ESR Publications

The ESR Story: 1985-2010

In his 25th anniversary history of the school, Wil Cooper described the launch of Earlham School of Religion as "A Quaker dream come true." In this 50th anniversary edition, Eileen Kinch offers a fresh, interpretive history of this dream's unfolding during its second quarter of a century. Eileen skillfully identifies persistent themes in the school's history, places them within the context of tensions among North American Friends, and describes their effects on the school's life and health. The result is an honest, yet joyful, narrative that captures the success of a seminary many thought could never survive.

[Wil Cooper's The ESR Story.]

Leading Quakers

ESR is excited to present a new publication written by ESR graduate and Director of Outreach Jennie Isbell. Jennie's book, Leading Quakers: Discipleship Leadership, A Friends Model, is a nine-chapter book designed to lead worshiping communities through a thought-provoking year of adult religious education on the topic of leadership development in the congregation.

Leading Quakers explores theological and practical vocabulary and offers exercises for deepening communication and connection within the group. At the center of the book, readers will find a discernment oriented Quaker-style inventory of gifts for the corporate body and the individuals who comprise it. This is just one of the tools offered for addressing questions such as: What is God calling this group to in this time? Who are the leaders and the leaders-to-be and how can they be nurtured in their work? How can others follow with their gifts?
-- Mandy Ford

Twenty-First Century Penn (Paul Buckley)

Twenty-First Century Penn: Writings on the Faith and Practice of the People Called Quakers by William Penn, translated into Modern English by Paul Buckley, is the first release from Earlham School of Religion Publications, an imprint of the Earlham Press.

Paul Buckley is an active member of Clear Creek Monthly Meeting (Richmond, Indiana) and Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting. His extensive involvement with wider Quaker organizations includes current service on the FGC Central Committee and the Friends Journal Board of Managers.

In translating and editing William Penn's writings for the modern reader, Paul spent two full years researching Penn's language, tracking down obscure references, and identifying Scriptural allusions. Abundant footnotes explain material which might not be apparent to a contemporary reader, but these footnotes can easily be ignored if one prefers to immerse oneself in Penn's thoughts. While remaining faithful to Penn's message, Paul's writing style is clear and crisp. His translation of Penn's works should prove as valuable a resource as Dean Freiday's Barclay's Apology in Modern English.
-- Cathy Habschmidt

Where the Wind Blows (Jay Marshall)

In 1998, Earlham School of Religion conducted a national consultation during which Friends discussed their hopes and fears regarding the state of the Religious Society of Friends. On numerous occasions the School heard reports of vitality that deserved further investigation.

Where the Wind Blows is the result of surveys and conversations with nine groups of Friends. This project had two primary goals: share positive news of worship and ministry among Friends; and create a resource for Friends seeking assistance with their own quest for vitality. ESR is pleased to offer this book in service to its constituents and other interested readers.
-- Jay Marshall

The Quaker Bible Reader (ed. Paul Buckley & Stephen Angell)

The Quaker Bible Reader is a collection of thirteen essays written by Friends of various traditions and view points. Each chapter provides insight into how the author reads and interprets the text from their location on the Quaker spectrum. The end result is a fine display of the diverse techniques Friends use to understand the text, and is crafted in such as way as to encourage readers to engage the Bible themselves.

ESR Reports

Susanna Combs, Layout & Design
Fall - 1999	Spring - 2000
Fall - 2000	Spring - 2001
Fall - 2001	Spring - 2002
Fall - 2002	Spring - 2003
Fall - 2003	Spring - 2004
Fall - 2004	Spring - 2005
Fall - 2005	Spring - 2006
Fall - 2006	Spring - 2007
Fall - 2007	Spring - 2008
Fall - 2008	Spring - 2009
Fall - 2009	Spring - 2010
Fall - 2010	Spring - 2011
Fall - 2011	Spring - 2012
Fall - 2012

ESR Reports archived files are in PDF format and may be rather large (500KB - 1MB). Click the icon on the left to download and install the free Acrobat Reader. To download PDF files, right-click on the link (PC) or option-click (Mac) and save the file to your computer.