An exploration of British Quaker life stories/faith journeys: 'performative belief' in a place of belonging

Bainbridge, Richard Martin (2021). An exploration of British Quaker life stories/faith journeys: 'performative belief' in a place of belonging. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

The study focuses on contemporary British Quaker Members and Attenders. By listening to or reading the life stories/faith journeys it has been possible to gain primary resource material. The material responded to the research question about the roots of Quaker association. The study involved 48 interviews and 85 written accounts in response to requests to Quaker Meetings. The study found a group of people wo were attached to their Meetings and were open to continuous transformation in a communal context. The importance of respondents' background and experiences, including religious ones, was paramount in their becoming associated with Quakers. This included continuity and coincidences in experience. Believing for them was 'performative' rather than propositional and was as much socially fundamental as it was individual. The people received a lot from Quakers but there was reciprocity. There was a deep spiritual sense rather than adherence to any grand theological narrative. Quakerism was considered in the light of such metaphors as 'bridge,' journey' and 'story'. The study concludes that Quakers are uniquely attracted to a place of belonging, where they feel a sense of arriving and continuing to search, I propose that this combination be called a 'summative and formative experience';

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):