In this accessible introduction to the Quaker tradition, Stuart Masters traces the roots of the Quaker way in 17th-century English Puritanism and founder George Fox, and the role of such early leaders as James Naylor and, reflecting Quakerism’s progressive views on gender, Margaret Fell. Masters then describes how the movement has developed and changed over time, producing a number of different expressions in the world today.

The Quaker Faith illuminates the enduring shape and orientation of Quakerism and explores the challenges posed by this spiritual path, including those situations in which the Quaker community has failed to live up to the standards of its stated values and beliefs. The book also highlights the fascinating connections between Quakerism and the practices of other Christian churches and faith traditions and assesses what Quakers have to offer in a modern world where people are searching for spiritual meaning-and yearning for a society founded on peace, racial reconciliation, gender equality, and ecological justice.

For more information about this book visit the Bloomsbury UK or Bloomsbury US websites.

Endorsements

"Once a generation, a book comes along that not only summarizes our Quaker faith, but adds to our ongoing understanding of Love and Truth. This is that book. Rooted in the past, but looking to the future, Stuart Masters' book, The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth is a must-read for anyone interested in the Quaker experience."

Philip Gulley, author of Living the Quaker Way

"Carefully crafted, Stuart Masters has finely balanced accessibility and rigour in this comprehensive introduction to the Quaker way, historically and in its present-day global form. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Friends and their faith."

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

“In my view, this is the best introduction to the Quaker way since Geoffrey Hubbard’s Quaker by Convincement. Highly recommended!”

The Right Reverend Paul Bayes (former Bishop of Liverpool)

"Those desiring to learn more about the Quaker tradition will find Stuart K. Masters’ The Quaker Way: Friends of Love and Truth both useful and interesting, both for Friends who want to learn more about their own tradition and to anyone who is curious about the Quaker way… The Quaker Faith is likely to be a helpful introductory resource for those new to Quakerism and as a basis for discussion in Quaker studies or seminary courses."

Cherice Bock, co-author of Quakers, Ecology, and the Light

“This is a lovely, historically pluriform and aware book, offering a gentle critique of much ecclesiastical nonsense. A great read!"

Alan Storkey, economist, sociologist and author of, Jesus and Politics: Confronting the Powers

The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth

Stuart K. Masters

(T&T Clark, 2025)

Introductory Videos

Getting Started

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Learning Resources

Here is a set of learning resources that you can use as you work through the book. There is a .pdf file for each of the seven chapters (including a total of twenty-three individual resource sheets), plus a sheet about how to organise study group sessions.

You can download the learning resource sheets for personal use or for study groups.

Download the Learning Resources

Chapter 1 - The Roots: Quaker Foundations

Chapter 2 - The Branches: Quaker Diversity

Chapter 3 - Quaker Worship & Spiritual Practice

Chapter 4 - Quaker Discernment & Decision-Making

Chapter 5 - Quaker Testimony

Chapter 6 - The Quaker Spiritual Journey

Chapter 7 - Reviewing the Quaker Experience

Section 8 - Guidance for Study Groups

Quotations

(Click on each one to get a better view)

1. The Early Quakers

2. The Creative Tensions

3. Worship & Spiritual Practice

4. Discernment

5. Testimony

6. Assessments