Useful theology from a Quaker-shaped Christian
This February, fellow Quaker theologian Ben Wood and I are leading a five-week online course, journeying through Christian mysticism. We'll be reflecting on the 'negative theology' of Pseudo-Dionysius, the homoerotic mysticism of Symeon the New Theologian, Simone Weil's mysticism of surrender, the active mysticism of Howard Thurman, and the visions of Julian of Norwich. As… Continue reading Journeys in Christian mysticism: a taster
Another year of writing, speaking and teaching has come to an end, and I want to thank you for engaging with my work. Whether you’ve participated in one of my Woodbrooke courses, listened to me presenting Pause for Thought on the radio, or read one of my blog posts, I’m truly grateful for your time and attention. My theological work is my ministry, it’s what truly fulfils me, so I’m very fortunate that there are people like you who value and support it. In this post I summarise and reflect on my ministry in 2025 and think about what it might look like next year.
Why might Quaker meeting for worship be like searching for mushrooms? Find out in my latest Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0m7gfv1
Quakers have always called each other ‘Friends,’ but what does this mean? Is ‘Friend’ just a quaint hangover from our past, or could it be a site of rich theological reflection? Emerging from my PhD research on Quaker theology and Whiteness, I’ve developed an online course for Woodbrooke reflecting on what it might mean for… Continue reading Whose Friends are we?
There are still some places left on my online book group which begins on Monday 23 June with live Zoom sessions at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) every Monday for six weeks. We'll be reading A Testament of Devotion, a classic of Quaker spirituality. You can sign up here: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/book-group-a-testament-of-devotion-by-thomas-kelly/ Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) was a Quaker from… Continue reading Join my online book group reading ‘A Testament of Devotion’ by Thomas Kelly
I’ve got a number of exciting online engagements lined up for 2025. Do come and join me!
Thank you for journeying with me this year by reading my work. Here’s a summary of my 2024 as a reader and writer.
The final of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul magnifies the Holy One,and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,for she has looked with favour on the lowliness of her servant.Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for the Mighty One has done great things… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 4 – The God-bearer
I've written a Thought for the Week in the Friend about festive gift-giving. You can read it here: https://thefriend.org/article/present-and-correct-mark-russs-thought-for-the-week
Part of a series of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul magnifies the Holy One,and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." The third week of Advent is associated with John the Baptist, but as our focus is on Mary, this week we’ll spend time with Elizabeth,… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 3 – The Forerunners
Jolly Quaker 