Margaret Fell and the End of Time: The Theology of the Mother of Quakerism

by Sally Bruyneel

Overview

Margaret Fell and the End of Time offers an unprecedented interpretation of the life and theology of one of the central figures of the seventeenth-century Quaker movement. While Fell has been the subject of some historical research, until this book she had not been studied as a religious author or theologian in her own right. Taking her seriously as a prophetic and practical theologian, Sally Bruyneel systematically analyzes Fell's writings on both Quaker and orthodox Christian subjects, ranging from the Inward Light to eschatology to the Trinity. In doing so she demonstrates that Fell was deeply influenced by Biblical apocalyptic literature and the strong eschatological expectations of her time—which became central to her work with the Jews, for her defense of the spirituality equality of women, and for her promotion of the Quaker testimony of peace.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781602580626
Publisher:	Baylor University Press
Publication date:	02/01/2010
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Sally Bruyneel is Instructor in the Department of History and Theology, Luther Seminary, and the Department of Religion, Augsburg College. She is the co-author of Introducing Christianity. She lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1. Margaret Fell: A Brief Overview of Her Life and Work

Chapter 2. A Measure of the Times

Chapter 3. The Kingdom of Light: Margaret Fell’s Theology and Eschatology

Chapter 4. A Salutation to the Seed of Abraham: Margaret Fell, Quaker Evangelism and the Jews

Chapter 5. Living in the Last Days: Women’s Equality and Peace Testimony

Concluding Remarks

Bibliography

Scripture Index

Index of Names

Index of Doctrine

What People are Saying About This

Ellen M. Ross

This book puts Margaret Fell onto the map of scholarship as a sophisticated and innovative thinker. Engaging the primary material that has previously been neglected by scholars, Sally Bruyneel makes Fell's work accessible to scholars interested in Quaker traditions, women's history, and the history of Christian thought.

Ben Pink Dandelion

This book finally brings to the fore the highly significant theological contribution of Margaret Fell to the early Quaker movement. It is a gift of fine scholarship for all those interested in Quaker theological identity.

Thomas D. Hamm

An unprecedented interpretation of Fell as a theological thinker. Sally Bruyneel highlights both Fell's departures from Protestant and Reformed theology. This is a significant project.

Ann Loades CBE

Illuminating. Bruyneel establishes the coherence of Margaret Fell's thinking and her importance in Quaker history while bringing new light to her still pertinent criticisms of ecclesiastical institutions and those who represent them: 'Realized' eschatology, mission to the Jews, the changing position of women, and the development of Quaker peace testimony—all of which remain pertinent topics in present-day theology.

Editorial Reviews

"An unprecedented interpretation of Fell as a theological thinker. Sally Bruyneel highlights both Fell's departures from Protestant and Reformed theology."

--Thomas D. Hamm, Professor and Archivist, Earlham College

"Bringing to the fore the significant theological contribution of Fell to the early Quaker movement, this book is a gift".

--Ben Pink Dandelion, Honorary Professor in Quaker Studies, University of Birmingham

From the Publisher