How the Quakers Invented America

Silence and inner light permeate this personal exposition and witness. Yount invites us to take a practical and deep wisdom from the Quakers. -- John W. Crossin, OSFS, executive director, Washington Theological Consortium From its curiosity piquing title to its final satisfying sentence, How the Quakers Invented America is an entertaining and informative book about both the United States and the influence of those quirky Quakers on it. David Yount's writing is crisp and clean and the story he tells is engaging, surprising, and delightful. -- J. Brent Bill, Executive Vice President, Indianapolis Center for Congregations; author of "Holy Silence" From the Bill of Rights to frugality, individualism, egalitarianism, family life, religious voluntaryism, and various folkways, Quaker fingerprints are everywhere in the American ethos. David Yount chronicles this heritage with the clear, informative insight of an insider (himself a Friend) and a lifelong observer of religion in America. Not sparing critique of Quaker ways, Yount traces the rich contributions of Friends from their origins to the contemporary branches of Quakerism where their distinctives might still be found. -- Max L. Carter, director, Guilford College Friends Center If you want to see how Quakerism influenced the principles of American democracy...if you want insight into a complex religion . . . if you want to understand Quakerism in the context of the larger Christian community. . . if you want to understand the significance of Quakerism in the modern transformation of American society through its leadership and participation in social justice movements-then I urge you to read David Yount's How Quakers Invented America. -- Mary Ellen McNish, general secretary, American Friends Service Committee An attractive, wide-ranging, personal view of Quakerism . . . thought-provoking, full of life and optimism. -- John Punshon * Quaker Life * Yount is a fine writer. The book is a pleasant, interesting, and meaningful read. -- January 2008 * Friends Journal * A thorough reading revealed the author's ability to take a wide range of approaches to the subject matter. Some sections were stimulating, and other parts personally reflective and thoughtful. . . . This book can promote some understanding of Quakerism . . . I can recommend this book as a quick and easy read, with an interesting (if quirky) personal style. -- Paul Sheldon, Ph.D., Villanova University * Peace and Justice Studies *