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A thoughtful and meditative child, with a “wild period” in his youth
Capacity for self-criticism and sensitive to contradictions between stated values and some practices among Friends
Early experience with troubled conscience and regret
Began series of choices to harmonize work and values
Let go of profitable retail operation to allow more time for reflection and travel
Refused to write any more documents or wills involving sale or transfer of slaves
Many slaves on this
continent are oppressed, and
their cries have reached the
ears of the Most High. Such
are the purity and certainty of
his judgments, that he
cannot be partial in our favor.
Anti-slavery work: laboring with Friends• with his yearly meeting• in Southern Colonies• London Yearly Meeting
The Inward/Outward Life: how John Woolman stayed grounded
•abolitionist• mystic•gentle radical•social reformer
Prayer and action
To love and reverence God
is to love and reverence God
“in all his manifestations
in the visible world”
Inward Practices
Corporate Worship• find a way forward without ego or pride• connect with the condition of others• be challenged and supported
Meditative Reading• Scripture “and other good books”• Read Bible as mirror• Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah
Journal Keeping – an “inner laboratory”
Outward Practices
Witness through Personal Choice• livelihood• dress• travel
Witness through conversation• ministry• travel among Friends• an invitation to greater sympathy with others
Seeking harmony and integration of inward and outward
Prayer as “inward activism” and witness as “outward prayer” Dan Snyder 2008
Integration of all the testimonies – springing from one source i.e. simplicity and peace
The impact of our economic choices on peace and justice
The rights of people, animals and the environment – harmony and sustainability
War tax resistance
Xenophobia
Starting with self, then nearest community, then wider community
Grounding work in personal experience; seeking to understand the condition of others
Not enough to talk about issues, but to take action, however small the steps
Positive action more effective than negative
Speaking with respect, even when offering criticism; offering an invitation to grow
Recognizing the imperfections of humanity –don’t expect miracles, but don’t be satisfied with the status quo
Even oppressors need redemption
Doing the fair thing, even at personal cost