What Canst Thou Say? Towards a Quaker Theology

Janet Scott’s Swarthmore Lecture offers a concise, undogmatic exploration of Quaker theology, moving beyond rigid doctrinal definitions to examine the lived experience of faith. The text navigates the intersection of Christian heritage and universalist impulses, asking what language is adequate for describing the divine in a tradition that prioritizes direct revelation over creed.

Scott’s writing is reflective and accessible, characteristic of the Quaker emphasis on clarity and personal testimony. Rather than presenting a systematic treatise, the book functions as a theological meditation, addressing core concepts such as the nature of God, the role of the Inner Light, and the implications of these beliefs for ethical living. It serves as a foundational text for understanding how Quakers articulate their spirituality within and outside the broader Christian context.

Description adapted from Open Library bibliographic data ↗.