsylvania to the central Midwest): Founded by Quakers who welcomed all. Moderate, consensus-driven, deeply suspicious of extremes. Tidewater (coastal Virginia and the Carolinas): Founded by English gentry who recreated a feudal aristocracy. Hierarchical, formal, oriented toward tradition and lineage. Greater Appalachia (the Appalachian backcountry to the Ozarks): Founded by Scots-Irish borderlanders. Fiercely independent, deeply suspicious of outside authority. Deep South (South Carolina to east Texas): Founded by Barbadian planters who built a slave society. Ceremonial, hierarchical, intensely communal within its own ranks. El Norte (the southwest borderlands): The oldest European culture on the continent. Hardworking, independent, shaped by two nations simultaneously. The Left Coast (coastal Alaska to northern California): Founded by New England missionaries and Appalachian prospectors. Idealistic, innovative, convinced it can build something better. The Far West (the interior West to the Great Plains): Shaped by the extraction economy and harsh climate. Pragmatic, self-reliant, resistant to outside control. New France (Quebec and Louisiana): Founded by French colonists who prioritized relationships over hierarchy. Communal, convivial, with a strong sense of place and pleasure. First Nation (northern Canada and Alaska): The nations that predate all the others. Cultures built on deep relationship with land, community, and living tradition. In this episode I'm applying that lens to style, introducing the 11 nations and their regional style archetypes, and asking a question most style advice never thinks to ask: which parts of your style are actually yours? Let's connect! To suggest a podcast topic, send email to hello@signaturestylesystems.com. Want to learn more about how to discover your Style DNA? Start with The Congruence Code! Check out the FREE video masterclass: The Myers-Briggs Key to Signature Style.  

In the premiere episode of season five of Our Seven Neighbors: Religion and Resistance in America, host Reza Aslan joins historian and Smithsonian curator Peter Manseau for a sweeping conversation about the real history of religious freedom in the United States. Together, they dismantle the comforting myth that America was founded as a uniformly Christian nation devoted to liberty for all, revealing instead a far more contested and complicated story. From Puritan theocracy and the execution of Quakers to the struggles of Jews, Muslims, Native peoples, and enslaved Africans for recognition and belonging, the episode explores how pluralism in America was not gifted from above, but forged through centuries of conflict, resistance, and negotiation. Drawing on Manseau's landmark work One Nation, Under Gods, the discussion reframes American religious history as a living, unfinished struggle over who counts, whose beliefs matter, and what freedom truly means in a diverse democracy. Aslan and Manseau examine the enduring power of myths like the “city on a hill,” the dangers of Christian nationalism, and the ongoing fight to widen the circle of belonging in American life. At a moment when religious diversity and democratic pluralism are once again under pressure, this episode offers a powerful reminder that the American experiment has always depended on people willing to challenge exclusion and insist that the story is bigger than any one faith, nation, or identity. Subscribe to O7N: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-7-neighbors-religion-and-resistance-in-america/id1511771313 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When corporations destroy the environment and ignore human rights, the loudest protests usually come from the streets. But while activists are calling for change from the outside, another movement is quietly working to steer these massive organizations from within. Discover how Friends Fiduciary is taking a seat at the shareholders' table, using Quaker values to persuade global brands to put humanity over quick profits. ----- Friends Fiduciary Is the Preferred Investment Manager for Quaker Meetings Guided by Quaker principles, values and testimonies, Friends Fiduciary Corporation provides prudent, cost-effective management of financial assets for Friends organizations. Overseeing assets exceeding $800 million and serving as trustees for more than 100 trusts, Friends Fiduciary is a preferred investment manager for Yearly, Quarterly, and Monthly Meetings of Friends. Friends Fiduciary employs a company screening process and is committed to active ownership, ensuring corporate accountability, and environmental sustainability. Discover more at www.FriendsFiduciary.org. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

In this second episode of our season-long exploration into "The Wallet," Peterson Toscano and Diana Yañez dive into Relational Finance. This concept challenges the traditional divide between "financial experts" and "spiritual seekers." Taking the Quaker theology of the "priesthood of all believers" and applying it to economics, we explore how taking personal responsibility for our money—and our institutional assets—leads to deeper integrity and more equitable power-sharing. From the boardrooms of major corporations to micro-grant partnerships in Kenya and Sierra Leone, we look at what happens when we stop letting others stand between us and the truth of our financial impact. In This Episode The Unmediated Truth: Jeff Perkins reflects on the Quaker commitment to taking responsibility for one's beliefs, even when it comes to the "taboo" topic of money. Decolonizing Power: Traci Hjelt Sullivan discusses how Right Sharing of World Resources is shifting power from Western offices to local coordinators, moving from "saviorism" to genuine partnership. Ownership as a Tool: We explore how holding onto shares in a company (rather than just divesting) can be a powerful way to "hold the door open" for justice in corporate boardrooms. Our Guests Jeff Perkins Jeff is the former executive director of Friends Fiduciary. He is a member of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting in Philadelphia and lives in Philadelphia with his husband. His journey to Quakerism began at a nuclear test site protest in the 1980s, where the integrity of Quaker activists inspired his lifelong commitment to faith-led action. Traci Hjelt Sullivan Traci is the executive director of Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR). With decades of non-profit management experience, including roles at Pendle Hill and Friends General Conference, Traci brings a global perspective to her work, having lived or worked in Ethiopia, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, and beyond. She is a member of Green Street Meeting in Philadelphia. Nathan Kleban Nathan is the program and advancement associate at RSWR. His background includes serving as an environmental volunteer with the Peace Corps in Mali and working with the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). He currently lives in Iowa City, Iowa. Amy Carr Amy is the senior shareholder advocate at Friends Fiduciary. She utilizes her background in information science and data research to engage companies on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues, bringing Quaker values to the forefront of corporate dialogue. Organizations Mentioned Friends Fiduciary Corporation: A Quaker nonprofit providing professional investment and planned giving services to Friends meetings, schools, and organizations. Right Sharing of World Resources: An organization providing seed grants to women's self-help groups in the Global South, rooted in the Quaker testimony of simplicity. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): A Quaker organization working for social justice, peace, and humanitarian service around the world. Disclaimers Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. This season is sponsored by Friends Fiduciary and the American Friends Service Committee. Investment Disclaimer: Friends Fiduciary unites Quaker values with expert investing. However, the information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with a professional financial advisor regarding your specific situation. Question for Listeners How do you balance "expert advice" with your own spiritual leadings when it comes to your money? Have you ever felt a "dissonance" between your investments and your values? Share your thoughts! Leave a voicemail: Call 215-645-0132 Email us: podcast@friendsjournal.org Social Media: Respond to us on Facebook or Instagram. Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. Quakers Today and Friends Journal are not a registered entity and are not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

In this episode, Dan discusses William Penn, Quakers, and Particular Baptists.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, before a single battle of the Revolutionary War had been won, a group of men from vastly different denominations sat down together and did something that would set the tone for everything that followed — they prayed. Congregationalists, Anglicans, Quakers, Baptists, Lutherans, and more, setting aside every theological difference to seek God together for the future of a nation not yet born. They opened that first Continental Congress with the reading of Psalm 35, crying out to God as their shield, their armor, and their salvation. It was an act of unity that history has rarely matched. On this National Day of Prayer, we are invited into that same spirit — not as a political act, but as a profoundly spiritual one. The divisions in our nation run deep, and the temptation to pray only within the walls of our own traditions is real. But the founders understood something we must recover: that corporate prayer, offered in humility and unity, moves the hand of God in ways that individual effort never can. The same God who heard the prayers of those early colonists and brought a nation through impossible odds is still listening today. He is still moved by repentance. He is still responsive to humility. And He is still able to do far more than we can ask or imagine — if His people will simply set aside what divides them and call out to Him together. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Bible Verse "Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, 'I am your salvation.'" — Psalm 35:1-3 Ponder Today America's founders understood that physical battles are ultimately won or lost in the spiritual realm — their commitment to corporate prayer was not ceremonial, it was foundational. Unity in prayer does not require uniformity in doctrine — the founders set aside significant denominational differences to pray together for a shared purpose, and God honored it. National repentance is not just a historical concept — the story of Nineveh reminds us that God is always ready to relent when His people genuinely humble themselves and turn back to Him. The Great Awakenings in American history did not begin with political movements — they began with prayer, and there is no reason to believe that pattern has changed. Corporate prayer is one of the most powerful forces available to the Church — when believers across denominational lines join in one accord, the watching world sees the love of God at work in a way nothing else can replicate. Today's Prayer Dear Father, as our nation marks this significant anniversary, lead us by Your Holy Spirit to set aside our differences and join together in prayer for our country. Give us wisdom and insight into the needs of our nation and our leaders. Soften the hearts of our citizens to respond to a call for repentance, and draw us to humble ourselves before You, to seek Your face, and to turn from our wicked ways. Strengthen our faith to believe in the power of prayer and to cry out for another Great Awakening in America. We ask for miracles in our nation and in the lives of those who lead us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Corporate prayer and national repentance have shaped history, and Scripture like Jonah 3:10 reveals how God responds when people turn to Him together. Praying as a nation isn’t symbolic—it’s a powerful, biblical practice that invites God’s mercy, guidance, and restoration. This devotional highlights how God has consistently responded to unified, humble prayer—from the city of Nineveh to moments in American history. When people come together, set aside differences, and seek God collectively, it reflects dependence on Him rather than self-sufficiency. National prayer isn’t about politics or performance—it’s about hearts aligning with God, turning from sin, and trusting Him to lead, heal, and sustain a nation. Just as individuals are called to pray, communities and countries are invited to do the same. Highlights God responds to corporate prayer and genuine repentance Biblical examples show entire cities and nations turning to God together Unity in prayer reflects humility and dependence on God National prayer invites God’s mercy, healing, and direction Spiritual battles require spiritual responses—not just physical solutions Setting aside differences for prayer strengthens collective faith Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Why Praying As a Nation Matters to God By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.” - Jonah 3:10 As America celebrates 250 years as a nation, some ask, does it matter if our nation prays together on the National Day of Prayer? Does God even pay attention to or hear us when we pray corporately as a nation? The answer is “yes”: it matters to God, and we can be assured of this because the Bible provides plenty of evidence that He often calls us to corporate prayer for a city or a nation. Most of us are familiar with the well-known biblical passage 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As in the story of Jonah and the wicked city of Nineveh, God called for the entire city to pray and repent, and even the animals were included in the city’s prayer, fasting, and repentance. As Jonah 3:4-8 describes, God led an entire city to repentance through corporate prayer: “Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.’ The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish.” In Jonah 3:10, we read of God’s gracious response to their corporate prayer: He relented rather than sending destruction. Likewise, looking back at America’s Founders, we see that they recognized the importance of corporate prayer and that establishing a nation’s future doesn’t just involve fighting a physical battle for victory, but also a spiritual one. They demonstrated this when they officially met and came together for the first time on September 7, 1774, as the Continental Congress of the United States, opening with prayer and the reading of Psalm 35 by Rev. Jacob Duché, which begins with, “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” This was no easy feat, either, as the outspoken members had to set aside their denominational differences to pray together, uniting members who were Congregationalists, Anglicans, Quakers, Dutch Reformed, Baptists, Lutherans, Puritans, and Presbyterians, coming together to overlook their differences, joining in one accord, praying for a common goal. American Conservative radio talk-show host and writer, Dennis Prager, explains, “Ultimately, they wanted people to be free to practice their religion and relate to God in their own way. They all knew God is the source of liberty.” Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe points out how historians find in George Washington’s writings and actions during the Revolutionary War that he relied heavily on prayer, believing that with the tremendous odds set against them, victory could only come with God’s help. As well, “The Great Awakening absolutely helped the cause of independence,” writes Newcombe. “Even before the Great Awakening, the ministers, especially the ones from New England, helped shape the thinking of the Colonists as to their God-given rights.” Christian historians believe the spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, during which prayer and fasting played a critical role in helping America establish its freedom. In Miracles in American History, author, historian, and speaker William J. Federer writes about the many national calls to prayer leading up to and throughout the formation of the United States of America. Intersecting Faith & Life:Are you planning to join our nation in praying for God’s divine guidance and protection over our country? If not, consider praying with millions of believers across our land who will be praying together during this year’s 250th Anniversary, National Day of Prayer. Further Reading:A Prayer to Take Part in Our Nation’s National Day of Prayer Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

An address given by Noah Bishop Merrill as the 2026 Perkins Family Lecture hosted by the Quaker Leadership Center, a ministry of the Earlham School of Religion, in Richmond, Indiana on April 24, 2026.Want to share your thoughts on our podcast content? Email podcast@neym.org.To learn more about the life and ministry of Quakers in New England visit neym.org.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: neym.org/newsletter-signupDonate to sustain our ministry here: neym.org/donate

In this week's main episode, Keith and Matthew chat with a group of Quakers to find out what their movement is all about, what they stand for, and what makes them different (and similar) to "traditional" church. If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We'll get to your calls on next Friday's Bonus Show. Or, you can email Matthew at matthew@quoir.com. Join The Quollective today! Use code "matthew50" to save 50% off a yearly subscription. Pick up the new book, Quantum Theology today, as well as The UnChristian Truth About White Christian Nationalism. Please consider signing up to financially support the Network: QuoirCast on Patreon If you want to be a guest on the show, email keith@quoir.com. LINKS QuoirCast on PatreonQuoirCast on Patheos Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the climate crisis accelerates, humanity faces an unprecedented spiritual test. Quaker minister and scientist Brian Drayton joins us to explore how we can engage in the deep spiritual formation required to respond faithfully to the challenges ahead. Order "The Gospel in the Anthropocene: Letters from a Quaker Naturalist" by Brian Drayton here: https://qkrs.org/drayton Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian take a deeper look at key figures in America's founding years, like Ben Franklin, William Penn, and Thomas Jefferson. The guys highlight how early America was shaped not just by shared beliefs, but by a surprising diversity of cultures, languages, and perspectives. They reflect on whether a society can maintain those values without a foundation in God, and what America's early struggles reveal about the challenges we're still facing today. Today's conversation is about Lesson 2 of Colonial America: From Wilderness to Civilization from Hillsdale College. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Colonial America: Professors of history and politics guide us through the perilous journey of the Mayflower and the grueling winters of Cape Cod. They explore the ideas of religious liberty and natural rights, as well as the brutal conflicts, such as the wars on the frontier and the French and Indian War. Through this six-lesson appreciation of the colonial experience, you will learn how the unique American spirit was shaped. Journey to the New World and discover the origins of the American spirit. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 America at 250 Years Old 09:08 Why America's Founding Story Still Matters 14:22 Pilgrims vs. Puritans: Two Different Missions 19:10 What Diversity Really Meant in Early America 24:05 William Penn & the Quakers' Radical Ideas 29:12 Freedom vs. Order: The Nation's Core Tension 34:18 Benjamin Franklin Shapes American Culture 40:02 Can Morality Exist Without God? 44:35 The Struggle Between Authority & Freedom — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Shakers. An offshoot sect of The Quakers, born in England in 1747. In worship they were known to break into states of ecstatic trembling. Trembling Quakers. Shaking Quakers. The Shakers. They came to America in 1774 with a utopian vision, egalitarian ideals, a belief in the equality of the sexes, a philosophy of communal, celibate, simple living. Known for their purposeful communities, their pacifism and legendary craftsmanship.At their peak in the mid-nineteenth century there were some 6,000 Shakers worldwide. As of 2024 there were but two Shakers left in America, so it made headlines in 2025 when Sister April Baxter entered the fold. Four-time Academy Award winner Frances McDormand and artist Suzanne Bocanegra were inspired by the communal Shaker philosophy and aesthetic and were invited by The Shaker Museum in Chatham, New York to create a pop-up exhibit curated from the museum's archive of Shaker furniture, textiles and goods. They called their installation “Cradled.” Maira Kalman's pop-up exhibition, Shaker Outpost: Design, Commerce and Culture, a curated selection of her favorite pieces from the vast Shaker Museum collection opens on Saturday, May 2 at 4 Depot Square in downtown Chatham, New York, running through Sunday, July 5. Along with the exhibit Maira and the Museum will open a General Store drawing on the historic tradition of Shakers' public-facing stores where Shaker communities shared their goods for purchase with “the world.” Handmade crafts, food in the Shaker style, potholders, honey, ginger snaps, Swedish fish, sardines, marmalade made by TART, notebooks, textiles and items made by local artisans will all be on sale.Come Life, Shaker Life was produced by The Kitchen Sisters (Davia Nelson & Nikki Silva) in collaboration with Brandi Howell, Nathan Dalton and Hannah Kaye. Mixed by Jim McKee. 

Samuel Pepys exposed: secrets, suppression, and the truth behind his diary. Samuel Pepys Was Not What You Think…EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!For generations, Samuel Pepys has been portrayed as a witty observer of Restoration London — a charming administrator who documented plague, fire, and naval reform.But what if that version of Pepys wasn't the full story?In this explosive Gloucester History Festival Special, historian and author Guy de la Bédoyère joins History Rage to challenge the long-standing myth that Pepys was simply “a man of his time.”Drawing on decades of research — including learning Pepys's original shorthand — Guy reveals how editors suppressed, mistranslated, and obscured disturbing passages from the diary for over 200 years. What You'll Discover in This EpisodeThis episode goes beyond familiar Pepys anecdotes and digs into the hidden layers of his diary — and the people who shaped how history remembers him.Inside this episode:Why large sections of Pepys's diary were deliberately removed or mistranslated How 19th- and 20th-century editors shaped the public image of Pepys The truth behind Pepys's secret use of foreign languages and coded shorthand Why the phrase “a man of his time” can dangerously excuse behaviour Why Pepys's record remains unique in early modern history Guy explains how Pepys deliberately buried controversial actions within routine daily entries — making them easy to overlook unless carefully decoded. Why This Episode MattersPepys's diary is one of the most important personal records in English history — documenting events like:The Great Plague of 1665 The Great Fire of London The Restoration of monarchy after the English Civil Wars But Guy argues that understanding Pepys properly means confronting the uncomfortable details — not sanitising them.This episode challenges the idea that historical figures should be excused simply because of the era in which they lived — and asks what happens when historians uncover what earlier editors chose to hide.About the Guest — Guy de la BédoyèreGuy de la Bédoyère is a bestselling historian, broadcaster, and former Time Team presenter.He is widely known for his work on Roman Britain and historical biography, and his latest research focuses on uncovering suppressed truths within Pepys's writings.

Is finance truly "gross," or is it a vital spiritual practice? In the Season 6 premiere of Quakers Today, host Peterson Toscano is joined by new co-host Diana Yañez—a certified financial planner and convinced Quaker. Together, they move "into the wallet" to explore how our faith intersects with our finances. We're calling this "The Priesthood of All Believers, Economics." We argue that we cannot leave the world of money to the "high priests" of Wall Street; every Friend has a role in discerning where our resources go. In this episode, we explore: Money Biographies: Diana shares her journey from the 2007 foreclosure crisis to ethical financial planning, while Peterson reflects on his time serving the world's wealthiest executives. Voices of the Season: Preview insights from upcoming guests on reparations, value-based pricing, and the business case for Quaker values. Quaker History & Integrity: We revisit a 2012 Friends Journal article to ask how we stay honest in a capitalist system. Ethical Investing Tools: A look at how to use InvestYourValues.org to screen your mutual funds and ETFs for fossil fuels, weapons, and private prisons. Question of the Month: What insights or practices guide your relationship with finance today? Leave a voicemail: 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377) Email us: podcast@friendsjournal.org Social Media: Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Links & Resources: Read the full show notes and transcript: QuakersToday.org Screen your investments: InvestYourValues.org Learn about our sponsors: FriendsFiduciary.org and AFSC.org Featured in this series: Amy Carr, Douglas Tsoi, Lucy Duncan (Reparations Works), Susan Waltz, Fran Brokaw, Aangoo Tucho' Ethan Birchard, Traci Hjelt Sullivan (Right Sharing of World Resources), Nathan Kleban, and Lisa Graustein. Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. This episode is for educational purposes and does not constitute specific financial or investment advice.

This week on the Bit Improv Comedy Network, Billy and Gail kick things off with Mayor Joe of Farmington, Michigan, whose generosity and good humor are on full display as he shares the city's history, its Quaker roots, its famously welcoming small-town vibe, its abundance of coffee houses, and the distinctive character that makes Farmington feel like its own little world — before graciously allowing the BIT Crew to do what they do best: lovingly satirize it all. From there, things spiral beautifully into a full-on podcast-town fever dream, where civic pride, local personalities, and unchecked microphone access turn community spirit into pure comic chaos. Charming at first. Then increasingly not normal. Apologies The BIT Comedy Network apologizes to the residents of Farmington, Mayor Joe, Farmington coffee houses, Quakers, local historians, the Warner family, ghost hunters, tax preparers, lawyers, accountants, tarot readers, notaries public, public safety professionals, podcast producers, silent coffee shop patrons, anti-outsider committees, front porch enthusiasts, NASA, astronauts, and anyone who expected this episode to remain a normal civic interview. Credits Director and Creator: Billy Merritt Producer, Editor & Graphics: Hill Kane Featuring: Mayor Joe LaRussa (Himself) Billy Merrit (Himself, Narrator) Amber Bellsdale (Joanne Wilson, Room for Improvement Pod Host; Emily, Silent Coffee Shop; Ground Control Barrista #2) Luke Bovard (Luke Jones, Podcast Producer - Luke's Podcast Hut) Hill Kane (Gail; Mrs. Stephani Wilson-Jones, Room for Improvement Pod Host; Ground Control Barrista #1) Don Slovin (Himself, All Kinds of Quaker Foods Pod Host, Astronaut #1) Jim Tripp (Jerry 2.0/"Receptionist", Saftey Force Dispatch Commander/Rude Podcast Guest) Katya Vasilaky (Jerry 1.0; Lana, Farmington Safety Force Pod Host) Angela Washko (Your Boy Bobby, Apothecary Coffee; Jenny Warner, Farmington Safety Force Pod Host)  Gary Yorke (Himself, All Kinds of Quaker Foods Pod Host; Chef Bob, Caffeine Heaven; Astronaut #2) Music: "Shark Bait" performed by Little Kahunas | Produced by the late, great Peter Miller. Hosting: Libsyn "The BIT" and "The BIT Improv Comedy Network" are trademarks owned by Billy Merritt. © 2024–2026 Billy Merritt. All rights reserved. Inquiries: TheBitComedyNetwork@gmail.com Website: BITComedyNetwork.com 

This week on Uncorked, Dr. Erica Canela joins us to dive into the wild, weird, and unexpectedly chaotic world of Quaker history. Yes, the Quakers were unhinged, and yes, they've had a major glow up.We break down the evolution from radical early Quaker antics to the modern-day Friends, some of whom are kind of attractive. Naturally, this leads to a very serious scholarly exercise we call “Quaker Hot or Not.”And don't miss the story of the MOST unhinged Quaker woman of them all... a legend of pure, unfiltered “mad whimsy.”If you thought you knew the Quakers, think again.Make sure you catch the visual of this episode on our YouTube channel!For more from Dr. Erica Canela, check out her website for more on her upcoming classes and events, as well as how to access her book!Visit her site here: Dr Erica Canela | Public Historian, Copywriter & EditorAD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way.  Today, we've got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Quakers room to express their faith. This episode originally aired on July 17, 2024. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Jeff Denman talks about his book Philadelphia Quakers and the American Revolution.How did a community rooted in pacifism navigate a moment defined by war, rebellion, and political upheaval? Philadelphia's Quakers— committed to principles of nonviolence, religious conviction, and civic order—found themselves caught in the crosscurrents of revolution, where neutrality itself could be seen as disloyalty.Denman unpacks the difficult choices Quakers faced as the imperial crisis deepened into open conflict. Some sought to maintain their religious testimonies at all costs, while others were drawn, reluctantly or otherwise, into the orbit of revolutionary politics. The result was a story not of simple allegiance, but of internal division, moral struggle, and the challenge of remaining true to one's beliefs in extraordinary times.Denman's examination of the  experience of Philadelphia's Quakers complicates familiar narratives of the Revolution. Their story reminds us that the era was not only shaped by soldiers and statesmen, but also by those who wrestled with conscience, community, and conviction in the face of a transforming world.Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

Jon Dupont is settling in as the new head coach of the University of Pennsylvania sprint football team. While this is a new role for Dupont, he is no stranger to Penn as he spent the last 20 years on staff for the Quakers football program as a defensive assistant. In Episode #288 of "1-on-1 with Matt Leon," Matt welcomes Dupont in studio to talk about his career. They discuss what it has been like since he took over the sprint football program, talk about his time working on staff for Penn football head coaches Al Bagnoli and Ray Priore, look back at his days as a collegiate athlete and much more. "1-on-1 with Matt Leon” is a KYW Newsradio original podcast. You can follow the show on X @1on1pod and you can follow Matt @Mattleon1060.

In the Quaker tradition, waiting worship is never an empty silence; it is a profound, shared, expectant stillness. In this experimental episode, we gathered together for worship at Green St. Meeting in Philadelphia, placed field microphones around the worship space, and created an immersive, stereo audio documentary of communal waiting. You will hear the physical reality of people gathering together, complete with passing cars, the creaking of benches, and the distant coo of a happy infant. We invite you to grab your headphones and use this immersive hour to center down into a deep, worshipful silence wherever and whenever you are. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Air Date: 3/24/2026 Today we explore what happens when people reject religious dogma but still hunger for ritual, meaning, and the concrete benefits of community. We'll hear from secular assemblies building "church without creed," atheist Quakers finding silence sacred, and a Caribbean thinker designing a naturalistic pagan practice built around science and seasonal ritual — all asking what religion can be when you strip away the supernatural. Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! TOP TAKES KP 1: GOD IS NO-THING - Pete Holmes - Air Date 3-3-26 KP 2: Non-religious Americans Seek Community - All Things Considered - Air Date 1-28-24 KP 3: Why Atheists CAN Be Quakers. - Quake It Up - Air Date 8-30-25 KP 4: Why Are Black People Still Christian? - Garrison Hayes - Air Date 4-7-24 KP 5: What Is Liberation Theology & Can It Help The Left? (TMBS 145) - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-25-20 KP 6: Its Time To Rethink Religion Part 1 - Andrewism - Air Date 3-11-26 (00:49:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the Left's Community Crisis and What We Can Learn from Megachurches DEEPER DIVES (01:00:06) SECTION A: LIBERATION THEOLOGY A1: Cornel West: Can Socialists Reclaim Christianity? - Jacobin - Air Date 3-4-26 A2: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation - The Magnificast - Air Date 10-30-23 A3: Brief: US V. Liberation Theology (Part 1) - Conspirituality - Air Date 11-1-25 A4: Visions of Freedom — Liberation Theology and Advent - Soul Search - Air Date 11-27-24 A5: The Sunday Interview: How Christianity Shaped America: Matthew Avery Sutton on Power, Evangelicals, and the "Chosen Land" Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-15-26 (01:44:22) SECTION B: WHY IS AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY SO CONSERVATIVE_ B1: How Conservatives Co-Opted Christianity - Second Thought - Air Date 9-24-21 B2: America's Christian Death Cult - Michael Burns - Air Date 12-15-25 B3: American Jihad - Conspirituality - Air Date 3-12-26 B4: Donald and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad War Plus Preston Sprinkle - The Holy Post - Air Date 3-11-26 B5: Holy Sh*t We're Doing a Holy War - Side Burns - Air Date 3-5-26 B6: You Don't Understand The Rapture | Jackie Kashian | Stay-Kashian - 800 Pound Gorilla Media - Air Date 1-30-23 (02:24:24) SECTION C: RELIGIOUS FORMS C1: The Sunday Interview: How Christianity Shaped America: Matthew Avery Sutton on Power, Evangelicals, and the "Chosen Land" Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-15-26 C2: "There Is No Gen Z Religious Revival" | Religion For Breakfast Part 1 - Unsolicited Advice - Air Date 3-14-26 C3: Love Thy Neighbour? Dawn Foster on Religion and the Left Part 1 - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 4-21-19 C4: Melodie Roschman: Scholar of Right-wing Evangelical Christianity, Gender, and Popular Culture - Adventist Voices by Spectrum_ The Journal of the Adventist Forum - Air Date 2-13-25 C5: Its Time To Rethink Religion Part 2 - Andrewism - Air Date 3-11-26 (03:11:01) SECTION D: BELIEF, WITH AND WITHOUT RELIGION D1: Christian Nationalism, Leftist Politics, and Hegelianism: The Need for a New Philosophy on the Left - Columbia Center for Contemporary Critical Thought - Air Date 10-30-25 D2: "There Is No Gen Z Religious Revival" | Religion For Breakfast Part 2 - Unsolicited Advice - Air Date 3-14-26 D3: The World Is Always Ending - The Magnificast - Air Date 1-13-26 D4: Love Thy Neighbour? Dawn Foster on Religion and the Left Part 2 - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 4-21-19 D5: Red Star Ministry: Marxism, Theology, & The Human Condition - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 8-12-25 D6: Liberation Theology The Cold War - The Cold War - Air Date 9-6-25 SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Image of a robot walking across the street holding two leather briefcases. A thought bubble shows it is thinking about, or launching as it walks, missiles. Credit: Internal composite design. Images/License: Pixabay   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Elizabeth Hooton was the fierce and determined matriarch of the early Quaker movement who outmaneuvered magistrates and kings to spread the Gospel of Love.  From her illegal farmhouse congregation in England to the royal courts of an empire, Hooton's journey reveals a pioneer who refused to remain quiet when the Spirit asked her to speak. She proved that a tender heart can still possess a sharp prophetic edge, and left a blueprint for resistance in our times. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

The NCAA Tournament is here! We preview Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament with insight from Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Fox Illinois. Valerie Guevarra and Emilie Chi from The Daily Pennsylvanian join the show to provide the Penn perspective. The discussion breaks down key matchups, strengths, and potential X-factors on both sides. It's a well-rounded look at what to expect as the Illini and Quakers get set to clash.

After fleeing for their lives from Russia to the United States, an asylum-seeking family was met not with sanctuary, but with chains and a rusty detention cell. Just as the faceless deportation machine threatened to swallow them completely, the American Friends Service Committee offered a lifeline. This episode tells the story of what happens when grassroots Quaker love combines with institutional advocacy to bring justice and dignity to the US Immigration system.  Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Topics:  Post NFL, Marvel, Prayer, Breaking Animal News, Living Water BONUS CONTENT: Pop-Up Racism, Super Bowl Half-time   Quotes: "God has filled the world with so much mystery, meaning, beauty, and complexity." "The joke has not been made." "There is a Good King who is better than you could ever hope or wish." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!