Scientists and Mystics

Abstract

Abstract The second chapter charts theological shifts among liberal Quakers during the interwar period, which would ultimately lead Quakerism to become remarkably tolerant of differing views about the nature of God. The chapter focuses on three Quaker leaders who had different approaches on how to adapt religion to modernity. The first of these individuals is Jesse Holmes, a professor of religion who argued that Quakerism was an ideal religion for skeptics and that “God” was not a being or person. The second figure, Jane Rushmore, was a denominational leader who championed the idea that Quakerism allowed total freedom of belief and opened the door for more radical theological views. Finally, the chapter looks at Rufus Jones, perhaps the most famous Quaker religious leader of the century, who argued that Quakerism was a mystical religion and different from traditional Christianity.