Mark Russ
Mark Russ is a writer, theologian and teacher. His teaching interests include spiritual practice and music, the Bible, hope, whiteness, modern Christian theology, and the…
Book Group: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly
Monday 23 June - Monday 28 July 2025
The live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) every Monday.
Mark Russ
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Published in 1941, “A Testament of Devotion” is a classic of Quaker spirituality. In this course you will dive deeply into Thomas Kelly’s words on the light within, holy obedience, the Blessed Community, the Eternal Now, and the simplification of life.
Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) was a Quaker from Ohio. The last few years of his life were marked by profound mystical experiences of God’s presence. Several of the lectures he gave during this time are collected in “A Testament of Devotion,” which was published shortly after his untimely death at the age of 47. Kelly’s spirituality was both rooted in Quaker tradition and attuned to the needs of his day. His words continue to inspire, both within and beyond the Quaker community.
Over the course of six live online sessions, you will discuss each chapter of “A Testament of Devotion” as part of a community of readers. By the end of the course you will have a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Kelly’s life and work, as well as a broader knowledge of Quaker spirituality in general.
You will need access to a copy of A Testament of Devotion to take part in this book group. It can be ordered new from some bookshops, including the Quaker Bookshop (UK) and Pendle Hill (USA). It is also often possible to find a second-hand copy online. Many Quaker Meetings have copies in their libraries. The book can also be read for free online: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.90258/page/n3/mode/2up
This course will involve:
DiscussionOnline discussion forumOnline Learning MaterialsWritten and visualZoom Session
Accessibility info:
On the booking form, there is a chance for you to let us know about any accessibility or communication adjustments that will enable you to participate more fully in the course. Automated Zoom closed captions are available for all live sessions but if you feel you require more accurate closed captioning please email us directly in addition to booking.
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